Makes 1⁄4 cup (60 ml)

Ear mites can lead to serious infections and problems, including hearing loss in dogs. You can help to head off problems – and expensive vet bills – with this simple treatment. If you are too late and the problem persists, consult a veterinarian. It could be a yeast infection and not mites at all.

What you'll need to make ear mite oil

1 vitamin E capsule, 500 IU
1⁄4 cup (60 ml) mineral oil

Preparation method for ear mite oil

1 Pierce a vitamin E capsule with a needle and squeeze the contents into a small dropper bottle. Add the oil and shake. Store at room temperature.

2 To apply, hold the bottle in your hand for a few minutes to warm the oil. Put 2 or 3 drops of warm oil into the dog’s ear canal and massage gently for a count of 10. Allow the dog to shake its head, then carefully swab oil and dirt from the ear. Repeat in the other ear.

3 Apply every other day for a full week.