Natural Remedies For Dog Ear Infection – Cure your pup without antibiotics
Quick Guide
If you are a dog owner, chances are that at some point you had to deal with ear infections. This is one of the most common reasons why dogs see a vet.
Some dogs suffer from ear infections once in a while, while with others this is a frequent and recurring problem. In these cases, a dog is prescribed with medicines, that just mask the symptoms and in a long run can wreak havoc on his immune system.
Dogs with chronic ear infections usually have an underlying health problem, that needs to be diagnosed and treated. When that happens and with a regular ear care your pooch will no longer experience painful ear inflammations.
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. 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.
How To Use Natural Remedies For Dog Ear Infection?
Before we list the most effective home remedies for dog ear infection we will go through symptoms and types. It is important to state that natural remedies won’t work if the cause of an ear infection is a foreign object that is jammed inside the ear. So if you don’t see improvement after a few days, take your dog to see a vet immediately.
What Is A Dog Ear Infection?
An ear infection is a painful and uncomfortable condition that is caused by bacteria or fungus. The inflammation first starts in the outer ear, and if not noticed in time can spread quickly.
In cases when the infection is spread to middle and inner ear it can become really dangerous and can have serious consequences. Commonly seen symptoms include:
- Facial paralysis
- Head tilt
- Loss of balance
- Uncontrollable eye movements
To prevent any of these from occurring you need to treat your dog from the start. If you notice that your pup is pawing at the ear, shaking his head, ear odor, or discharge using a home remedy for dog ear infection.
What Are The Different Types Of This Condition?
Ear infections are classified into two main categories, acute and chronic infections. Both cases can be successfully cured with natural remedies, and this is what causes them.
Acute Ear Infections
Happen every now and then and are the result of floppy ears, poor ear care, or playing in the mud and dirt. The best way to prevent them is with the regular ear grooming. You need to inspect your dog’s ears and clean if necessary, once a week. Furthermore, you need to pluck the hair from the ears, if your pup has them.
Chronic Infections
Are ones that frequently recur and are most likely caused by the overgrowth of yeast, specifically bacteria Candida. Additionally, they are related to an underlying health problem like allergies, thyroid disease, or poor diet.
For this type of infection, your pup can benefit from the use of natural dog ear yeast infection home remedy until you cure the underlying condition. Too frequent use of strong antibiotics can cause an imbalance of good gut bacterias.
Why Use Natural Remedies For Chronic Ear Problems?
Dog ear problems are related to environmental and food-based allergies and sensitivities. In many cases, a dog who is suffering from itchy skin and red spots is more prone to ear problems.
Some types of bacteria and yeast are naturally present in dogs bodies, but environmental or other factors can disrupt their balance. This leads to the overgrowth of bacteria that causes ear infections or stomach problems.
The common course of treatment includes the use of strong drugs such as antibiotics, anti-fungal medicines, antihistamines, and steroids. These drugs only provide immediate relief by suppressing symptoms without curing them.
That means that your pup will use them over and over again which can destroy the beneficial bacteria in the dog’s gut. Ironically, that will make your pup more susceptible to develop frequent eat infections.
Furthermore, drugs will weaken your dog’s immune system and make him prone to all sorts of other medical conditions. On the other hand, natural remedies are effective and safe in treating ear infections.
Additionally, you can use herbal and dietary supplements to strengthen your pup’s immune system. This will prevent the occurrence of any future ear problems and keep your pup healthy.
Top 15 Natural Remedies For Dog Ear Infections
Before you start treating an ear infection in a dog with a home remedy, you need to clean your pup’s ears. This will remove any dirt, debris, and wax buildup and allow the remedy to reach the infected areas of the ear canal.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar has powerful antibacterial properties and is one of the most commonly used natural remedies for ear infections. Make sure that you don’t use pasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar since it doesn’t possess medical properties that can heal an ear infection. If your dog doesn’t have open wounds in his ear, you can use undiluted vinegar to treat him. But if his ear is red, or has wounds use a mixture of 1:1 vinegar and distilled water. Whether you need to use a diluted mixture or just apple cider vinegar you need to place 10 drops in both ears. To resolve the infection completely do this once a day for a period of two weeks. To make your job easier we suggest that you use a sterile syringe bought in the pharmacy store to administer the drops. To help the vinegar reach the whole ear, massage the base of it to apply it properly. Dog ear infection home remedy vinegar is one of the most popular ones since it is very efficient and easily found. Because of its healing properties and ability to combat both bacteria and fungus, vinegar is great for dogs who suffer from chronic ear infections.
