Does your dog have uncomfortable, smelly, itchy, or gunky ears that never seem to get better?
It’s not just you.
One of the most common causes for individuals to send their dogs to the vet is dog ear infections.
However, there are natural treatments for dog ear infections that are secure and efficient.
Dog ear infections can be treated as shown below.
What Signs Point To A Dog Having An Ear Infection?
Here are some typical symptoms you should look out for to determine whether your dog has an ear infection because they might be uncomfortable or itchy.
- Head cocked to the side where the illness is
- Head trembling
- Pawing or scratching at the ears
- Ears are rubbed
- warm ears
- odorous ears
- Waxy ejection
- Inside the ear flap, there is crusty, scabby, or red, inflamed skin.
In extreme circumstances, your dog might-
- loss of hearing
- loss of equilibrium
- Circling ineffectively
- Nystagmus with dry eyes (quick side-to-side eye movements)
- drooping of the mouth or eyelids, drooling
- dropping food, having issues drinking or eating
If you notice any of these grave signs, you should visit your veterinarian.
However, you can treat less serious ear infections yourself.
Here are the immediate steps you should take if your dog gets an ear infection.
To learn more about the many kinds of ear infections, their causes, and how to avoid them altogether, you should read the remainder of this post.
What Kind Of Ear Infection Does Your Dog Have And How To Diagnose It
You should be aware of the many types of ear infections before considering dog ear infection treatment.
They may be in one of three locations in your dog’s ear.
External otitis
An infection or inflammation of your dog’s external ear (the parts you can see).
Medial otitis
This is a middle ear infection or inflammation.
Otitis media can develop in around a sixth of dogs that have otitis externally.
More than half of dogs with chronic otitis externa experience this issue.
It might also indicate that an outside substance has pierced the eardrum, like a foxtail.
Internal otitis
This is inner ear irritation or infection.
Otitis media that is not treated might develop into otitis interna.
Deafness and loss of balance are potential outcomes.
How To Care For A Dog’s Infected Ear Without A Vet
An explanation of topical dog ear infection treatment comes first.
You’ll discover later that excessive ear cleaning in dogs might result in ear infections.
Therefore, even if your dog has an ear infection, it is preferable to avoid putting anything in her ears.
Getting to the bottom of the issue is essential because if it occurs, you know it’s a sign of larger problems.
However, sometimes ear infections are simply too uncomfortable for your dog, and you need to make her feel good while you address the underlying issue.
Topical Comfort
You can get some relief by using these calming solutions.
They’ll relieve the discomfort and itching.
If you wish to permanently control your dog’s ear infections, additional procedures must be taken.
Leaf tea
Two green tea bags are added to 8 oz. of boiling water.
Allow the tea to brew for a few minutes before allowing it to cool to lukewarm.
Some of the fluid should be syringed or sponged into the ear canal.
Tincture of Calendula
Calendula can aid with pain relief and inflammation reduction.
Additionally, it contains antibacterial qualities to aid in infection prevention.
Purchase herbal calendula in tincture form to use.
To 1 cup of warm filtered water, add 5 to 10 drops of calendula tincture.
After that, apply a little to the ears using a dropper or sponge.
Juice from Grapefruit Seeds
GSE is a potent natural antioxidant made from grapefruit seed extract.
Additionally, it is antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial. Mix 10 drops of GSE with 12 oz of pure aloe vera juice before applying topically.
Cleanse your ears with it.
Add 3 to 5 drops of GSE to your dog’s food to administer it orally.
The Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is a type of herbal antibiotic.
Add one drop to one and a half ounces of warm, pure aloe vera juice to treat your dog’s ear infections.
Using a cotton ball dipped in the mixture, clean the exposed areas of the ear.
Apple Cider Vinegar
An ear infection’s itching and discomfort may be lessened with the use of apple cider vinegar.
Combine one part filtered or spring water with one part vinegar.
Using a cotton ball dipped in the mixture, clean the exposed areas of the ear.
Holding your dog’s ear steady will help you ensure that the liquid enters the ear canal.
The liquid can be squirted or poured into the ear canal, at least one dropper full at a time.
Next, lightly massage the area behind the ear.
Mullein Falls
Randy Kidd DVM Ph.D., a holistic veterinarian and herbalist, suggests a mullein mixture that is effective for the majority of ear infections.
One can be made at home or purchased at health food stores.
Create your own mullein drops by sprinkling olive oil over mullein blossoms and leaves in a glass jar.
One or two cloves of garlic per pint of oil can improve the efficacy of antibiotics.
Give the mixture two to three weeks to rest. Apply a few drops of the warmed oil to the ear canal daily after straining.
Dog Ear Infection Homeopathic Treatments
Dog ear infections can be treated using homeopathic medicines.
The solution that best addresses your dog’s symptoms can be found below.
Use a potency of 30C.
