Make your own. Take a bottle of 99% isopropel alcohol and dissolve powdered boric acid in it. Add a spoonful of the powder at a time until it doesn't dissolve. Do not use with metal, use plastic bottle and keep tightly capped.

We don’t have to clean our labs ears anymore but when we did, we used Epi-Otic.

Just a thought...the excessive wax and ear infections our dog had ended up being allergy related from yeast and a variety of mites. Once we had her tested and put her on an allergy medication all the ear issues ceased and I can’t remember the last time I actually had to clean them which is unusual for a lab who has both floppy ears and loves water.

I make my own, too. We needed it a lot when we had dogs with floppy ears. Haven’t needed any lately but I seem to recall that it used Betadine and alcohol and glycerin maybe? I’m sure an Internet search would turn up several different do it yourself recipes. One of our dogs had yeast infections in his ears and it took a single treatment from the vets office to clear that up.

Agree with the Epi-Otic suggestion, which, as I recall, we used in conjunction with medicated ear drops.

Edit: I think this is the medicated ear drop solution we used on our Lab: Otomax. She passed away a few years ago so I don’t have the bottle anymore, but the name sounded familiar.

Edit #2: Actually, I think it might’ve been Synotic, not Otomax. In any event, if you don’t think the current regimen is working as well as it should be, go back to the vet.

years ago, sister's boyfriend had an Irish Setter. that dog's ears got incredibly dirty very easily... even mites from time to time. with approval and instructions from vet, sister would clean those ears. she bought huge rolls of tube bandages... like to put over fingers. she'd put 2-3 layer of the bandages on her finger, douse with alcohol and GENTLY clean out ear... like WAY into Honey's head. it's musta "hurt so good" cuz after first time or 2, she would assume the position as soon as she saw the "equipment.

I am lucky that both of my labs were happy to have their ears treated. Would roll over so second ear could be done. They are so smart.

I use makeup removal clothes (Walmart brand) to clean the under flap and top of the canal, of the waxy film. Not saying to use it instead of wash, but an additional step to cleaner ears.

I treated one of my labs twice a day for a year and a half. Never improved. Changed vets and dog was given an injection of some kind. Problem was gone in a week. Wish I could remember what they used. The vet is not in my area and retired now.

lukkiirish, do you mind telling me the name of the medicine and whether it has had any adverse impact on your fur babies? Bingo has the same allergy description you mentioned and the vet has discussed trying her on an allergy medicine.

marcopolo if you think of it please report back! I'm using maintenance drops in Bingo's ears a couple of times a week, but it's easy to forget sometime. She's the same as your labs.....I sit on the floor and she crawls into my lap with her right ear up, then turns over and crawls back in my lap with the left ear up. She particularly enjoys the massaging part of the treatment!

I use white vinegar and water, 50-50, and it has worked quite well. This was at the suggestion of the vet. I put it in a plastic squeeze bottle, hold the ear erect, and quirt it in, close the ear flap and roll my finger around the outside, getting the mixture into all parts of the ear. Then I use a piece of cotton wrapped around my finger to clean the inside of the ear. Works quite well, and is very cheap. My dog has never had any ear infections while I have used this method.

Marcy, the medication we give her is called Allercept Therapy drops. She was so miserable that the vet suggested we test for allergies, so we did. The Lab that the Vet uses took the results and mixed a custom formula that fits her needs. From what I understand there are several of these specialty labs that do this.

Her test responded to several common outdoor allergents and mites, including grain mites and yeast which are in most all of their dry food products. Once we started her on the medication (2 drops 2x a day), switched to a grain free/yeast free kibble and started freezing everything before feeding it to her, it didn’t take long at all for her to respond. No more infections, no more itching and chewing of her paws, no waxey build up in her ears, no infections of any kind. We’ve saved a bundle in vet visits too.

The test is about 200.00 and her serum is 140ish every six months, and IMO, worth every penny. If your dog is suffering from similar issues, you may want to inquire about having her (or him) tested.

ETA: Even if it’s not possible financially for someone to have their pet allergy tested, grain mites are a common allergy and they are rampant in their food. You may be able to help your pet by simply freezing it’s food (or treats) before you give it to them. If it’s chewing it’s paws, instead of trying to find a deterent like bitter apple, it’s a safe bet that it could easily be yeast related, so remove foods that have yeast from it’s diet. Even though there may be yeast contaminents outside that it’s allergic to, it could still help to relieve the itching and ear issues some.

Thanks a bunch lukkiirish!! That's extremely helpful information!!

I used a diluted witch hazel solution to clean our dogs ears.

You’re welcome! I felt bad writing a book about it, but gosh...I’m so glad we did this for her. I wish everyone knew about it and how much those kibble foods can contribute to their discomfort! I put it out there when ever the opportunity avails itself!

I don't blame you for wanting to give a shout out for something that works. She has the paw chewing issue also, and the vets say it's the same thing you're talking about, the yeast and the mites. I just want her to have some relief. I appreciate your information.

Allercept is your friend then and I hope it works for your pup as well as it has for ours. I would also consider changing to a food (and treats) that does not contain Brewers yeast. Taste of the Wild and Canidae Pure are two that have worked very well for us, both are also grain free. Taste of the Wild is most affordable. I just alternate between two ziplock bags, while one’s being used, the other is in the freezer.

A lot of dogs do find relief with a grain free dog food. My friend's dog had the itching ears and feet and he switched to Blue Wilderness which is a grain free, the chicken variety and his dog no longer licks his paw and his ears are clear. Then my BIL's dog had the same thing and he is feeding Taste of the Wild and it worked for his dog too. Then there's my dog that's allergic to rice and can't eat grain free, every one we tried just tore up her digestive system. Luckily she isn't allergic to corn so we feed her IAMS and it works great for her...but maybe not great for other dogs.

When I went to the vet with those symptoms of itching ears and feet, the first thing they told me to do is change her food that she was allergic to it.