I’ve tried everything because we’ve had 3 cocker spaniels over the years. The alcohol/water/vinegar mix is HORRIBLE! By the time you’ve have enough of the itching and digging, it’s too late for that mix. It just sends the dog into an uncontrollable frenzy of PAIN.
Witch Hazel, Boric Acid and Gentian Violet ('blue ear treatment") are/is the number one home remedy for dog’s ears yeast infections. I have a bottle of witch hazel (to reduce inflammation). I add a teaspoon of boric acid powder to the bottle and a few drops of gentian violet (first aid antiseptic). I shake it up. I put it in the microwave for 15 seconds so it’s soothing and not cold in his ears. I use huge cotton balls to apply and wipe any brown goo away. Doing this twice a day for a week and then weekly there after, will stop the problem. But you must remain diligent. If you get lazy and stop, it will come back. Just start the process all over again.
Short of waiting 3 weeks to be seen by the vet or paying emergency fees, this mixture works. The vet also will “pack” the ears for $40 an ear plus the visit cost so be prepared to pay $200 for the ear problem to go away for about a year. So every year, I get my cocker “packed” and when it wears off, i do the “blue ear treatment” until i get to be seen by the vet again.