Dirty Ears

[Buddy's mom]

I am having to clean Buds ears almost daily. Is this normal? They get so dirty. Is there anything I can use in them to keep the dirt from sticking to them. I know with my stray cats and horses (years ago) I used veggy oil in them. Any suggestions are welcome.http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/confused.gif

[Penny's Aunt]

Try a half & half mixture of mineral oil & hydrogen peroxide for cleaning.

If his ears are dirty way down deep inside, he may have ear mites or an ear infection. Your vet can look down there with a special 'scope & give you the right med for whatever it is.

If it is just in the outer ear (where you can reach with your finger), he may just be a dirt magnet!

[Wienergal]

Because Peaches has no immune system to speak of, she is VERY prone to "dirty ears." The "dirt" in her ears is actually a mixture of (ugh!) fungus and bacteria. http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/sick.gif Her ears have to be cleaned every other day, and in the high allergy season, I also use a prescription ointment that I get from my vet. I used to use the very expen$ive Epiotic solution to clean her ears, but then I read that a half-and-half solution of hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol works just as well, so I tried it. Works great, costs pennies.

Your vet can probably tell whether the matter in the ear is dirt, infectious agents, or ear mites just by looking and sniffing. You might want to have this checked, because ear mites and bacteria/fungi can cause long-term damage if not treated.