Pets are susceptible to ear infections caused by bacteria, yeast and ear mites. Apply a few drops of coconut oil to your pet's ears each day to soothe itchiness, clear up infection, kill mites, and keep their ears clean and healthy.
Use a dropper and squeeze two to three drops in the ear while massaging it for 3 minutes. Dip a cotton swab in the mixture and swab the inner part of the ear. Coconut oil contains antifungal properties that can clear the yeast infection, and it's available in any local food store.
You can use coconut oil for an ear infection to relieve symptoms, treat the infection, and prevent recurrent infections. Coconut oil naturally fights off various bacteria, viruses, and fungi and can help soothe painful symptoms.
Put oil (mineral oil, olive oil, or coconut oil) into a dropper and squeeze 5 or 6 drops into your dog's ear. Massage the oil into your dog's ear and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, gently wipe the outer ear clean with a cotton ball. Do this every day for a month.
Olive oil, mineral oil or coconut oil—oils are relatively safe to use, and olive oil can kill ear mites by smothering them though it takes many weeks to clear ear mites with this method. However, as before, if your pet has a serious ear infection, she needs proper medication to resolve the infection.
Types of Essential Oils for Ear Infections
Some research suggests that three specific oils—tea tree oil, garlic oil, and basil oil—may help fight ear infections and improve symptoms.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the best essential oils for ear infection because it not only decreases the irritation in your inner and outer ear, but also helps open up the Eustachian tubes. It also produces soothing effects when it makes contact with the swollen eardrum.
In the meantime, there are some home remedies you can try to ease your pet's discomfort, such as a warm compress, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide ear flush, and the use of natural anti-inflammatory agents like coconut oil or aloe vera gel.
To use coconut oil topically, apply it to the skin about once a week, and let it be absorbed for a few minutes. After five minutes or so, rinse your dog off. If he still feels excessively greasy or oily, you can follow up with a light shampoo and rinse.
Signs of ear mites in dogs include scratching around the ears, head and neck, skin irritation, head shaking, the presence of an ear discharge that is dark and waxy (resembling coffee grounds) and an unpleasant odour from the ears.
Coconut Oil for dogs
If your pooch ails from an ear infection, just pour two tablespoons of coconut oil in a saucepan then add two fresh garlic cloves. Heat the pan on low heat until all the oil melts to a liquid. Once the concoction has cooled a bit, use a dropper to pour a few drops on your dog's ears.
Olive oil works as a cleaner for dog's ears; do not use an excessive amount. Put a few drops in the ear while massaging it and then use a cotton ball to remove the debris. Dab a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and add drops of coconut oil for your dog's ears; it is an effective cleanser.
Olive oil is thought to help break up hardened wax in the ear canal while hydrating the skin of the ear. Putting olive oil in the ear does not appear to be harmful, but there is little evidence that it can help treat earwax or ear infections.
In addition, some people suggest that placing a few drops of warmed olive oil into the ear of someone with an ear infection can be soothing and comforting. While it is unlikely to cause harm, there is no research to show that this remedy is effective.
A 2017 study confirmed the strong antibacterial properties of ACV, even in low doses. It is believed the acetic acid, which can damage microbial cell walls, is a key reason why ACV seems to reduce the severity of some bacterial infections, including those affecting the ears.
The body's immune system can often fight off middle ear infection on its own. Antibiotics are sometimes not needed for middle ear infections. However, severe middle ear infections or infections that last longer than 2–3 days need antibiotics right away.
If your ear infection is caused by Aspergillus, grayish-black or yellow dots surrounded by cotton-like fungal spores will form in your ear canal. If it's caused by Candida, there won't be any visible fungi that forms. Instead, there will be a thick creamy white discharge.
Certain natural substances have antibacterial properties, including garlic, ginger, and honey. While these may be of benefit as part of a balanced diet, they are not a replacement for prescription medication.
Another option is to use coconut oil, which has antifungal properties. Apply a few drops to your pup's ear canal, and gently massage it to help it spread. Whatever natural remedy you try, ensure that it is safe for your furry friend, and if symptoms persist, seek veterinary assistance.
Never put olive oil, vinegar, shampoo, or any other substance in a dog's ear. Also, avoid poking around with cotton buds in the ear, you will only work any wax and debris further in and potentially damage the eardrum.