holistic qustions

Question
Hi!

I once heard that you should de-worm a dog every 4 - 6 months.  Is it true?  Is there a natural way to do so?

Also I think my dog may have a slight ear infection.  Is there a natural way to stop that?

Answer
Hi April,

Thank you for writing to me about your dog.  I am not familiar with a de-worming schedule for dogs.  That is something you would have to speak to your vet about.

However, I can definitely offer some remedies for ear infections.

VINEGAR:

A timely vinegar rinse, cleaning out the yeast or bacteria, could make all the difference. Dilute the vinegar half and half with water. Either dip a cotton swab into the solution and gently clean the inside of the ear, or use a bulb syringe. NOTE: Never use a vinegar rinse if you suspect a ruptured eardrum! By the way, vinegar can serve as a homemade antibacterial cleanser too. Using the same half-and-half mixture, you can disinfect "hot spots" and other wounds. A vinegar-solution compress applied to the joints can also ease the pain of arthritis and hipdysplasia.

BLUE EAR POWDER WASH:

Note: The originator of this recipe is unknown. At this point it is a widely cited "folk remedy" which is highly effective in treating ear infections.

1 16 oz bottle of rubbing alcohol (pour off an inch to make some room)
8 to 16 drops Gentian violet (it's real cheap, but hard to find - try next to the Iodine at a Mom & Pop Pharmacy or ask someone to order it)
4 Tbs. Boric Acid Powder (also cheap and found at the pharmacy)

Shake well and for convenience transfer some to a small (4 ounce) "spout" bottle. Each time you use it, shake the bottle well to make sure the powder is in suspension.

The Gentian Violet will stain, so be careful where you mix it and where you apply it to the dog's ears.

If you're treating an infection, you want to clean the ears with this mixture on a daily basis. Otherwise from once a week to once a month is usually enough to keep the ears healthy.

Dr. Goodpet also makes ear drops that I have had success with. You can go to www.drgoodpet.com/

Best of luck,

Shelley Davis