Belladonna – When the ears are really hot and inflamed, use Belladonna.
Your dog can be agitated and impatient.
The treatment of pulsatilla is effective for sudden flare-ups.
frequently accompanied by sensitivity, redness, and a discharge that is yellow.
Animals in the pulsatilla species enjoy sitting next to open windows, detest getting their paws wet, and avoid going outside in the rain.
They also frequently have a lovely (and needy) temperament.
Hepar Sulphuris – Hepar sulph is helpful for animals that get angry when their irritated ears are stroked.
It is best to seek assistance from a qualified homeopath if your dog has ongoing, chronic ear problems.
Your dog will have a thorough examination, after which the right treatment will be suggested for all of her problems.
This method will assist in identifying the root of your dog’s ear issues.
What home remedies can I use for my dog’s ear infection?
Natural ear infection therapies including mullein drops, green tea, apple cider vinegar, and calendula can help you manage ear infections like otitis externa.
If you’re unsure of the type of infection your dog has, you might need to question your holistic vet about deeper ear problems (otitis media and internal).
Remedy 1: How do you use vinegar to clean your dog’s ears?
You want to avoid spending money on often pricey dog-specific ear cleaners, then.
Components:
- A little container
- Glycerin (choose a natural brand like Noble Roots) (use a natural brand like Noble Roots)
- acid boric
The dog’s ear can also be cleaned with vinegar.
Procedure:
- Combine half a cup of water and half a cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (ACV).
- The amount of vinegar in the water should be reduced if your dog’s ears are irritated or damaged.
- Wipe the thick wax out of your dog’s ears using a cotton ball, being careful not to press too deeply.
- Then, depending on the size of your dog, gently fill the ears with the vinegar and water mixture.
- From the canal’s bottom all the way up to the head, massage the ears.
- The fluid in your dog’s ear should be audible to you as it moves about.
Because your dog will start shaking to remove the solution from the ears, which is what we need them to do, it could be a good idea to carry out this cleaning procedure outside.
So back off.
The vinegar will help to remove the wax and other debris in the ear canals.
Consider using another flush of the vinegar and water solution if there isn’t a mess first, and don’t forget to give your dog’s ears a good massage.
Then, using a cotton ball, remove any remaining vinegar and other debris.
Apple cider vinegar is a component.
Mix 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar and 2/3 cup of water.
Remedy 2: How do you use Glycerin to clean your dog’s ears?
You may use a glycerin mixture to make an easy DIY dog ear cleanser that will leave your pup’s ears velvety, supple, and protected.
Components:
- A little container
- Glycerin (choose a natural brand like Noble Roots) (use a natural brand like Noble Roots)
- acid boric
Follow these steps:
- Combine 2 teaspoons of boric acid with 1 tablespoon of glycerin.
- Utilizing cotton balls, you may apply the straightforward combination.
- The boric acid removes waxy buildup while lowering moisture and the likelihood that the dog may get an ear infection.
- The dog’s skin is then soothed and coated with glycerin to prevent it from becoming too dry.
Remedy 3: How do you use Boric Acid to clean your dog’s ears?
Here is another type of dog ear cleanser produced from vinegar and boric acid to clean the dog’s ears and assist maintain a healthy pH level, similar to the two above. The dog’s ears will be soothed by the witch hazel in this.
Ingredients:
- Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar (Bragg is a cheap organic brand)
- Wiccan zel
- acid boric
Directions:
- Fill a jar with 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup vinegar.
- Put 1 tablespoon of witch hazel in there.
- Boric acid is added in 2 tablespoons.
- Shake firmly
Note: If you’re in a pinch and don’t have the other ingredients on hand, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of boric acid for this and use that mixture instead.
You can produce a cheap but efficient DIY dog ear cleaning by mixing vinegar and water.
As an alternative, you can mix some isopropyl rubbing alcohol with water and apple cider vinegar.
Remedy 4: How do you use Alcohol to clean your dog’s ears?
Components:
- An empty bottle
- Rubbing alcohol isopropyl Isopropanol
Directions:
- In a sealable bottle, add 4 teaspoons of ordinary water.
- 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar should be added.
- Add 3–4 drops of isopropyl alcohol to the mixture.
- Shake the bottle well after sealing it.
Remark: If rubbing alcohol irritates, simply omit the isopropyl version of the substance for a milder remedy.
The pH levels will still be stabilized and the dog’s ears will be cleaned with vinegar and water.
By itself, apple cider vinegar is a potent, gentle DIY dog ear cleanser.
It’s a great solution to use on dogs with floppy ears, like Basset Hounds, that require frequent ear cleaning.
Remedy 5: How do you use Hydrogen Peroxide to clean your dog’s ears?
In addition, hydrogen peroxide works well for clearing dog ears of waxy buildup.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 1 teaspoon clean water
However, a dog’s ear can be tickled by it, so be ready for a lot of head shaking.
