How to Make an Ear Cleanser for Dogs

Pet owners whose dogs have chronic ear problems know buying ear cleanser at a veterinarian's office racks up huge bills in no time. Below is a recipe to make a veterinary-quality ear cleaner at home. Before you treat your pet with this mixture, see your veterinarian to make sure your problem is waxy, dirty ears and not something more serious.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Bottle
• Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
• Boric acid powder
• White vinegar
• Betadine

Make the Cleanser

1. Pour 6 ounces of isopropyl rubbing alcohol into a plastic squirt bottle. The best bottle has a pointy tip so you can get the mixture all the way down into your dog's ear canal.
2. Add ½ tablespoon of boric acid powder to the alcohol. Shake this solution up in the bottle until the boric acid powder dissolves completely.
3. Mix in 2 ounces of white vinegar. Shake the solution up again.
4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Betadine antiseptic. Shake up the solution in the plastic bottle again.

Treat Your Dog

5. Use the solution by folding your dog's ear back and out of your way. Fill your dog's ear canal with the ear cleanser solution.
6. Fold your dog's ear back down and massage it to work the cleaner into the dog's ear canal.
7. Let go of your dog and stand back, as he will almost certainly shake his head, causing the cleaner to fly everywhere.
8. Clean your dog's ears with this solution once a day until you see improvement in the condition of her ears. Then cut back and treat the ears once a week or once every 2 weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit a beauty supply store to find the perfect bottle for your ear cleanser. Stylists use this type of bottle for hair coloring.
• Get boric acid from the pharmacist at your local drug store.
• It's easier to clean a dog's ears if you have someone to help you.
• Boric acid is extremely caustic. Be very careful not to get the powder on your skin. If your skin comes in contact with boric acid, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and watch out for a severe reaction.
• Follow all steps carefully and do them in the order listed.
• Wash your skin and clothes immediately if you get the ear cleanser on you.
• If your dog has open sores in his ears, boric acid could harm him severely. Always check with your veterinarian before you try any new product on your pet.