If an ear infection is suspected, there are quite a few treatments that you can use at home to heal the infection and make your dog more comfortable. When something is wrong and a trip to the vet is not an option or in the budget, what can be done? Of course, you will also want to alleviate your furry friend’s discomfort as soon as possible. By Cristen Carlson and Dr. Jim Carlson, Holistic Veterinarian Dog ear infections are a top reason for veterinary visits. If left untreated, the infection becomes chronic which could lead to permanently damaging your pet's ears. When Pups Pass On: Where Do Dogs Go When They Die? It has powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Common symptoms of dog ear infections include: The ear canal of dogs is much more vertical than the human ear canal. – If your dog has floppy ears, gently lift up the ear flap to expose the inside of the ear. You can purchase a calendula infused oil from health food stores or pharmacies and massage a few drops into the ear. 10 minutes of light massage helps in maximum healing. They're simple beings, whose loyalty is unconditional. Before you clean your dog’s ears, check for any redness or discharge. Lacking a Litter: Why Won’t My Dog Get Pregnant? Terrors of the Tub: Why Do Dogs Hate Baths? – Try to hold the dog’s head in a position that will allow the cleaning solution to flow downward into the ear canal. Make it easier for you to examine your dog’s ear canal, Remove microbes and other small foreign objects that may cause dog ear infections, Clean and expose the ear canal for possible topical medication applications. Apple cider vinegar has been used as a remedy for various ailments for hundreds of years. A small amount of light brown wax is normal, but lots of dark brown wax, yellow crusty discharge, pus or a nasty smell could all be signs of an infection, so your dog will need to see a vet. All rights reserved. To use vinegar for your dog’s ear infections … Mix 1 part vinegar and 1 part filtered or spring water. The vinegar acts as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory to alleviate the pain and discomfort your dog … Cleaning your dog’s ears on a regular basis. Clean your dog’s ears by: For many dogs, ear infections are a recurring problem. These serious complications make it imperative to prevent infection and seek treatment as soon as symptoms arise in your pet. This 100% natural product works by making the ear environment uninhabitable to bacteria, fungus, yeast and mite species. Carrier oils such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil and avocado oil are commonly used to dilute essential oils in the making of skin and hair products. Prompt and proactive treatment will ensure your dog’s comfort and happiness. Lapses or errors in treatment can prolong your pup’s illness. Squirt some in and massage the ear canal well. To learn more about me, you can read my story here --, Easy on the Ears: How to Treat a Dog’s Ear Infection Without a Vet, Signs That Your Dog is Suffering From an Ear Infection, good idea to gently and thoroughly clean the ear, Apple cider vinegar is an excellent treatment, Are Rats Smarter than Dogs? There are many over-the-counter ear cleaning products available, or you can make your own easily. Many health food stores carry either mullein leaf tea or a specially prepared mullein leaf oil for treating ear infections. A dog ear infection causes a lot of discomfort in a dog and it is important to detect the infection as early as possible.Some dog breeds are more prone to getting ear infections due to the position and anatomy of the ears. Your furry friend will soon be on the road to recovery and have you to thank. Witch Hazel not only soothes the area but also cleanses efficiently and dries quickly. Prepare the same way as the olive oil blend, but melt the coconut oil before beginning and before straining. If the yeast is present inside the ears, you will usually notice your dog scratching at the ears and rubbing the ears against objects inside your home to obtain relief. This procedure is quite similar to cleaning the ear. Using a few coconut oil drops into ears will also keep the fungi and bacteria away. Using a general cleaner that will be gentle on your dog’s ears. Apple cider vinegar works by killing both yeast and bacteria. A teaspoon of vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of warm water works well, but will sting if used on any open wounds. Gently massaging the medication into the affected area. If you do not have any apple cider vinegar on hand, white vinegar will help clear up the infection as well. Make sure to remove them afterward. It is much easier to tackle a small infection than one that has been festering for some time. Keeping your dog relaxed with affection and treats. It helps to heal either liquid or thick secretions in the dog's infected ear and helps cleanse the ear wax. As soon as you notice symptoms of an ear infection in your faithful friend, you should contact your veterinarian. Combine that with the incredible properties of garlic, and you have a champion infection-fighter. Keeping your dog’s ears dry. Clean your dog’s ears by: Gently wiping the ear with an absorbent gauze. Also, calendula cream has proven useful in preventing ear infection … Do not use tea tree oil undiluted or without a carrier oil. Here’s where Vet Organics’ EcoEars Dog Ear Infection Formula can help you treat your dog’s condition before it progresses to a full-blown problem. Eco Ears claims to provide relief within two days. As soon as you notice your dog’s ear infection, begin treatment. Coconut oil may act as a mild antifungal that might help clear up a yeast infection in your dog’s ear. This is a healthier and safer approach to curing your dog’s ears, and furthermore, it won’t have a bad effect on his immune system. Use a mixture of 50% organic apple cider vinegar and 50% water, soak a cotton