Home Remedy for Dog Ear Infection: 6 Best Soothing Solutions!

The itching, the whining, the weird odor. If your dog has ever had an ear infection, you're probably familiar with all these symptoms. Ear infections are downright annoying for your dog, and as an owner, you hate seeing your furry friend in pain. This is where natural ear infection remedies can come in handy.

 

 

What is a Dog Ear Infection?

An ear infection occurs when bacteria, yeast, or another irritant runs amok in your dog's delicate ears. These infections cause inflammation in the outer, middle, or inner ear. You may also encounter discharge or an unusual odor. Your dog will be peeved if they have an ear infection. The scratching, head shaking, and whining tells you just how irritating this condition is for your dog!

 

 

Some dog breeds are more at risk of developing an ear infection than others. For example, Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels are more prone to ear infections because of their large, floppy ears. Their ear structures create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast—dark, warm, and moist. Dogs with droopy ears are especially at risk if they swim. Since water can easily get trapped in the ears, the residual moisture can lead to an infection.

 

Read More: Probiotics For Dogs

 

 

Types of Ear Infections in Dogs

There are plenty of natural ear infection remedies, but none of them are created equal. Treatment for dog ear infection depends on what's contaminating your dog's ears and how deep the irritant has traveled. Here are the most common types of ear infections:

 

• Yeast infections: This is one of the most prevalent types of ear infections in dogs. Yeast is a fungus that usually lives in the ear. When the yeast population overgrows, inflammation and unpleasantness occur. Luckily, this ailment is treatable at home.
• Bacterial infections: Germs are another common irritant that can drive your dog nuts. Similar to yeast, bacteria love dark, moist places. Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella spp, and pseudomonas can overtake the ear and cause an infection.
• Mite infestations: This issue occurs when Otodectes cynotis, a parasitic mite, set up shop in your dog's ears. These pesky creatures feed on the wax and oil in the ear. Although these mites don't bite, they cause extreme itchiness. This irritation can cause your dog to scratch excessively, exacerbating the issue.

 

 

 

What Contributes to an Ear Infection?

There is a reason some dogs are more prone to ear infections than others. Being aware of these traits helps you take appropriate care and prevent severe ear infections with natural ear infection remedies.

 

• Ear Structure: Dogs have a slightly different ear structure compared to humans. Their ear canals are vertical and L-shaped, making it easy for fluid to accumulate and become trapped. Dogs with droopy ears are even more prone to contracting ear infections.
• Moisture: Bacteria and yeast thrive in humid conditions. Fluids and oil that fester in the ear canal create a moist environment perfect for bacterial and fungal growth. If your dog lives in a humid climate, or you don't dry their ears well after swimming or bathing, the excess moisture can lead to a bacteria or yeast overgrowth.
• Wax Buildup: Another contributor to ear infections in dogs is wax buildup. It is essential to regularly clean your dog's ears to lower the risk of infection. If your dog has long hair in or around its ears, like a Maltese, you must keep it trimmed to prevent mats and reduce wax. Groomed ear hair improves air circulation and reduces the likelihood of moisture and bacteria accumulating.
• Excessive Cleaning: Though it may sound contradictory, too much cleaning is actually bad for your dog's ears. Much like our own ears, ear wax traps harmful microorganisms and prevents them from harming infecting the ear. Without ear wax, the ear canal would be very dry, making it easy for bacteria and yeast to cause an infection.

 

 

 

Recognizing Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs

Before using natural ear infection remedies, identifying the symptoms of ear infections in dogs is essential for early detection and resolution. Ear infections can cause significant discomfort and lead to more serious health issues if left untreated. Common symptoms of ear infections in dogs include:

 

• Frequent Head Shaking
• Scratching or Pawing at Ears
• Redness and Swelling
• Odor
• Discharge
• Pain and Sensitivity
• Balance Issues

 

 

Prevention of Dog Ear Infections

Seeing your dog in pain from just an ear infection can be an unsettling experience. So, it's always good to know how you can prevent your dog from getting an ear infection. Here are some steps you pet owners can take to ensure your canine companion doesn't contract one of these annoying disorders in the first place:

 

• Dry the ears: A useful technique for preventing your dog's ears from infection is to dry their ears with cotton balls after bathing or swimming. This will prevent moisture from lingering in their ears and causing an infection.
• Remove debris: Another tip is to clean out any foreign objects you see in the outer ear. Any debris left in the ear can end up down in the ear canal and potentially cause infection.
• Avoid harsh cleansers: When bathing your dog, be sure to use a mild shampoo that won't strip their skin of the oils meant to protect it. Although shampoo is NOT supposed to get into their ears, there is always a chance it can. Harsh shampoos can dry out the ears and make them prone to infection.
• Provide supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids are especially helpful in enhancing the immune system and keeping the skin healthy, which go a long way in combatting ear infections. Hemp seed, salmon, and flaxseed oil are excellent sources of Omega-3 acids for dogs.

 

 

 

Natural At-Home Ear Infection Remedies for Dogs

So, how to treat dog ear infection without vet? If you notice that your dog has an ear infection, you shouldn't feel helpless! Below are some home solutions that can treat ear infections in dogs.

 

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is effective to use as dog ear infection treatment at home. Spray a mixture of equal parts apple cider vinegar and distilled water into the ear. Vinegar can fight bacterial and fungal invaders and soothe swelling. The acid may ease any pain that your dog is experiencing.

 

 

Pau D'arco

Mix equal parts pau d'arco and mineral oil and apply to the ear a couple of times a day. Pau d'arco is an antibiotic and one of the most reliable natural ear infection remedies out there, able to kill the bacteria that are causing the infection.

 

 

Olive Oil

Olive oil can soothe irritation, suffocate ear mites, and help float debris out of your dog's ear. Warm-up some olive oil to about the same temperature as your dog's skin (can be any kind of olive oil) and apply a few drops to your pup's ear. Massage for a minute and repeat with the other ear.

 

 

Heat

Heat is one of the most natural ear infection remedies you can get your hands on. Apply a warm compress to the ear several times a day to help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. The heat will also increase blood circulation to the ear and help your dog's body fight off the infection.

 

 

Grooming

You can pluck or trim the extra hairs growing in the ear canal. These hairs can block airflow in the ear and dry out the ear canal, making it more susceptible to infection. If your dog won't sit still to let you do this, bring them to a professional groomer.

 

 

 

Supplement

Supplement your dog's diet with Vitamin C and Omega fatty acids. Both of these nutrients are beneficial for your dog's immune system. Vitamin C stimulates adrenal gland secretions that help to fight ear infections.

 

 

Pro Tip! Try CBD

Try putting some CBD for dogs in their food. Besides the comforting CBD product, they also contains omega fatty acids. Since the formula contains moisturizing hemp seed oil, you could also apply it to their sore ears to calm irritation. However, if the skin is very raw, it is best to consult a vet first.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts - Home Remedy for Dog Ear Infection

If your pet is suffering from an ear infection, there are many home remedies you can try to help fight it off. As you try some of these natural ear infection remedies, keep in mind that healing is a gradual process. Nothing gets cured overnight! Before going straight for the natural remedies or the home remedies, however, you may want to get the problem diagnosed by your vet. That way, you will know what treatment is best for your dog's situation.