Dogs are prone to ear infections and almost every canine will suffer from mild to severe ear infection at some point in their life. If that’s not enough, there are three different types of infection; an inner ear, middle ear, or outer ear infection. Outer ear infections are by far, the easiest to cure. They usually consist of nothing more than inflammations, foul odor, and a waxy discharge. You could rush your best friend to hospital and get him medically treated, or you could try some home remedies for dog ear infections.
Either way, it’s best to consult a vet before administering anything because if you’re in for an ear infection, the veterinarian will use a sample from the affected ear to analyse the type of bacteria that is present in the ear. Unsurprisingly, most ear infections in dogs are caused by fungal growth or bacterial infections, and just general improper hygiene. Some might also get infections out of certain sensitivities or food allergies. Here are some easy and effective home treatment remedies to get rid of dog ear infection.
Symptoms of Dog Ear Infection
Anything from aggressive scratching to mild rubbing of the ear and frequent head shakes is the most obvious and common signs of an ear infection. Swelling and odor might be other symptoms, along with redness and pain.
Causes of Dog Ear Infection
Just as we humans, most ear infections in adult dogs are caused by yeast and bacteria, leading to dog ear yeast infection. A fungal infection is very common, and it is believed that ear mites are a common cause of infections in puppies.
Dog Ear Infection Home Remedies
1. Aloe Vera
The potency of warm aloe vera gel makes it the perfect weapon to cure ear infections. Not only will it sooth the skin, but 1 teaspoon of the gel in each ear, will also help reduce inflammation or irritation in the ear.
2. Almond Oil
Another great home remedy for ear infections in dogs is to pour some warm almond oil into the affected ears. This remedy is often used to loosen the wax and dirt from the ear, effectively reducing the risk of contracting an infection.
3. White Vinegar
A dog ear infection vinegar treatment is a sure way of killing any bacteria in the ear. All you have to do is mix 1 part water and 3 parts vinegar. The mixture should be such that the amount of vinegar is sufficient enough to dry out any excess water, which would otherwise lead to irritation. Just remember to pour the mixture in to your dog’s ear only when it slightly above room temperature because a cooler mix will only cause more pain.
4. Probiotic Yogurt
Just as good for the outside as it is for your insides, probiotic yogurt is great remedy for treating dog ear infection. A small dab of organic yogurt that has live or active strains of probiotic bacteria should be applied on to the affected ear.
5. Mullein
An extract that is taken out of the twigs and leaves of the mullein plant, mullein is a great cure for a dog ear infection. It can help calm the nerves of the inflamed ear, and is highly effective in getting rid of ear infections. Works best if mixed with garlic oil dropped into the affected ears once or twice a say.
6. Pau d’arco
Pau D’Arco contains a potent cleansing agent against that works against candida cells, known as Lapachol. So, by combining two parts of mineral oils and an equal part of pau d’arco, you’ve got yourself an ear infection cure for your dog. Just massage it gently into the ear, twice or thrice a day. The herb called acts like an antibiotic that kills the bacteria that is causing the infection.
7. Herbal Flea Powder
Mites or fleas are a very common cause of ear infection in dogs, and is a bit tougher to get rid of. You can use store bought herbal flea powder that you should them sprinkle on your dog’s body. Herbal flea powder contains a number of natural ingredients like eucalyptus, wormwood, rue, and rosemary. It is effective as it removes mites that have latched on to your pet.
8. Macerated Garlic
Available as freshly macerated garlic or in capsule form, garlic is the perfect remedy for ear infections. Its antibacterial properties allow you treat light to mild infections with ease. You’ll need to let a fresh mixture sit for about two weeks before you can use it on your pet. Works best if used on a daily basis, until the infection is completely healed.
9. Warm Compress
A warm compress applied in the infected ear of your canine will help alleviate various physical symptoms like proximity pain, redness, and irritation. First soak a thick towel in some very hot water and then squeeze out the excess and press it gently next to the ear, holding it for about 5-10 minutes.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
A great disinfectant and bacteria killer, apple cider vinegar is a great way to cure infection, or even to clean the ears. Also, apple cider prevents an existing ear infection from spreading. You can mix equal amounts of acv, water and hydrogen peroxide, and rub it gently into your dog’s ear. Make sure to clean up the mix after you’re done, preventing growth of yeast or bacteria.
11. Vitamin E Oil
Available in the form of cod liver oil, Vitamin E oil is useful when it comes to getting rid of both inner and middle ear infections. Either crush a Vitamin E capsule and use its oil as drops, or simply apply 1-2 drops of cod liver oil into the affected area.
12. Margosa Oil
Margosa oil is a common cure for dog ear infection because of its antimicrobial properties. You can prepare a homemade herbal ear cleaning mix with just ½ a teaspoon of eucalyptus oil, a teaspoon tea tree oil and 30ml of olive oil, along with 4 of margosa oil. Use a dropper to put about 20 drops per infected ear. Massaging the ear’s base will help spread and absorb the oil.
13. Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is a shrub with fragrant yellow flowers and is mainly used for decorative purposes. But by combining equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and witch hazel, you get yourself and effective dog ear infection cure. Just a few drops of this potent mix will reduce any inflammation or discomfort that your pet is experiencing.
Preventing Infections in Dog’s Ear
As always, prevention is better than cure. But in case of dogs, prevention mostly depends on the ability to identify the underlying causes of an ear infection. Sometimes it could be because the ear canal is moist from swimming, bathing or grooming, leading to the growth of microorganisms. In such minor cases, prevention would mean nothing more than cleaning the ear using any of the above methods.
In another set of cases, it is sometimes impossible to identify such underlying causes. Also, dogs are typically playful and adventurous, causing them to often go into messy and unhygienic areas. This makes it a hot bed for the overgrowth of bacteria, fungus and yeast organisms.