Natural Ear CareNatural ear care gives your pets’ ears the special attention they require by the very nature of their structure. A pets’ ears can be a haven for mites, foxtails and wax build-up. Your first line of natural defense is cleanliness.
The ears are a delicate area and their structure creates a perfect hiding place for mites, foxtails and “crud” of all sorts. If your pet goes out doors or goes swimming, be sure to inspect and wipe the ears upon their stepping indoors. Inspect the pets’ ears for foxtails (“stickers”) and remove them carefully. If only partially removed, you’re asking for a trip to the vet to remove the remainder. If your pet has been in the water, let her shake out the majority of moisture and then carefully dry the ear to remove excess. This is particularly important in dogs with floppy ears, where moisture would be trapped, causing painful yet preventable conditions such as “swimmer’s ear”.
If moisture persists as a problem, prepare a simple, natural remedy by brewing a pure green tea and letting it cool to room temperature. Draw a dropper full and inject into the ear, holding your pet still and rubbing the ear area gently. Then, let nature take its course-your pet will shake his head (this procedure is best done in the bathroom), removing the excess liquid. You then, step in with a clean, dry cloth to dry. Green tea is a bit astringent, but gentle. 
As a good pet parent, you’ll want to examine your pet’s ears on a regular basis, looking (and smelling) for signs of infection of infestation. A grainy, brown substance, much resembling coffee grounds is a clear indicator of mites. Mites are much more common in cats than in dogs and if your dog has them, it’s likely she got them from a cat. Another indication of mite infestation is your cat scratching furiously after you rub her ears. You may also notice inflammation in the ear as well.
An easy, effective natural treatment is a blend of almond (or olive oil) and vitamin E oil (400 IU), a quarter ounce of each. Inject a half dropper full into the ear and massage gently into the ear canal. After a minute or so, let your cat shake her head and then remove the remainder of the oil and other debris with a cloth. The oil mixture will effectively “drown” the mites and create a far less attractive environment for new trespassers. This process should be repeated for two cycles of a 3 days treated, 1 day off. Dr. Pitcairn has other very effective remedies for ear mites, all of which are natural, safe and gentle for your pet. Natural Solution for Clean EarsOf course, the regular cleaning of natural ear care makes the ear less hospitable for critters who aren’t supposed to be there. A simple solution is apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of isopropyl alcohol (2:1 ratio). Apply with a dropper and hold the pet still to allow for penetration. Be careful if your pets’ ears are abraded as this solution would sting. Return from Natural Ear Care to Natural Pet Care Grooming
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