A remedy called 'swimmers ear solution' works better than anything I ever used, including meds from vet. Had a Bouvier with cronic ear infections, had to treat constantly. Our vet recomended a very expensive medication that didn't go far, especially on a Bouv. and it was a constant battle of expensive treatment for years. I saw a different vet one day and he recomended this and we used it 2 or 3 times a week and the 6 year cronic ear problems cleared up. You use one part Isopropal (sp) alcohol and 2 parts white vinegar. Put in a syringe (without the needle attached) and squirt in the ear, massage the ear canal and wipe out. Best done outside or in a shower, the shake response is immediate. Gretchen
General sign that a dog has an ear infection is from suttle to extreme shaking of the dogs head to ward off discomfort and the ears may be filled with dark brown or black wax and put out a terrible smell. The rule of that I have read about Q-tips is to never put anything "smaller than your ELBOW! - in your animal's ear". To soothe irritated ears brew CHAMOMILE TEA and allow it to set out to room temperature. Put about 15 drops in each ear, gently massage and then allow dog to shack remaining tea out. If really severe, add a little VITAMIN E to mixture as well. VITAMIN E promotes healing. You can also give a natural ear bath by using SLIGHTLY warm OLIVE OIL. Please, please no one burn their dogs ears by heating it too high!! Room temperature is just fine. Put drops in ear, massage and allow dogs to shake out excess. And if there is a really, really, bad build up of "gunk" in ear then bathe ears in a little HYDROGEN PEROXIDE. This should only be used in extreme cases and used rarely. There is also a product called HALO that has an herbal ear wash. I have not used it my self as tea and vitamin e are pretty easy to use, but it is supposed to be a very good product. It is made by Purely for Pets Daria Land-Horn