Ear infections in dogs are a common nuisance. Thankfully, they can be treated very easily and the symptoms usually subside just hours after treatment begins. Most pet owners seek veterinary assistance if they suspect their pet has an ear infection, but home remedies for dog ear infection can also be very effective.
As with any home remedy, you will need to keep a close eye on your dog's condition until it has cleared up completely. If the symptoms get worse, you will need to seek veterinary help immediately. Home remedies usually need to be applied more often than medications, because the ingredients are not as strong as the chemicals in prescription treatments or over-the-counter remedies.
It's important to keep your dog's ears in good condition. Your dog's ears aren't just used for hearing. They also help him with balance and coordination. If left untreated, ear infections can not only lead to hearing loss but also a drastic decline in your dog's overall health and well-being.
Dog ear care products and medication don’t need to be complicated or expensive. Some of the best ear infection treatments can be made right at home. And, it's likely that you already have the ingredients on hand.
How to Make Home Remedies for Dog Ear Infection
My go-to home remedies for dog ear infection are simple to make and only require a few ingredients. I recommend keeping these ingredients on hand at all times, because you never know when you may need them.
Also, remember to always use cotton balls or cotton rounds to clean or apply treatment to your dog's ears. You should NEVER use cotton swabs inside your dog's ears. You can easily push the swab too far into the ear canal and do permanent damage to your dog's hearing.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The home remedy that I think is most effective is a mixture of 1 part water and 1 part apple cider vinegar. The vinegar has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also highly acidic, which helps it to eat through the dirt debris and wax build-up in your dog's ear.
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to kill yeast and bacteria – the two main causes of dog ear infections.
To use this remedy, you can either wet a cotton ball and swab it around the inside of your pet's ear or put a small amount of the liquid in your dog's ear with a syringe. If you choose to put the liquid directly into the ear, be sure to massage the base of the ear to work the mixture around thoroughly. Then, allow your pet to shake his head and wipe away any excess liquid.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has many health benefits for dogs, and one of them is that it is an effective home remedies for dog ear infection. When using coconut oil to treat an ear infection, you'll need to melt it into liquid form first.
Of course, you don't want to apply hot oil to the ear. You'll need to allow the oil to cool enough that it won't hurt your dog, yet not enough to congeal.
Dip a cotton ball in the softened oil and wipe a thin layer throughout your dog's inner ear. Coconut oil has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It can be used to treat ear infections caused by yeast or bacteria.
As with most home remedies, you'll need to apply each of these treatments more often than most over-the-counter or prescription medications. Whichever home remedies for dog ear infection that you choose, apply it 3-4 times per day for at least 7 days. Be sure to continue applying the treatment until all signs of the infection have been gone for at least 48 hours.
READ NEXT: Top 5 Best Dog Ear Infection Treatments (Over the Counter)