ball and clean your dog’s ears. Spray a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar in the infected area. Pour enough into the ear to coat it, about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon. (Lab Rats Vs. Labradors). Antibiotic tablets. Be prepared for the vet to examine the inside and outside of your spaniel’s ears, and take samples to examine under a microscope. To combine with garlic, follow the above steps for the garlic and olive oil remedy. After a gentle, thorough cleaning of the ear, brew a cup of green tea and allow to cool. Apple cider vinegar for infection: To treat a dog’s ear infection at home without a vet, consider apple cider vinegar as effective and among the most affordable options. Vinegar can help reduce itch and discomfort if your dog has an ear infection. If your dog experiences chronic infections, talk to your vet about underlying causes such as allergies. Let it cool for 15 minutes, and then use a liquid dropper to squeeze 2–3 drops in your dog’s infected ear. Be proactive about keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry to prevent future ear-related health issues. So, that is all for today’s topic; how to treat dog ear infection without vet. Apple cider vinegar is loaded with anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties which will help to kill the overgrown yeast in the dog’s ear. When is cleared up, use it weekly for prevention. Many pets are prone to ear infections — especially those with long, floppy ears. Allow your dog to shake out the solution and wipe the ear clean. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Gently wiping the ear with an absorbent gauze. Try to trim any hair from the opening in the ear to help air get to it. The Tea Tree Oil is ideal for the treatment of bacterial or fungal infection. ask you're vet when you see him about a ear cleaning solution you can buy from him or her to keep your dogs ears clean on a regular basis. Managing your dog’s hygiene is an effective way to prevent future ear infections. Chronic dog ear infections can lead to permanent alterations in the anatomy of a dog’s ears, making future infections more likely and more difficult to treat. I find it amusing when my dog tips his head sideways, twitches his ear, or moves his paw as he runs in a dream. Take care to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after a swim or a bath. A lot of people don’t want to or can’t afford a vet visit for ear infections in their dogs. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Mullein leaf oil, aloe vera juice and glycerin could be another combination to try. After the worse of the inflammation has dissipated, you can sprinkle a small amount of boric acid straight from the bottle into the ear. To treat an ear infection in your cocker spaniel, take your pet to the vet’s as soon as possible, since an untreated infection can spread quickly. Crush one clove of raw garlic, place it in a bowl or jar and add three tablespoons of olive oil. you can't treat the infection. Be sure to have the chosen treatment, cotton balls or gauze pads, an extra towel or two, and some treats for your dog nearby. Never use … Using Monistat as a Dog Ear Yeast Infection Treatment Drip two to three drops of the tea or oil into the ear and gently massage the base of the ear. Pay attention to any unusual behavior changes in your dog and for physical symptoms like:[1] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Ear scratching Brown, yellow or bloody discharge Odor in the ear Redness Swelling Crusted or scabby … Use a cotton ball, gauze pad or something similar to administer the mixture to the dog’s ear. Although it is uncomfortable for your dog, a yeast infection is generally pretty easy to treat in the early stages. The boric acid helps to break down and remove any wax or debris trapped in the ear. There are several ways to use garlic as a remedy for an ear infection. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Remedies and Treatments for Dog Ear Infections, Excessive itching and scratching at the ear, Head shaking, particularly when it looks awkward or unnatural, Swelling and redness around the ear canal, Scabs or crusted over the skin in the ears, Otitis externa, the most common one that typically affects the outer portion of the ear, Otitis media, affecting the middle part of the ear canal and usually a secondary development in up to 50% of chronic otitis externa cases, Otitis interna, referring to inner ear infections that can result in neurological damage. Coconut oil itself is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. The Aces of Aging: What Dogs Live the Longest? Dog Ear Flushing – Brown Discharge and Ear Mite Infection Treatment. Use with caution though, as boric acid should not be inhaled or swallowed. Your email address will not be published. If the dog ear contains any wound or infection at that time, it is better to use the mixture of tea tree oil and sweet almond oil as a medicine. To use this remedy, mix two tablespoons of boric acid with one tablespoon of glycerin and gently clean the ear with the mixture. Cleaning your dog’s ears can: Ear infections are often caused by excess moisture. Breed also predisposes your pet to infection of the ear. Signs of an Ear Infection in Dogs Consult with a veterinarian quickly when you see these typical signs of a dog ear infection : Try to remain calm and patient when treating the ear. Do not use any cotton-tipped swabs (like Q-tips) as they are likely to push any debris farther into the ear canal, compounding the problem. Whose Dog Is it Anyway: What Determines Ownership of a Dog. This will help maintain dry conditions in the ear and make the ear a less hospitable environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. This indicates this is probably a yeast infection … Applied directly to the infected ear, aloe vera juice can alleviate irritation and