Cocker Spaniel ear infections

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I hope this information will help you if you have questions regarding ear infections. Cocker Spaniels have their share of ear
problems however, there are a few things you can do to help with that issue. First of all, before you purchase a puppy check
with the breeder to see if the parents have a history of ear problems. It can be a breeding issue. When you look into the ears
of the adults you should be able to place your little finger down into the ear. The opening should be large enough to do that.
If you lift the ear up and it looks all closed up or like a cauliflower with no large opening for the ear canal they are breeding
ear problems. Also, keep the hair clipped around the ear and face so the air can get down in the ear canal to help keep it dry.
There are plenty of ear cleaners to use to help keep the wax clear and ears clean.
If your dog has cronic ear infections, check with a specialist for allergies. Allergies can be the root of the problem. If your dog has
yeast infections or yeast in the ears, read the label on your dog food. Wheat and corn can cause these problems. A change in
diet can make a huge difference.
After each antibiotic you should replace the good bacteria with Acidophilus and Bifidus. Antibiotics kill bacteria that caused the infection but will also kill the good bacteria needed for healthy gut absorption. It is not uncommon to see skin problems after
antibiotics. This is because of the lack of good bacteria in the system. You can get these products in any health food store or
vet catalog called probiotics. Human strength is just fine and is usually found in the refrigerator section. Restore probiotics for at least one month after treatment with antibiotics.
Signs of ear problems are....stinky smell, scratching the ear or head shaking.

Spaniel Ear Cleaner Recipe (for ear infections)
Ingredients:
White vinager
Powdered boric acid
Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
Betadine antiseptic (or generic equivalent)

Directions for mixing the solution together:
Pour 6 ounces of isopropyl alcohol in a plastic applicator bottle.
Add 1/2 tablespoon of boric acid powder. Be careful not to get any
boric acid on your skin or clothes. If you do, wash it off immediately.

Add 2 ounces of white vinegar.
Shake the solution extremely well, until the boric acid powder is fully
dissolved. Once the powder is dissolved, add one teaspoon of the
Betadine antiseptic, and shake it up some more. Be careful not to get
any Betadine on your skin or clothes.
Squirt the solution inside your dog's ear until the ear canal is completely
full. Massage the outside of the ear to help slosh the cleaning solution
around inside. Hold the dog still for about a minute.
Store at room temperature. Cleanse daily until you see improvement.
Then use weekly or every 2 weeks if needed.

Warning...Do not use on dogs with ruptured ear drums, or on dogs with
open sores or wounds in the ear area. An ear exam by a vet is recommended
prior to beginning treatment. This treatment has helped MANY cronic ear problems.
This recipe came to you from Jim Zimmerlin