Calendula Ear Drops
This herb is well-known for its healing properties, and it is also great for treating skin and external ear problems. Calendula is great for fungal ear infections and it also offers pain relief. To make this dog ear infection remedy you will need to buy a Calendula tincture, which is easily found in health food stores. Once you have it, mix the tincture with a ½ tablespoon of sea salt and one cup of warm distilled water. Once you have the mixture ready apply 10 drops into each ear once a day. Depending on the severity of your pup’s ear infection you may need to use this remedy for at least 10 days. Once you place the drops, massage the base of the ear to help the remedy reach all the nooks and crannies. Besides curing your pup’s ear infection, Calendula will also heal wounds, and make ears skin healthy again.
Garlic Oil Drops
Garlic is great at fighting a multitude of different infections since it possesses antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties. Garlic contains allicin, which gives it the ability to fight infections. Is released once you crush the garlic. Garlic can be used to keep the ears clean, treat bacterial and fungal infections, for ear mite infestations, ear fluid, or ear swelling. To make garlic drops natural remedy you will need garlic, virgin olive oil, cheesecloth, jar, and dark colored jar. Start by thinly slicing the garlic and adding it into the jar, and then pour the virgin olive oil to cover it completely. Use a cheesecloth to cover the jar and secure it with a string or rubber band. Let the mixture sit in a warm place for 10 to 14 days, and once that time is passed you can separate the garlic from the oil. Use a dark jar for an oil mixture and keep it stored in the refrigerator. For infections and mites place 10 drops in each ear twice a day, until the problem is resolved. You can also use this oil to clean your dog’s ears once a month and prevent the occurrence of ear infection.
Mullein Oil
This plant has antibacterial and healing properties and it works great for dog ear infections. If buying plants and making this mixture at home seems like hard work, you can buy it in a health store. To make this natural remedy you will need to place Mullein leaves or flowers into a jar and cover it with olive oil. For extra healing properties, you can add a clove or two of chopped garlic. Cover the mixture with gauze and let it sit for two or three weeks, after which you need to strain the oil. Use a dropper to apply several drops once a day into each ear for 10 days. We advise you to use warmed oil since cold one can cause more damage.
Green Tea Drops
This dog ear natural remedy is easy to make and can be used with other natural remedies for more powerful results. With its soothing qualities, it will calm the infected ear and stop itchiness. Use two green tea bags and soak them in boiling water just like you would when making a tee for yourself. Let them soak for 10 minutes, then remove them and let the tea cool. Buy a sterile syringe and apply 10 drops into each ear twice a day. The antioxidants in the green tea will help with the inflammation and this remedy can also be used for ear cleaning. If your dog has a very inflamed ear, we suggest that you use these drops combined with other natural remedies for quicker recovery.
Coconut Oil
Is known for its healing properties and many people use it, so why not try its efficiency on your pup’s ear infection. It has both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, furthermore, it will heal cuts and wounds in the ear. Place two tablespoon of coconut oil in a pan on low heat and add two cloves of garlic for extra antibacterial properties. Simmer until the oil is liquid and let it cool, but only enough to still be warm. Test it first on your skin, to prevent any injuries to your dog’s ear. Use a dropper to apply this mixture to your dog’s ear two or three times a day for 5-7 days. When the infection is gone you can use this oil to clean your pup’s ear once a week. Just soak the cotton ball and gently wipe the outer layer of the ear with it.
Oregano Oil
Is an effective natural antibiotic but you need to be careful when you use it since it can be too strong. It is great for any type of ear infections and can also be used for regular ear cleaning. Place only one drop of oregano oil in ½ oz of pure aloe vera juice. Both of these ingredients are easily found in health food stores. Drip a few drops of this remedy into both of your dog’s ears once a day until the infection clears. For ear cleaning, soak a cotton ball with this mixture and gently clean the outer layer of the ear.
Tea Tree Oil
This is a powerful anti-fungal and antibacterial remedy that will disinfect and heal your dog’s ear. On the other hand, it can cause irritations so you need to follow the instructions by the letter. Use a dropper to administer up to 8 drops of tea tree oil into each ear twice a day. Use it for 10 days to get rid of any fungal and bacterial infection. Besides healing abilities this oil has soothing properties and will relieve itchiness and the swelling that is caused by infection. This natural remedy is easy to find in any health food store.
