How to Combat Ear Infections in Dogs

   Do your dog’s ears hang low? Do they wobble to and fro? If so, you probably have dealt with the dreaded ear infections. They are painful and in most cases require a visit to your veterinarian. It is best to get to the vet at the first sign of an ear infection. Left untreated an infection can lead to not only excruciating pain but in some cases, deafness. It is time to declare war and combat ear infections in our dogs.

   There are certain breeds of dogs that are more prone to infections. These include those with an abundance of hair in or around the entrance of their ears and those with floppy ears. Dogs have an outer, middle, and an inner ear just like a human. It is the shape of a dog’s outer ear that is so different and that is where the trouble begins. Where our ear canal is horizontal, a dog’s ear canal descends vertically then takes a sharp turn only to proceed horizontally to the eardrum. Most dogs are able to vigorously shake their head and dislodge any foreign matter, but that is not always the case. Dogs with long drop or folded ears have a difficult time ridding their auditory canal of water and debris. This makes it a hotbed for infections.

What are the main causes of infections?

   The most common causes of ear infections are bacteria and fungi. Even though bacteria and yeast are always present in your dog’s outer ear, when trapped water, ear mites, foreign objects or allergies are added in the mix, an infection is likely to occur. Being a Basset Hound in the south, Bentley has to deal with the moisture from our humidity and the fact that inside his ears very seldom see sunlight. As you can imagine, the fungus among us LOVES a dark moist place to thrive.

Signs of an ear infection in your dog

·        Excessive head shaking

·        Scratching

·        Rubbing their ears

·        Discharge

·        Redness

·        Unpleasant odors

·        Painful

·        Ears feel hot to the touch

How to Prevent Ear Infections

·        Healthy diet

·        Keep the ears clean

·        Trim hair away from ear entrance

·        Keep ears dry

·        Use a preventative

   I use two different products to keep Bentley’s ears infection free. The first is Dr. Harvey’s Herbal Ear Wash. This is to be used on the inner ear flap to remove dirt and wax. It leaves his ears smelling fresh.

   The second product is a homemade recipe that was provided to me by My GBGV Life. I cannot thank her enough for this easy to make “Purple Stuff.” It is the only thing that I have found that totally eliminates the yeast smell in Bentley’s ears. Believe me when I tell you that over the last eight years, I have used countless products to no avail. Just when I think I have found the perfect solution, he gets another infection. It has been the only health issue that I have not been able to get a grasp on until now. I find myself telling complete strangers about this “miracle” Purple Stuff formula. *Purple Stuff is a preventative, not a medication. Do not use with a dog that has a current ear infection.

Purple Stuff for Dogs

Ingredients

16 oz. isopropyl alcohol

4 tbsp. Boric Acid Powder

16 drops Gentian Violet (1% solution)

Preparation

   Mix ingredients in the alcohol bottle and shake well. It is important to shake solution every time you use it to mix the Boric Acid Powder. You can use a baby ear syringe or a plastic squirt bottle to put the solution into your dog’s ears.

Directions

   Hold the squirt bottle under warm water so it is not a cold shock to your dog. Vigorously shake the bottle before using. Gently flood the ear with solution and massage the base of the ear. You can hear the solution moving inside the ear. Allow your dog to shake its head to remove the excess. *It is best to do this outdoors because the Gentian Violet will cause staining. Wipe the ear with a dry tissue or cotton pad.

   Treat 2 times daily for the first week to two weeks depending on the severity of your dog’s ears. Treat daily for the next one to two weeks. Treat once a month afterwards.

    I was able to find the Gentian Violet at CVS. It is behind the pharmacist’s counter so you will need to ask for it. The Boric Acid Powder proved to be a bit more difficult to locate. I was finally able to find it in the first aid section of Drug Emporium.

   I have been using this formula regularly since the first of the year and Bentley’s ears have never been this healthy. They have absolutely zero smell. I could not be happier and neither could Bentley. We are hoping to have battled our last ear infection!

It's time to combat ear infections in #dogs. Read how we combat them on Barking from the Bayou and @FidoseofReality https://t.co/ZPYKbul5Bh

— M. K.Clinton (@mk_clinton) February 25, 2016

   I am happy to be sharing this important topic with my good friend, Carol Bryant. Visit Fidose of Reality to see how she keeps her adorable Cocker Spaniel Dexter's ears healthy. 

*Always consult your veterinarian prior to self- medicating your dog. Do not administer this into a dog’s ear that is currently infected. I am not a veterinarian or medical professional so use the Purple Stuff at your own risk. I am sharing this recipe based on my personal experience and those of my colleagues. 

Sources: 

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/07/02/top-10-dog-medical-conditions.aspx

http://www.dogbreeds101.org/dog-ear-infection-causes-diagnosis-treatment-and-prevention/

http://mygbgvlife.com/2016/02/01/prevent-ear-infections-in-dogs/

http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/ears.html

It is Thoughtless Thursday’s blog hop with Ruckus the Eskie, Love is being owned by a Husky and me. The rules are, there are no rules!