Natural Remedies For Dog Ear Infections

It is very beneficial to explore natural remedies for dog ear infections when you find out that your pet is infected.

What Causes Ear Infection In Dogs

To properly apply natural remedies for dog ear infections, it will be important to know the causes of the infections.

There are several reasons why dogs may get ear infections and other ear issues.

Ear mites: In dogs who are extremely sensitive, these microscopic parasites can cause excruciating itching. Dogs may scratch themselves so raw that it causes ear damage or infection.

Something foreign inside the ear. Small thorns or "stickers" from grass, foxtails, or woodland regions are ideal for hiding in a dog's ears. These items irritate and scrape the ear canal if they go inside. Your dog could have an illness at any time. After your dog enters the house from the outdoors, make sure to examine its ears.

Ear hair: Certain dog breeds, including schnauzers, are more prone to develop ear hair, which can lead to infection.

Water in the ears: Ear infections can also result from water that becomes trapped in the ear.

Allergies, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis: In actuality, since allergies can change the ecology inside the ear and encourage infection, ear issues (such as scratching or shaking the head) are frequently the first indication of an allergy.

Trauma: A blow to the head or ears might result in a hematoma (blood blister), a perforated eardrum, and an accumulation of fluids in the ear canal. Natural remedies for dog ear infections can help lessen the cause of infection, but in some serious cases, you need to consult a veterinarian.

Natural Remedy for Dog Ear Infections

Hormone shifts: Ear issues may arise from either an excess or a deficiency of a particular hormone. For example, alterations in sex hormone levels and hormones generated by the adrenal glands (glucocorticoids) can impact ear health, as can low thyroid hormone levels (a disease known as hypothyroidism).

Ear environment: The inner ear flap and ear canal of dogs with floppy ears, such poodles, golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, and other spaniels, are kept warm and moist, creating an ideal breeding ground for germs.

Another environmental issue in a dog's ears is an excessive buildup of oil and/or earwax.

Genetic origins: Certain dog breeds are impacted by uncommon genetic illnesses that affect their ears.

Signs that show your dog has ear infection

Waxy buildup or discharge may be present in addition to smelly ears.

  • Ear discharge: Typically, this appears as yellowish-pastel particles or as tiny black particles.
  • Dog tilts his head to one side or shakes his head back and forth.
  • Dog whimpers or pushes away when you touch his ears, suggesting that he is in agony around his ears.
  • Redness or inflammation of the ear canal or ear flap.
  • Dog scratches or rubs her ears and head against the ground, carpet, furniture, doorways, or other objects.
  • Presence of scabs or crusty skin on the inner ear flap.
  • Loss of hair around the ear.
  • Dog loses her balance or walks in circles.
  • Hearing loss.

You definitely will need some natural remedies for dog ear infections at hand for situations like this.

Natural Remedies for Dog Ear Infections

Before beginning any natural remedies for dog ear infections treatments, make sure your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog. These particular remedies discussed here mostly address yeast infections and regular ear washings to help maintain your dog's ears clear of infections and other issues.

Antibiotics are usually required for bacterial ear infections. However, you may greatly lower your dog's risk of developing ear infections or other ear issues if you frequently inspect and clean their ears with organically based ear washes.

Natural remedies for dog ear infections-cleaning

You should clean your dog's ears on a weekly basis for floppy-eared dogs and once a month for alert-eared dogs in order to avoid ear infections and other issues. When an ear infection initially develops in your dog, you should clean their ears three to four times a day; as the illness goes away, you should wash their ears less frequently.

Cleaning your dog’s ears preserves natural ear environments, removes extra wax and oil. (bacteria likes to grow in oily, waxy ears). Ear cleanin is one of the natural remedies for dog ear infections that prevent disease.

Basic Vinegar Ear Wash

For routine cleansing, a basic vinegar ear wash works well enough. Transfer a few tsp of the mixture into your dog's ear. After giving the area surrounding the base of the ear a gentle massage for a few minutes, let your dog shake her head in an attempt to remove any leftover fluids and debris from her ear. This can be done again if the ears are very filthy. Any excess liquid can be wiped away with a soft cloth.

The visible portion of the ear canal and the interior of the ear flap can both be cleaned using cotton swabs. To avoid possibly hurting your dog's ears, it's recommended to avoid using cotton swabs if your dog wriggles when having her ears cleaned. Even if your dog is well-mannered, you should NEVER clean deeper into their ears with cotton swabs. To clean your dog's ears, use a gentle cotton cloth.

Using one hand to grip the base of one ear and the other to hold the ear flap between your fingers and thumb, massage your dog's ears. Starting at the base of the ear and working your way toward the tip, gently rub the ear flap in a circular motion. The ear gets stretched by this rubbing motion.

Nutrition - Natural Remedies for Dog Ear Infections

It's crucial to keep in mind that most dog ear infections are caused by compromised immune systems, and feeding your dog a natural diet is one of the greatest strategies to stop these deficiencies.

If your physician has prescribed antibiotics for your dog's bacterial ear infection, the medication may cure the infection but won't help your dog’s immune system. Try a food elimination diet; your dog may have dietary allergies if they frequently get ear infections.  Thus, again, the key to managing and preventing ear infections in your dog is to provide them a healthy, toxin-free diet. Nutrition is one of the simple and best natural remedies for dog ear infections.

