Havanese can be prone to yeast, fungal, or bacterial type ear infections because they have floppy ears and hair that grows in their ears. This creates to a dark, moist climate perfect for infections. Minor ear infections can cause discomfort and lead to more serious infections. I have also noticed that tear staining can accompany ear infections, so clearing up and preventing ear infections can help reduce tear staining.
A great formula for treating and preventing ear issues in Havanese is homemade Blue Power Solution. A quick google search will provide pages and pages of testimonials as to its effectiveness- suffice it to say, it works! It can be used a lot and can be used on puppies.
The only drawback is that it will stain- hair, clothes, furniture- so you have to be careful. I use it regularly on my Havanese and haven’t had a problem by following the instructions below. I treat their ears once a month when I give them their heartworm medicine. It does give the inside of the ears a bluish tint, which fades within a few days. The blue staining is caused by the gentian violet, which is a key ingredient for its anti-yeast, anti-bacterial, and anti-infective properties. (Gentian violet used to be used to treat thrush in infants’ mouths. This practice was probably discontinued because it colored the mouth blue!) The isopropyl alcohol base helps dry the ear canal and prevent infection. The boric acid powder helps soothe the ears. (Acid soothes?? Yeah, I know it sounds weird.)
The solution works well on any and all ear problems, including infections, mites, wax, and cankers. People report a success rate of over 95%. For those that are unsuccessful, they are likely not treating often or long enough.
Many have found Blue Power Solution effective in treating fungus-type infections on the feet and elsewhere on the dog, for cuts on dogs or people, and for hot spots. You may find other uses for this simple anti-infective agent. I use the solution along with prescription drops when my kids get Swimmers Ear. Be careful not to get the solution into the eyes and it is for external use only.
*Please do not use my advice in place of proper veterinary care. If you have been given prescription drops from your vet, I encourage you to follow the instructions. I do recommend that you use the Blue Power solution in addition to using the prescription drops.
Here is the RECIPE and links for Amazon for ordering. This makes 16 oz. which can probably treat one Havanese for several years. After that you’ll only need to order more alcohol.
16 oz. Isopropyl Alcohol
4 Tablespoons Boric Acid Powder
16 Drops Gentian Violet Solution 1%
Mix well and shake before each use!! The Boric Acid tends to sink to the bottom.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B5JT8C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (Alcohol)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UU2JHCA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (Gentian Violet)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WTHLR0E/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (16 oz. Squirt Bottle)
The SCHEDULE of treatment is as follows: Treat 2x per day for the first week to two weeks depending upon severity of ears… Treat 1x per day for the next 1-2 weeks …Treat 1x per month (or even less frequently, depending on the dog) as a preventative.
Instructions for administering is as follows: Shake well! Put about 10 drops in each ear. Place a cotton ball or tissue at the ear opening and gently massage the ear for 60 seconds to distribute. The excess solution should be absorbed by the cotton ball, preventing unnecessary staining.
I have used Blue Power on an irritated paw or skin. I have had a 100% success rate at clearing up hot spots or irritations with this solution. The only problem then is the bluish hair, which I then bleach back to white with a mild bleaching recipe which I will post next!
