Ask Dr. Amanda - Ear Infection
Aaron K. from Cincinnati, Ohio asks:
"Any good suggestions on treating ear infections. Allie (my lab) has a bloody, stinky ear. I washed it out with a diluted hydrogen peroxide and I am going to swab it out with apple cider vinegar next. One other thing I've heard is it may be caused by mites, but doubtful, I don't see any."
5245825
"Any good suggestions on treating ear infections. Allie (my lab) has a bloody, stinky ear. I washed it out with a diluted hydrogen peroxide and I am going to swab it out with apple cider vinegar next. One other thing I've heard is it may be caused by mites, but doubtful, I don't see any."
5245825
If it's reached the point of infection as opposed to just needing cleaning, you'll be best served by seeing the veterinarian to get a prescription for a medication that will treat both the infection and the itch factor. In the interim, cleaning with any commercial ear cleaner will help decrease the ooze. Hydrogen peroxide and other "home brews" tend to be too harsh. I moisten a cotton ball with the cleaner and use that to gently swab out the ear. For labs and other dogs who swim regularly, I recommend cleaning the ears twice weekly to try to prevent future infections. Mites are a common cause of ear problems in cats, but not dogs.
I've been using apple cider vinegar, water, and alcohol for the past day, 60-30-5. It seems to be improving already, but she also seems more sensitive to it. No itching, I'm assuming it is irritated more because I am rubbing it and it has been untouched for who knows how long. Less bloody brown stuff this morning when cleaning it.
Keep you posted.