Dog ear infection treatment with apple cider vinegar can be very effective. One warning, it can sting the dog's ears, especially in case of a more severe infection. In that case, you, unfortunately, may need antibiotics to start the healing process.
In the first instance, you can use a diluted apple cider vinegar solution to clean your dog's ears. Apple cider vinegar helps by acting as a cleanser and an anti-fungal and antibacterial agent. Dabbing this into your dog's ears sparingly can help to clean out the inside of their ears and treat the infection.
For example, a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water can be used as a natural ear cleaning solution. Another option is to use coconut oil, which has anti-fungal properties. But, it's important to note that if your dog's infection is severe or persistent, a visit to the vet is the best course of action.
The Treatment
To kill a yeast infection, get raw, organic apple cider vinegar and make a solution of one part apple cider vinegar and three parts water. This is delivered into the pet's ears, which is easier said than done. The best way I found is to do this with a syringe (no needles).
For yeast infection, I frequently recommend an ear-cleaning product that contains ketoconazole. Alternatively, for mild yeast infections I will recommend a homemade mixture of 1- part white vinegar to 2-parts warm water as a nice cleaning solution.
Vinegar Ear Cleaning Schedule
Treat both ears (even if only one ear seems infected) twice daily for two weeks. For maintenance, dog ear infections are treated once or twice weekly.
However, natural doesn't always mean safe. Apple cider vinegar can cause dry skin, potentially worsening itching and dandruff. Some dogs can also have an allergic reaction to apple cider vinegar, worsening skin issues. Apple cider vinegar can also get into your dog's eyes, causing a burning sensation and irritation.
Once a week, spray your dog's fur with the mixture. Although not scientifically proven to get rid of flea, the acidic taste of the vinegar may repel fleas and other parasites. If your dog dislikes being sprayed, dip a washcloth into the mixture and rub your dog's coat. There is no need to rinse your dog afterward.
Give your dog a quick second rinsing with clear warm water to get any vinegar scent out of your dog's fur. Use this rinse to get off any residue from the vinegar and shampoo. Once your dog is washed and double rinsed with water and apple cider vinegar and then water, towel dry them.
For dry itchy skin, hot spots, or skin infections you can bathe your pet in warm water then rinse him or her with a solution of 1 part ACV to 3 parts water. This vinegar rinse will also leave their coats soft and shiny. Sponge undiluted vinegar into your dog's coat and skin.
Here's how to soak your dog's paws. Start by making a shallow bath of warm water and apple cider vinegar. The most common ratio to use is a 50/50 mix of ACV and water. Soak for about 3 minutes, but not over 5 minutes.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties. You could mix two tablespoons in warm water and drink it up or dip a cotton ball in it and dab over your skin. Doing this thrice a day should produce beneficial results.
Apple cider vinegar has a lot of uses for not only humans but also pets. If your pet has itchy skin, this concoction of 50/50 water and ACV spray can help relieve your pet's skin allergies or irritation. This home remedy can also be used in a bath format.
Outer ear infection (otitis externa).
A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an ear infection, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems.
You can also use natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil to combat infections. However, it's crucial to avoid inserting anything into your dog's ear canal, as this can cause further damage. If your dog's symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to seek veterinary care.
They will likely extract a sample from the infected area to look at under a microscope. From there, they can determine whether your dog has an ear yeast infection or bacterial infection – or both! Your vet will prescribe medication to treat the infection.
Causes of Yeast Ear Infection in Dogs
Trapped moisture - particularly in dogs with long floppy ears. Antibiotics. Immunodeficiency. Too much bathing.
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.