dramatically reduce inflammation, making your dog much more comfortable. Calendula is prized for its abilities to heal skin and ear problems. Managing your dog’s hygiene is an effective way to prevent future ear infections. Add several drops to a tablespoon of a carrier oil and massage into the infected area. Dogs aren’t very mysterious. Most dog owners truly love their dog and want to give their pet the very best possible care. Just mix with a bit of warm, not hot, olive oil before use. Due to how they're structured, dog … Never use a washcloth or paper towel. Caring for and managing dog ear infections involve cleaning, medication, and aftercare. I bought some from our vet. Whether it’s to prevent an infection from starting or to manage the healing of a dog ear infection that’s already in progress, ear cleaning is an important part of your dog’s hygiene. If you have access to calendula flowers, you can make your own infusion by letting them soak in a carrier oil for a day or two. 13 Reasons for these Scary Symptoms, DIY Doggy Delicacies: How to Boil Chicken for Dogs. Our Bear getting ready to have his ears cleaned with Eco Ears. Either option will help to quickly eradicate the infection. The home remedies listed below often effectively treat ear infections, without the side effects of prescription medications. the vet will clean it out and prescribe antibiotics.which is what's best for the dog. Symptoms of an infection can include vigorous head shaking, rubbing the ear on the floor or furniture, pawing at the ear, redness inside the ear, a foul odor in the ear, discharge from the ear, inflammation, crusty accumulation in the ear and holding the head in a tilted position. Having everything that you will need within reach will make the process much easier on you and less stressful for your dog. 6 oz. Cover tightly and allow it to sit overnight. Using cotton balls, while giving them a bath is a good tip for trying out. Cleaning the external portions of your dog’s ears. One easy way to keep your pooch’s ears infection free is keeping water out of his ears. Try a combination of different remedies and treat the ear several times a day. Pour a small amount into the ear and allow the dog to vigorously shake his head. Following an ACV treatment, the ear should heal quickly. Fortunately, there are straightforward steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and minimize the severity of such infections in your dog. It is always a good idea to gently and thoroughly clean the ear before applying any treatment. Use a cotton ball, gauze pad or something similar to administer the mixture to the dog’s ear. The ears may also have a sour smell, and may contain a discharge that looks a little like slime. Zymox ear cleaner is the best for treating dog ear infection and also prevents excessive wax or debris buildup. Your vet will likely prescribe a topical medication to your dog. Once your vet has determined the severity and type of ear infection your dog is experiencing, they will clean your dog’s ear thoroughly to remove debris, discharge, and ear wax. Organic apple cider vinegar is a good choice. Always be gentle to avoid causing the dog any pain or discomfort. Clean the visible parts of the ear with a cotton ball soaked in the mixture. Massage the base of the ear for 1–2 minutes, then use a cotton ball to swab out the inside of the dog’s ear. To fight an ear infection, mix two to three drops of the tea tree oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil such as avocado oil. How to Treat Dog Ear Infection Without a Vet? Ensuring that you place the applicator safely outside of the dog’s ear when dispensing medication. In addition to lowering both blood sugar and cholesterol levels and helping with weight loss, ACV is also an impressive fighter of infections. Warm the oil to body temperature to make it more soothing. Begin treatment right away. – Visually examine the ear, and wipe away any loose dirt and residue from just inside the ear. If yet after another course of antibiotics your dog is experiencing ear problems, we suggest that you try one of many natural remedies for dog ear infection. However, occasionally, a dog may develop and ear condition that requires professional vet care that's more immediate and expensive. Alternatively, you can also get OTC dog ear cleaner for treating the infection. Look for symptoms of an ear infection. White Vinegar. Moisture can create problems. If your dog is in a lot of pain, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory pain relief as well as eardrops. Wipe off any excess. If you do not have any apple cider vinegar on hand, white vinegar will help clear up the infection as well. In fact, a natural solution can often be found right in your pantry. Simply mix together equal parts of white vinegar and warm water. The Chilling Facts: How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs? Step 3 – ear cleaner. Relying on a partner's help to hold and comfort your pet while you apply medication to the ear. The infection might well also alter the anatomy of a dog or cat's ears which in short, means they would be more susceptible to ear infections in the future with the bad news being these infection could be that much harder to treat. Make sure you get the liquid into the ear canal by holding your dog’s ear still. Another essential oil to try is oregano. However, eardrops are usually sufficient. Raw, organic ACV with the mother present is even better. You’ll find almond oil in the cosmetics section of a natural grocery store or online. Eco ears is an over-the-counter product that you can have shipped directly to your home if purchased online. For instance, a combination of calendula oil, garlic and tea tree oil will pack a powerful punch. While each oil has unique properties, most are high in vitamin E and contain anti-inflammatory properties. Boric acid can be used in three different