White Vinegar
Every household has a white vinegar so you won’t have to go to the store and spend time searching for the remedy. You can apply it once your pup displays first symptoms of ear infection. It has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties so it is great for any type of ear problems. Use a mixture of 2:1 part white vinegar and slightly warm water. You want it to be at least at the room temperature since cold mixture can damage the ear even further. You need to put two tablespoons into your dog’s ear, and we recommend that you use a syringe. Furthermore, you need to massage the base of your pup’s ear in order to help the solution reach the infected area. For best results use this remedy twice a day for a minimum of 7 days. The severity of the infection will determine if your dog needs longer treatment.
Margosa Oil
This oil poses antimicrobial properties and is often used as a cure for dog ear infections. To make it more powerful and better working you need to combine it with a few more ingredients. Use a ½ tablespoon of eucalyptus oil, 1 tablespoon of tea tree oil, ½ oz of olive oil, and 1 oz of margosa oil and mix it all together. Use a newly created mixture and put 10-20 drops into your dog’s ear once a day for two weeks. This solution can be used on any type of ear infection, and because it has a few ingredients it is great for curing and soothing. Once you place this oil inside the ear, massage the base in order to distribute it through the canal.
Witch Hazel
Has a wide range of healing properties and it is at the same time highly antibiotic. People use it for various reasons, from skin cleaning to healthier hair, and your pup can benefit as well. Besides being able to be used for any type of ear infection, witch hazel will heal any ear sores and wounds. Furthermore, it is gentle enough to soothe redness and irritation. But still powerful to remove bacteria and prevent them from further growth. Place 10 drops of this remedy into your dog’s ears twice a day for at least one week. Massage the base of the ear for the best results. Continue with the treatment if the infection doesn’t clear completely after 10 days.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is used for its healing properties for a long time, and it can also help with dog ear infections. It is easily found in stores, and maybe you have a bottle for yourself already in your home. Since it has soothing properties, aloe gel will cure irritated ear, redness, itching, or skin wounds. Warm up one tablespoon of aloe gel and then apply it to your dog’s ears. Use this remedy two or three times a day as long as you need to. We advise you to use aloe gel combined with another natural remedy for quicker results. You can apply aloe for any type of ear infection no matter how severe it may seams. Also, you can use this gel to clean your pup’s ears once weekly.
Gentian
Also known as Gentian Violet is a powerful anti-fungal agent that is great for fungal ear infections. It will help dry your pup’s ears, this way removing the moist environment fungus thrive in. Besides, do in that Gentian also kills bacteria and prevents the occurrence of the secondary infection. Furthermore, because of its powerful healing properties, this solution can be used on mild, severe cases, and as a preventative cleaning measure. Apply 10 drops twice a day into each ear, and depending on the severity of your pup’s ear infection use it up to two weeks.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Is well-known and used for people to clean the wounds, and although not a natural remedy it is very efficient for ear infections. You can also use it as a part of regular ear grooming by soaking the cotton ball and cleaning the outer layer of the ears. For deep ear cleaning make a solution from one part 3% Hydrogen Peroxide and one part water. Make sure that the mixture is at the room temperature. Use a syringe and apply the mixture to your pet’s ear, massage the base of the ear to help the cleaning process. Dog ear infection home remedy peroxide will remove all the debris, waxy buildup, and dirt and leave the ears clean. When you use Hydrogen be prepared that he will leak out of your pet’s ear so use a clean cloth to remove all the extra moisture. Once you clean your dog’s ears like this, you can apply one of the natural remedies for faster healing.
Colloidal Silver Water
Silver is natural and a well-known antibiotic agent that speeds up healing in wounds and infections. It can be found in various forms and has antiseptic, anti-fungal, and disinfectant properties. Besides healing any type of infection colloidal silver water will also speed the recovery of sores and cuts in ears. Apply 10 drops of this remedy in your dog’s ears once a day until the infection is gone.
Conclusion
Dog ear infections are caused by many reasons and require immediate attention. A common course of action I powerful drugs, that when used frequently can lead to weakening the immune system and lack of good gut bacteria.
This furthermore, leads to the repeated occurrence of ear infection, and the vicious cycle never stops. Natural remedies for dog ear infections are effective and most importantly safe and won’t damage your pet’s health.
If you have a dog who has chronic ear infections we suggest that you try some of these natural remedies. Still, if you don’t see any improvement after a few days, take your pup to the vet, he might have an object lodged in his ear canal.
