I use baby wipes for just a quick wipe out. For something deeper a 50/50 mix of distilled white vinegar with water but don't use this with an existing infection as it wound sting.

 

I use the Purple ear cleaner and I love it.

You need: Gentian Violet
Boric Acid Powder
8 oz bottle of witch hazel or 70% isopropyl alcohol.

The gentian violet and boric acid powder are available either from a pharmacy or online.


I've used a 50/50 solution of ACV and warm water which works well, but the purple stuff is much better IMHO.

 

Originally Posted By: RenomanI use the Purple ear cleaner and I love it.

You need: Gentian Violet
Boric Acid Powder
8 oz bottle of witch hazel or 70% isopropyl alcohol.

The gentian violet and boric acid powder are available either from a pharmacy or online.


I've used a 50/50 solution of ACV and warm water which works well, but the purple stuff is much better IMHO.

I agree with the above. That's a great solution.

 

Don't just use water because it may not dry and it can cause infections. We use 1/3 water, 1/3 vinegar, 1/3 alcohol. Works great.

 

The blue stuff works great!!!! Cleared up yeast infections in my dogs ears.

 

Thanks all. I used the 50/50 ACV and water with some paper towels, it was all I had on hand today. Thanks for the great ideas!

 

Originally Posted By: MinnieskiDon't just use water because it may not dry and it can cause infections. We use 1/3 water, 1/3 vinegar, 1/3 alcohol. Works great.

I use this. Work's great, doesn't stain!

Although if you think ear mites, the purple stuff is better.

 

I would favour the purple potion using Gentian Violet, isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) 70% v/v, and the boric acid.

Here's the link to the recipe with instructions for the purple potion: http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/ears.html

 

Looks like there is no way for me to get either boric acid nor Gentian violet here where I am.

Which then would be better?

50/50 water and white vinegar?

or

1/3 water 1/3 white vinegar 1/3 isopropyl alcohol?

Would the alcohol help dry the ear a bit, too?

Grimm does not (I hope) have an ear infection. He has black/brown gunk in there, the deep parts of the ear almost feel moist, but there is no odor. (I have a sensitive nose) Grimm was on a horrible kibble for 3 weeks while being boarded. He is now home and back on homecooked (raw again very soon). He always gets terribly gunky ears when on kibble. So glad he doesn't get any more of that now.

 

I actually use 50/50 water and Apple Cider Vinegar (Raw and Organic) - Not sure what the difference would be with the white vs ACV.

I would hesitate to put alcohol in my dog's ear, not sure why

but I would hesitate.

He should clear up quite quickly back on his raw diet!

 

I had to special order both the boric acid and gentian violet from a pharmacy by talking to the pharmacist. It is possible to order a pre-made Gentian Violet solution though.

The boric acid keeps the pH low (it's a weaker acid than acetic acid/vinegar), gentian violet is an anti-fungal used in treating yeast infections and tying umbilical cords, and alcohol is an anti-septic.

Here are some links for pre-made solutions:
http://www.k9rawdiet.com/K-9-Ear-Solutions-Ear-Cleaner-Gentian-Violet-Formula-pr-112.html
http://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Health-Solutions-Cleaner-Inc/dp/B000OUY5L6
http://carnivora.ca/html/featured_produc...tment/index.cfm

 

Sigh.

No boric acid or Gentian violet here on my mountain in Bavaria. Alcohol, water, and vinegar are my choices it seems.

 

you should be able to order the gentian violet and boric acid on line patti; just google them

 

Originally Posted By: Brightelf

Grimm does not (I hope) have an ear infection. He has black/brown gunk in there, the deep parts of the ear almost feel moist, but there is no odor. (I have a sensitive nose)

So if there is an odor it's usually an indication of an ear infection? Loki stinks and I've I think it's his ears. I've treated him with a natural ear claining solution I got the other day. It contains Water, ACV, Chamomile, Marigold. I treated him yesterday and was going to treat him now again. Has anyone had results with this kind of treatment?