ways when combating an ear infection. Up to 16.5% of dogs will experience at least otitis externa, and complications may involve further development into more serious dog ear infections. Because of this, many dog owners are familiar with the symptoms of dog ear infections. If your dog is the non-erect ear type, he is more likely to get an infection in the ears. The homeopathic product EAR INFECTION helps to soothe itching in your furry companion's ears and reduce the redness associated with inflammation. Gently massage a few drops into the ear. Do not delay. The boric acid helps to break down any debris and the glycerin coats and soothes the ear, leaving it feeling surprisingly soft to the touch. Tea tree essential oil is quite well known for its capability to tackle numerous skin conditions. Avoiding cotton swabs, which can push debris deeper into your dog’s ear. Infections caused by yeast and bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, so try to keep the ear clean and dry. Cleaning out any accumulated debris will help to ensure that the treatment is able to reach the affected area and will also help to promote better air circulation to aid in healing. If your dog has a very severe infection, they may need antibiotic tablets as well as eardrops. If your dog is showing the first signs of an ear infection, this product is for him. While all of the above treatments can be very helpful on their own, you can maximize their benefits by combining several into one. The ear infections may be caused by bacteria of fungi and most typically affect the external ear canal. Many dog owners have learned to recognize the telltale signs of an ear infection: whining, scratching, and head shaking are often the first symptoms of the problem. Pure aloe vera juice can usually be found in the pharmacy section of grocery stores. Apply a few drops to the ear and gently massage the base of the ear, or apply this mixture with a cotton ball or gauze pad. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent treatment option, as long as there are no open wounds present. It is effective in fighting bacterial, yeast and fungal issues, which are all common causes of dog ear infections. In more severe cases, the vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or oral antibiotics for your pet. The green tea will sooth the skin and relieve some of the inflammation. Almond Oil: Almond oil can help dissolve the greasy excess wax in an infected ear. There are three types of dog ear infections: Dog ear infections can be a serious condition, which may result in hearing loss or facial paralysis. They may use a medicated ear cleaner or apply a topical medication. Miniature Rottweilers: Too Tiny to Be True? Ear infections can be very uncomfortable and even painful for your dog. You only have to extend the massaging time. Essential oils should always be used with a carrier oil as they are quite potent on their own and could irritate skin. You can mix two tablespoons of boric acid with half of a cup of warm water to clean the ear. However, the head shaking, itching, brown discharge, swelling and redness of an ear infection is … If you notice your dog in pain or her ears drying out too much, discontinue use and see your vet. Simply mix together equal parts of white vinegar and warm water. If you have access to an aloe plant, the gel found inside the leaves will also help to heal the ear. You may make the application process easier by: Always finish the full course of the medication, even if your pet seems to be feeling better. At one point, my family had 5 of them! This L-shape makes it more susceptible to holding fluid and disruption from bacteria, yeast, or ear mites — all of which are causes of infection. Every day you may apply 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil in order to prevent the dog ear infection. How to Treat Dog Ear Infection Naturally With Home Remedies Ear infections are painful for your pooch, but externa ear infections usually can be treated at home without a trip to the vet. Let’s meet again with a new topic to keep your legged happy pill healthy and … If your dog does indeed have an ear infection caused by bacteria or fungus, one way to treat it at home is to use Banixx Pet Care, a soothing spray that gently and painlessly remedies the infection. Raw garlic not only boasts an incredible amount of health-boosting properties, but it is also quite potent when it comes to fighting infections. If your dog is indeed suffering from an ear infection, avoid letting him go for a swim. Dry with a cotton ball or gauze pad. It is important for you to carefully follow your veterinarian’s exact directives and instructions. For this, you will need cotton balls, rubber gloves, an ear flush and ear mite medication. Strain the mixture carefully the next day and apply two or three drops of the oil to the ear. American Kennel Club: “Dog Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention.”, In Practice: “Acute otitis externa: the successful first-opinion ear consultation.”, The Canadian Veterinary Journal: “Canine otitis externa — Treatment and complications.”, The Canadian Veterinary Journal: “Pseudomonas otitis externa in dogs.”, VCA: “Ear Infections in Dogs (Otitis Externa).”. A dog with an ear yeast infection may show it through some unusual actions like shaking his head repeatedly and excessively scratching his ear. Why Is My Dog Panting and Restless? Treating the underlying cause. Carefully add a teaspoon of the solution to the ear and massage the base of the ear. Pups in Public: Which Stores and Restaurants Are Dog-Friendly? Do not let the dog’s ears get too moistened; keep them dry. Apple Cider Vinegar For Dog Ear Infection Loaded with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar is one of the best home remedies for dog ear infections. I'm keen on Keeshonds and German Shepherds, however, I grew up with Siberian Huskys.