What do you use to clean your puppies ears? & Crate Question..

I have a powder that I got from dog.com (which happens to be the forum sponsor). This is it [linkhttp://www.dog.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=221175+002&Cat=]http://www.dog.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=221175+002&Cat=[/link] .  Honestly, it looks expensive ($17.49 for the one ounce bottle, and when I bought it that was out of stock, so I bought the 2 ounce for $29.99) but it works great, and you barely use any. One of Max's ears was totally disgusting when I got the stuff, and he won't let me clean his ears with cotton balls, or ear wipes, or any of that stuff. He just tries to eat it, even if I am feeding him treats with one hand while attempting to clean his ear with the other. He tolerates the powder pretty well, and will eat the treats while I get some in his ear (added bonus if I can get him to tip his head sideways while taking the treat). The best thing about it though was that in a matter of 5 days, his ears went from completely disgusting, to perfectly clean. I try to remember to use it once a week, but honestly, I don't remember it that well most of the time, but his ears have been pretty good ever since I started using it. Plus, i've still barely used any. If I ever use it all, I will definitely buy it again.

I don't recommend usind straight alcohol, it's too drying/harsh.  I use a damp wash cloth every 2-4 days, depends on dirt.  Then every 10-14 days, again depends on dirt, I use Dr. Jeff Werber's Performance Formula Gentle Ear Cleaner on the dogs, the cats every 3-4 weeks.  It's a bit sticky, but there's no redness or scratching after use, so I believe it's gentle.  Found it at Petco.

If your dogs ears aren't infected with anything, then baby wipes do the trick quite well. I clean Beau's ears after every bath. Just a quick wipe though, nothing too far in the ear. But the dog has to tolerate it as well. Luckily he knows the routine.
 
 

what kind of dog is beau because my friend has an pup that looks just like beau. i think its an pit/chow correct me if im wrong.

ORIGINAL: hlb118

If your dogs ears aren't infected with anything, then baby wipes do the trick quite well. I clean Beau's ears after every bath. Just a quick wipe though, nothing too far in the ear. But the dog has to tolerate it as well. Luckily he knows the routine.

This is what we use on Ella. She HATES it though.

I start ear cleaning the day my new pups walk in the door so that it never WILL be an issue, and when I have fosters I start them very young as well.
 
With the shepherds, ear cleaning is just a quick wipe, usually with a damp clothe and only when needed.  I don't clean ears on any sort of schedule.  With the cockers, it was a couple times a week and I believe I used epiotic.  You do want something with a drying agent in it since those ears stay down and trap moisture, which grows into all sorts of nasty stuff, but I agree that straight alcohol is too harsh.

For just quick cleanings, I use baby wipes. If I have to do anything more, I use Epi-Octic or Derma-Pet.

Beau's dad was 1/2 lab, 1/4 huskey, 1/4 german shepherd. His mom was a german shepherd. No pit, or chow.

I use Veterinarian's Best Natural Care.  It comes in a pack with a wash and a dry.  You clean with the wash, then put the lotion stuff in there and it dries to a power to help keep the ears dry.  Neither of my dogs minds it at all.  And it smells really good.  Ingredients are: Yucca, Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Tea Tree Oil, Clove oil, and Echinacea.

I use vinager--- mine is prone to ear infections and it keeps the bacteria and yeast at bay.

ORIGINAL: hlb118

Beau's dad was 1/2 lab, 1/4 huskey, 1/4 german shepherd. His mom was a german shepherd. No pit, or chow.

  Thanks because my friend really needed to know this.

I would not be without Epi Otic ear cleanser! It cleans and dries, but not overdry. I use it weekly after each bath.

ORIGINAL: yakigna


Also, the crate I purchased didn't come w/ a divider panel. Any suggestions for a home-made one?
Thanks for all your help!

I cut a box to the right size and put it in Maisie's crate. Not very attractive, but it works well.