Labrador ear problems

Question
Hi my two yellow labs have recurring ear problems..I am looking to find an alternative treatment to get rid of their ear infections/mites..i would also be willing to use safe over the counter medication if you have any suggestions..also i was told that each dog could use their own type of medication if a culture was sent to a lab..is that something i have to do through a vet or can i do on my own directly with a lab?  thanks for any information

Answer
Hi Melissa,
I would take your dogs to a vet and have both cultured.  I have never heard that both dogs would need their own medication if the problem is the same.  (ie:  both have mites)  

Keeping a drop-ear clean can be a challenge, but it can be done.  First thing, again, would be to have them cultured by a vet.  Treat with what the vet prescribes, then, after care is to keep them clean and dry.  Not all dogs/ears respond the same with every treatment.  I have had good luck with a product called R-7 by Gimborn.  It is a powder that is very light, soothing, and drying.  I first wash/clean the ears with my choice (whatever works best for the dog) of cleanser (make sure to rub it in well by squeezing the bell of the ear a couple times and rubbing it), let the dog shake a few times to get the excess liquid out, then put the R-7 powder in.  Again, not all dogs will respond to this treatment.  

If you swim your dogs, after the swim you can put some plain white vinegar in their ears - a few drops will do, then let them shake and then treat with the R-7.  

You really need to get a handle on these ears and if they are bad enough, you should have your vet clean them by flushing, which requires anesthesia.  That is the only way to really get them clean to begin keeping them that way.