Consider looking into these natural solutions to help your pet feel better from that bothersome ear infection. Although consulting a veterinarian is always essential for a precise diagnosis and treatment plan, there are several at-home remedies or natural remedies for dog ear infections that can reduce the discomfort that dog ear infections cause.

Aloe Vera - Natural Remedies for Dog Ear Infections

Gently massage the affected region with the gel of an aloe vera plant to provide calming comfort.

Herbal Aloe vera: Use fresh juice to cleanse and massage the ear canal once or twice a day for extremely sensitive or painful ears with minimal discharge. Make use of a liquid gel mixture derived from aloe vera leaves.

Coconut Oil

Apply a small amount of coconut oil inside your dog's ear to reduce discomfort and inflammation.

Calendula Natural Remedies for Dog Ear Infections

For many weeks, steep dried calendula flowers in olive oil; strain and apply topically as required. Carefully apply it on your dog's ears.

Make an ear wash for your dog with 1 teaspoon calendular tincture, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 8 ounces of filtered water if it has an ear yeast infection or irritated ears. Use this solution twice a day until the infection goes away.

Herbal-Calendula-dog ear infections home remedy

One cup of pure water (distilled, spring, or filtered), one teaspoon of a tincture or glycerin extract of marigold flower buds (Calendula officinalis), and one-and-a-half teaspoons of sea salt should be used to flush and massage the ear canal once or twice a day if the discharge is thin, watery, and smelly.

Hazel Witch

Gently wipe your dog's ears with a mixture of witch hazel and warm water using a soft towel or cotton ball.

You might also use this approach: Mix one part witch hazel with three parts apple cider or white vinegar to treat bacterial ear infections. This mixture has a two-pronged effect: Witch hazel has a drying effect and serves as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory in addition to changing the pH of the ear canal. Apply this mixture twice daily until the infection in your dog's ear goes away.

Chamomile Tea

Brew some chamomile tea, let it cool, and use it as an ear rinse because it contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Oil of Garlic -Natural Remedies for Dog Ear Infections

Since garlic is a natural antibiotic, it's a good option for treating ear infections caused by bacteria. Add a few garlic cloves to three ounces of olive oil and squeeze. After allowing the mixture to "brew" for three to four days, add one or two vitamin E capsules and drain through cheesecloth or a fine strainer. Twice a day, use an eyedropper to gently massage a few drops into your dog's ear canal.

Another option is to mix equal parts mullein oil and garlic oil. The common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) possess antibacterial qualities. For every ounce of mullein and garlic oil, add 10 to 20 drops of olive oil.

Ten to twenty drops of olive oil should be used for each ounce of mullein and garlic oil. Apply these natural remedies for dog ear infections  twice a day to your dog’s ear. If there is an open wound, do not use.

Echinacea 

Echinacea boosts immunity, which aids in the battle against disease. Use a dropper to administer the cooled tea to the ear after brewing the Echinacea root.

Tea Tree Liquid

Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil (such coconut or olive oil) and apply it sparingly to the outside part of the ear, avoiding the inner ear.

Sweet almond oil with herbs

Sweet almond oil (Prunus amydalus), which is also calming and restorative for the skin, can be used to flush and massage the ear canal in order to soften and dissolve dark, waxy, oily ear discharge.

Oregano Oil

Lightly coat the outside of the afflicted region with a mixture of oregano essential oil and carrier oil.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Remove any excess wax and debris from the ear canal with 3% hydrogen peroxide to eradicate any possible infection-causing factors. Using a dropper, apply a few drops, wait for it to bubble for a few minutes, and then gently dry.

Silver Colloidal

Colloidal silver's potent antibacterial qualities help in the fight against illness. Apply a few drops to the canal of the ear, then gently massage to distribute.

Mullein Liquid

The anti-inflammatory properties of mulein oil reduces ear discomfort. Blend with a carrier oil and apply a few drops, gently stroking the base of the ear.

Extract from Grapefruit Seeds

Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antimicrobial that can help get rid of infections. After a few drops diluted in water are applied, gently massage the ear.

Oil of Vitamin E

Oil rich in vitamin E has the power to soothe irritated skin and promote healing. Apply a small amount to the afflicted ear after washing.

Neem oil-Natural Remedies for Dog Ear Infections

This is incredibly helpful in avoiding infections with germs and yeast. After cleaning your dog's ears with an ear wash (such green tea and vinegar), mix the ingredients listed below and use ten to twenty drops per ear.

1 teaspoon tea tree oil

1 ounce neem oil

1/2 ounce olive oil

1/2 teaspoon eucalyptus oil

Green Tea Ear Wash

Green tea is a gentle homemade ear wash you may use on a daily basis to clean your dog's ears. Steep two green tea bags in boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes. Allow the tea to cool after steeping them before using. Flush the ears for regular cleaning.

Remember that natural remedies for dog ear infections should be used as supplemental therapy, not as a substitute for professional veterinary care. If your dog's ear infection gets worse or persists, see a veterinarian to ensure the proper diagnosis and course of treatment.

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