Home Remedies For Dog Ear Infection

So, what causes ear infections in dogs?

First, you must understand what an ear infection in dogs means and how it affects a dog. Many people mistake ear infections in dogs for otitis in dogs, but they are two different things.

Otitis refers to an inflammation in a dog’s ear, and is can be the result of: an allergic reaction, foreign cavities present in the ear cavity or caused by viral, bacterial or fungal infections. In addition, when we talk about ear infections in dogs yeast plays a large role! Otitis usually then appears due to a colonization by pathogens which causes inflammation in the ear canal. However, otitis is not always caused by infection. For more, you’re welcome to take a look at our article about; perforated ear drums in dogs.

Common causes of ear infection in dogs include;

• bacteria
• fungi
• yeast
• excessive moisture
• reaction to medication
• dog allergies
• the presence of foreign bodies
• ear-wax buildup
• Hypothyroidism in dogs

If you think your dog may have an ear infection, it is very important to go to the vet as soon as possible. A dog’s ear infection begins with a pathogenic colonization and inflammation of the ear canal and not treated in time, it can eventually affect the middle and inner ear. This can then cause irreversible damage to a dog’s eardrum.

A vet will take into account the dog’s medical history as well as the symptoms presented. If your dog has an ear infection, a professional will also usually perform an otoscopy to assess the state of the ear canal, in addition to analyzing the pathogen that is causing the infection. A veterinarian will also be able to tell you if your dog is suffering from chronic ear infection in dogs or an acute ear infection in dogs.

Conventional veterinary treatment usually includes antibiotics for ear infection in dogs, specifically in the case of a bacterial infection or yeast ear infection in dogs. A professional might also opt for anti-fungal agents, in the case of a fungal infection in your dog’s ear. This ear infection in dogs medicine is generally administered topically as ear drops for ear infections. However, when the ear infection is severe, they may also be administered orally. However, as with all orally administered medication, there is a increased potential for side effects.

If you choose to rather use home remedies for ear infections in dogs, make sure to consult your veterinarian beforehand.

When the inflammation in your dog’s ear is caused by an ear infection, you can opt for some for alternatives to medication (only under the supervision of a veterinarian). Are you looking for the right essential oil for dog ear infection? Most dog ear infection home remedy essential oil tricks, aim to treat the bacteria and fungi produce by the ear. If you want to know how to cure ear infection in dogs, take a look at our natural remedy for ear infection in dogs include:

• Essential tea tree oil for dog ears: Tea tree oil is an ideal choice for any type of dog ear infection, whether caused by bacteria or fungi. This is because tea tree oil is known for its therapeutic benefits, specifically when it comes to treating skincare problems. If the ear has no injuries, you can apply 2 or 3 drops directly to your dog ears daily. However, if there are wounds apparent on your dog’s ears, you will have to alter this essential oil treatment for your dog’s ear infection.Mix the tea tree oil with sweet almond oil, adding 20 drops of the essential oil in half a glass of sweet almond oil. Apply 5 drops of this mixture to your dog’s ear daily. However, make sure that after using this treatment you check whether or not your dog experiences any allergic reaction. If you notice that your dog suffers any irritation or additional rashes after applying this mixture, rinse its ear immediately and visit your veterinarian.

• Applying warm compresses to a dog’s ear: Topical heat acts as a vasodilator, which decreases swelling and pain very rapidly. In addition, heat dilates blood vessels, improves tissue irrigation and helps for an easier recovery. Soak a cotton washcloth with hot water, and after draining the excess water, apply on your dog's ear through gentle pressing, several times a day.

• Mashed garlic to help ear infection: Garlic is known for its antiseptic properties, able to kill bacteria and germs. Mash two cloves of garlic and pour into a hermetically sealed jar with olive oil and mullein leaves(medicinal plant) , then let stand overnight (the longer it sits the more effective). The next day, strain the mixture and add 5 drops of this solution to your dog's ear. Administer on a daily basis.

• Aloe vera for dog ear infection: Pure aloe vera juice is ideal in protecting your dog's ear canal. Applied topically, it reduces inflammation and relieves pain due to its emollient action. Apply it directly into the dog's ear at least 2 times a day. For more, take a look at our article on: Uses of Aloe Vera In Dogs.

One of the most common dog ear infection home remedy includes the use of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is often used as an antiseptic solution to clean accumulated wax in a dog’s ears. You may be wondering, however, is hydrogen peroxide good for a dog’s ears? well, ONLY under medical supervision of a professional. DO NOT apply hydrogen peroxide to you dog’s ears without consulting a veterinarian first!Depending on the case, using peroxide to clean your dog’s ears could worsen the case.

If you, however, your veterinarian says it’s alright for you to use peroxide to clean your dog’s ears, you can follow these steps. Mix in equal parts hydrogen peroxide, water and apple cider vinegar. Soak a cotton ball with this solution and proceed to clean the affected ear.

If, however, you don’t know how to clean your dog’s ears, we recommend reading our: step By step to cleaning a dog’s ears.

It's always better to be safe than sorry. That’s why we recommend following these tips on how to prevent ear infections in dogs;

• Never use alcohol to clean your dog’s ears.
• Clean your dog's ears once a month with an antiseptic solution, such as; hydrogen peroxide (under veterinary guidance).
• Prevent excessive moisture in your dog’s ears. Dry the dog's ears thoroughly after bathing and make sure your dog doesn’t spend too much time in the water.
• If your dog is prone to ear infections, insert a cotton ball into its ears before bathing your dog to prevent the entrance of excessive water.
• Ensure your dog follows a balanced diet to keep its immune system in an optimal state.
• If your dog is prone to ear infections, check its ears regularly. Look out for any excessive dirt, scratches, discharge or parasites. If any of these are present, make sure to address them immediately.
• DO NOT overclean your dog’s ears, as it can affect a dog’s natural flora balance in its ears.
• Make sure you follow your dog’s vaccination and deworming calendar strictly.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Home Remedies For Dog Ear Infection, we recommend you visit our Bacterial diseases category.