Hi I have Saffi a 10 month old GermanShorthaired Pointer girl. She has really floppy flappy ears. Yesterday she shook them and everywhere had a blood bath! I noticed one of her ear's tip is crusty and bleeding. I have heard that coconut oil would heal it. Wondered whether anyone can suggest which brand I can buy and whether it would do the trick. I am shopping in town tomorrow so will pop into Holland and Barrett...but I need to know which one to buy. Thanks in advance.

I can't imagine any oil (or ointment) will stop it bleeding.  When the blood is flowing ice water is good to slow it down but otherwise I'd simply suggest you keep the wound clean and let time do the work. Ears bleed easily as the blood vessels are so close to the surface and it always looks like a lot but I find they heal very quickly.  Coconut oil does have a good reputation for wound healing but I personally wouldn't use it on a fresh open wound.  I would however use it on a scar.   Look for a cold pressed virgin coconut oil - H&B or other health food shops are a good place to buy but try Waitrose too.  I use Biona in cooking and baking but it's equally good for external use on skin and hair

Just a word of caution though about the cause of the ear problem - was it a ruptured haematoma?    If so, do check with the vet.  A small haematoma can resolve on its own but in some more serious cases you may need to consider surgical intervention.

Hi dogs a babe.
One of her ears has a crusty edge that is split which when she shakes them bleeds. I have used some Betadine ointment which has improved it  already. Just wondered whether giving her a spoonful of coconut oil would  alleviate  the problem of the dry skin. My previous gsp also had this problem with the skin on her ears which usually appeared after getting them wet...she also had a haematoma--- so I'm aware that this is not that.
I've been to H & B and bought some TIANA extra virgin 100% coconut oil. The assistant made me aware of its many uses!
I shall Google it and see what else it can be used for! 😬
Thank you very much for your help in this matter.
Regards Liz .

OK then I'd suggest keeping the crusty edge moisturised with any antiseptic ointment for now but then yes coconut oil in her food might help.  I'd also suggest you look at Dermacton and Ultrasalve both made by the same company.  I use Dermacton on itchy dry skin and it works wonders to calm and soothe as well as moisturising the skin and promoting hair growth.  Ultrasalve is a brilliant antiseptic treatment which I love for my dogs as it's quite thick so stays in place and also works as a barrier cream.  I wouldn't be without either of these products and highly recommend them

Hope it helps x

Hi again,
I will also look into Dermacton and Ultrasalve. All your info is helping me a lot  --- Thankyou. I am gradually filling my first aid doggy box. It will be a very wise move esp. If it saves an expensive trip to the vet! Cheers. Liz and Saffi. X

Witch hazel helps stem bleeding, it's a good coagulant.

Thanks Brainless -- that'll make another addition to my medicine kit!

Colloidal silver is another one to look at- brilliant stuff, and a second recommendation for ultrasalve!

thanks Tectona. very interesting.