There can be a number of causes:  yeast, bacteria, moisture, food or environmental allergies (which will often include skin/coat issues as well), ear mites or other parasites, etc.

First the dog should be seen by a vet to determine what you are dealing with that is causing the problem.  Antibiotics are given for some issues.

For yeast - it can be food - you need to look at the ingredients in the food you feed and try elimination testing to pinpoint the culprit.   I like to stay away from corn, wheat, soy, sorgum.  Some dogs will have issues with the protein source, some with the potato that is in most grain free food, some with rice.  In my experience 15 years ago it was corn causing the problems.   

 Here is a good link describing different causes of ear problems:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1591&aid=273

Apple cider vinigar at 1 tbsp in food with water added daily can help ward off yeast.  You can also put it in the drinking water but I feel you get more in the system in the food.  You can split this to 1 1/2 tspn in a.m. and p.m. meal if your dog doesn’t like the taste.

My dogs get to lick the empty plates after dinner and that includes the salad plates.  Therefore they have gotten use to the taste of vinigar.  Than again, they are Labs, and Labs eat anything

A great treatment that can help clear up gunky, yeasty ears and other issues and is all natural is the Purple Solution.  You can buy it on line:

http://erinsedge.zoovy.com/product/KEN008EAR/Purple_Power_Ear_Solution_8oz_16_oz.html

Or make it yourself:

 16 oz. bottle isopropyl alcohol (or witch hazel)
4 tablespoons Boric Acid Powder
16 drops Gentian Violet 1% Solution

Be sure and shake bottle before each use.

Gentian Violet is purple and will stain when dog shakes its head so best to use this solution outside.  I have heard you can get it in a clear form.  Check with a pharmacist.

My vet prescribed as follows: Using an eye dropper so you don’t put too much in the ear (avoids staining) - administer 2x/week massaging base of ear and leave in the ear.  Clean the ears 1x/week on different day than purple solution.  I use 1/3 water, 1/3 white viniger, 1/3 alcohol or witch hazel for the cleaning.  For real bad ears continue for 6 weeks.

It worked great for our Polly and her ears have been clean ever since. 

I also scope my dogs ears every 7-10 days so I can keep up on when they need cleaning or catch a problem/infection early on.  You can purchase inexpensive scopes at Fosters & Smith.  But I prefer a veterinarians scope and this one is not too expensive:

http://www.medicaldepartmentstore.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ADC-5211

I hope this info is helpful.  Don’t forget to have your vet check your dog initially and don’t hesitate to tell your vet about the purple solution.  Most don’t know about it because it is all natural.

Good luck and if anyone tries this method please let me know how you make out.

Patty

www.snowcolabradors.com