Hello, I have 2 airedales, one of them has developed a pain in the ear! He has what I heard on a search for such problems as a muddy like substance in his left ear. I was able to gently q tip it out but its still stinky and it is very tender. I see no raw or abnormities on the ear flap. Did I read vinegar? Not sure what to do. Vet is booked and they have been less than helpful on many occasions. Any help is appreciated!

Frank

Sounds like ear mites or at least an ear infection. I would visit a vet immediately -- surely there is more than one in your area? Its also very likely that whatever treatment is required, all ears of both dogs may need treating. I have a black lab who gets her ears rinsed out with a preventive product with each bath. I learned from our (great) vet that Q-tips can push wax and debris deeper into the ear canal.

If the ear is really causing pain, likely it is an infection and you need to find a vet one way or the other. Only antibiotics from the vet will clear it up.

Some dogs produce large amounts of ear wax. If the whole outer ear is covered it is more quick to start with a cotton ball soaked with vinegar water, not full strength vinegar. Once you have the worst of it cleaned up, switch to Q-tips continuing the vinegar water. Work you way back as far as you can, changing Q-tips as needed. Gently pulling the ear forward allows you to work the Q-tip on back in. The vet team that choose my puppy to demonstrate that on has thousands of Labs under their care. I have yet to hear of anybody injuring their dogs ear. It is important to be gentle.

I have never used the "vinegar method", but what always seems to work for me is applying a small dropper filled with sweet oil (which you can find in the pharmacy section of any store) to the affected ear. Then softly massaging the ear, followed by a gentle wiping out of the ear with an aloe treated tissue (such as Puffs Plus). You can use a regular washcloth or tissue, but the Puffs seem to be more sooting and cause less irritation. I do this twice a day, combined with a dropper dose of amoxicillan that you can purchase from your vet's without an appointment or prescription. This usually clears an infection in a week or less, if the problem persists, you will HAVE to get an appointment with a vet to avoid potential health problems with your dog. I think you'll find the "sweet oil method" is a lot less smelly and more soothing for the dog.