One of the more common health problems Cocker Spaniels have are ear infections. If your Cocker has a redish tint to the inside of his ear(s) or there is a bad odor or any discharge (to include black waxy junk), he probably has an ear infection or ear mites.

I have bought over the counter ear stuff, and I have gotten ear stuff from my veterinarian, but I haven't been very impressed with the results from either. Then one day a friend told me about this home remedy she uses. I tried it, and I liked it. In fact, it really impressed me ... it worked.

2½ ounces white vinegar
½ tablespoon powdered boric acid
5½ ounces Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
1 teaspoon Betadine antiseptic (or generic equivalent)

Mix ingrediants in a plastic squeeze bottle. Shake until the powdered boric acid is fully dissolved.

To use the mixture, you can either squeeze the mixture into your dog's ear and let it soak for a minute or squeeze the mixture onto cotten balls and clean your dogs ear. I will warn you up front that your Cocker is not going to think to much of this activity and he isn't going to make it easy on you.

If your Cocker has an ear infection, I suggest cleaning his ears every other day until you see some improvement, then you should cut back use to twice a week until the infection or infestation is gone. As part of my care and grooming of my Cockers, I use this mixture to clean my their ears twice a month.