Homemade Dog Ear Cleaning Solution

If your dog is often affected by ear infections, and you have used the ear cleaning solution prescribed by the vet but it has made no difference, you should try making the solution at home. Most treatment procedures for ear infections are expensive as the cost includes a visit to the vet, along with the professional fees charged for treatment, dos and don'ts of the treatment, and the actual medication to be purchased. The homemade solution thus proves to be inexpensive and more effective.

The ingredients required for making this cleaning solution are boric acid powder, white vinegar, isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol, and antiseptic solution, also known as 'Povidone-Iodine' solution. There are many versions of antiseptic solutions in the market, but remember, you should not use antiseptic scrubs since scrub detergents are added to them.

An empty bottle will also be required to store the solution. Choose a bottle with an applicator cap which will enable you to apply the solution directly into your dog's ears. The bottle should have ounce markings on its exterior, as these will help you know the amount of solution you are using in each ear.

Boric acid is used to manufacture illegal drugs, hence there are regulations on its usage. There is a possibility that you will have to buy boric acid powder over the counter.

The directions for preparing the solution have to be followed as mentioned here.

• In the empty bottle, take 6 ounces of rubbing alcohol. To get the exact measurements of the alcohol, you can use the measurements on the bottle.

• Add half a tablespoon of boric acid powder to the alcohol. Be careful while adding so that the powder does not fall on your clothes or hands. In case it does, wash it off immediately. A funnel made of paper can be used for the adding process. Close the bottle with the cap and then shake it till the boric acid powder dissolves in the alcohol.

• After the powder dissolves, add two ounces of white vinegar to the solution in the bottle. Again, shake the bottle well.
• Finally, add two teaspoons of antiseptic solution to the mixture. The solution is ready. The end product will have a color similar to that of iced tea.

The most difficult part of the procedure is to get hold of your dog and spray the solution into his/her ear, so take the help of another person. One person will have to hold the dog and the other will be required to spray the solution in the dog's ear. Fill up the ear canal with the solution, and then cover the ear and shake it with your hand.

Let the solution slosh about in the ear. If you do not undertake this step, your dog will shake his/her head and the solution will come out of the ear. Use the solution till the infection subsides. Then you can use it once a week.