Hydrogen peroxide, at a concentration of 3% (Dealmed is an excellent cheap brand we use)
Directions:
- Combine two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with two tablespoons of water.
- When the hydrogen peroxide begins to operate, the dirt in the dog’s ear canal bubbles right up out of the canal.
Note: Combine some of the home remedies for cleaning dog ears listed above with hydrogen peroxide. 3% hydrogen peroxide, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and a few drops of isopropyl rubbing alcohol, for instance.
This solution works well for cleaning the more noticeable areas of a dog’s ears and flushing out debris.
What Leads To Dog Ear Infections?
These are some of the most typical canine ear problems.
Overgrowth of Yeast
Naturally, occurring yeast can become out of balance and result in a yeast infection in healthy ears.
Yeast overgrowth is frequently the cause of yeasty-smelling, dark brown discharge in your dog’s ears.
Although they may itch, yeasty ears are rarely uncomfortable.
Visit How to Control Dog Ear Yeast ear infections for treatment options for the condition.
Infection with bacteria
Additionally, your dog is susceptible to bacterial ear infections.
A foul-smelling discharge that is yellow or greenish may be visible.
Outside Bodies
A bug, water from swimming, dirt in her ears, grass seeds, foxtails, Picks, maggots, and bees are just a few things your dog could pick up.
She might be seen shaking her head.
However, dirt in the ears can lead to bacterial or yeast overgrowth, discomfort, or both.
Hearing Hematoma
Your dog may create an aural hematoma if she shakes or scratches her head excessively.
It occurs when a blood pool develops between the skin and the cartilage of the ear flap.
Most veterinarians will advise surgery, but take your time!
Some treatments are more gentle.
Aural mites
A parasitic ailment known as mange called ear mites exists.
Ear mite-infected dogs frequently shake their heads and scratch their ears.
Since they are exceedingly contagious and common in young puppies, you should act quickly to treat them.
The “coffee-ground” discharge that mites leave in the ear is typically a good indicator of their presence.
There may also be reddish crustiness on the outer ear.
But an ear infection rarely manifests as nothing more than that.
Similar to other skin disorders, ear infections are frequently a sign of a more serious issue.
Taking care to keep it out of the ear canal
Some veterinarians advise using a 10% ear cleaning solution because a more substantial solution will irritate the dog’s ears and prompt him to start scratching them.
Use the solution immediately after creating it; do not keep it for later use.
There are several advantages to vinegar.
The surplus wax can be removed to lessen ear infections.
Numerous dangerous bacteria will be eliminated by the acidity of the solution.
How are dog ears cleaned?
Cleaning your dog’s ears might be difficult, particularly if they get anxious easily when you touch their ears.
Ensure that they feel at ease throughout the entire procedure.
Of course, if you start caring for their ears at an early age, it will help you a lot.
Required Equipment
Before you begin cleaning your dog’s ears, you’ll need the following equipment, so make sure you have it before you start.
- a spotless towel
- cotton-wool rugs
- a canine-specific ear drops
- if your dog is unfamiliar with the technique, a handler
- Never clean your ears with cotton buds because they can harm your ear canal by entering it too deeply.
The best way to clean a dog’s ears is to:
- Position your dog comfortably, lift the ear, and inspect thoroughly inside the ear.
- Look for discharge, redness, and an unpleasant odor in your dog’s ears. T
- The presence of some wax in the dog’s ear is normal.
- Large amounts of wax, pus, and stink, on the other hand, are indicators of an infection.
- Now use the damp cotton wool to gently wipe away any extra wax from the outside of the ear.
- Don’t push it too far into the ear canal while using a dog-specific ear cleaning.
- Start by rubbing the ear’s base. It will make it easier for the cleaner to enter the ear canal.
- With wet cotton, clean the cleaner.
- On the opposite ear, carry out the identical procedure.
It is advisable to use ear drops on your dog right away after cleaning their ears.
This will guarantee that the ear drops are properly absorbed and not trapped in extra wax.
How frequently should I ear-clean my dog?
Depending on your dog’s breed, you should clean its ears.
Dogs with droopy ears, such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels, need to have their ears cleaned regularly.
The issue with long, drooping ears is that there is less airflow entering the ear, which increases the risk of infection.
Similar to humans, dogs that like swimming more frequently require routine ear cleaning since increased moisture can result in ear infections.
Additionally, if your dog has ear mites, he will require more frequent cleaning.
Conclusion
The majority of authorities and knowledgeable dog owners advise cleaning your dog’s ears at least twice a month.
It’s recommended to use gentle and basic products on their ears whether you’re cleaning them yourself or taking them to a groomer.
However, keep in mind that washing more frequently could just aggravate the situation.
The procedure for cleaning the ears must also only touch the outside portion of the ear canals.
Please refrain from attempting to clean your dog’s middle or inner ear because doing so will only increase its risk of developing an infection.
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