Earaches are commonly caused by yeast infection or by the wounds built within the ear canal due to extreme itching. Many dog owners rave about Tea Tree oil for dogs ears as an effective pain-relieving agent. The calming and soothing properties of the oil don't let your dog remain in earache anymore.
Undiluted tea tree oil should never be given to dogs, as it can be very toxic. Although diluted tea tree oil is thought to have some antibacterial and antifungal properties, it can cause burning, stinging, and damage to an inflamed ear.
Using oil of oregano as a home remedy in treating ear infections in dogs is fairly easy and straightforward. Dilute a few drops of oil of oregano with a carrier oil (like olive oil) and apply a small amount using a dropper into the ear canal. Gently massage the base of the ear.
Tea tree oil is safe for dogs only in very small concentrations (0.1% to 1%), but the wrong dilution ratio can be harmful.
First and foremost, it's important to regularly clean your dog's ears with a gentle ear cleaner. 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.
They may use a medicated ear cleaner or apply a topical medication. In more severe cases, the vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or oral antibiotics for your pet. Your vet will likely prescribe a topical medication to your dog.
So, you must dilute the oil with some carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil. Next, take a dropper and mix Tea Tree oil with half a glass of water. Then, take a cotton swab or folded tissue paper and gently rub the oil on the dog's ears' infected parts.
Symptoms of tea tree oil poisoning are: Muscle weakness. Loss of coordination. Vomiting.
The oil can also be found in soaps, toothpaste, lotions, and skin creams. Tea tree oil is toxic, to both humans and pets, if taken orally. In Australia 100 percent tree tea oil is categorized as a schedule 6 toxin. Packaging there requires child-proof containers and cautionary labeling.
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.
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.
Dark brown or black—This type of earwax is commonly associated with yeast and/or bacterial ear infections. It's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if earwax is this color. Brown—Light brown earwax is normal and expected. If the wax is accompanied by odor or inflammation, it can be a sign of infection.
Simply mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and apply it to your dog's ears using a cotton ball. Another natural remedy is tea tree oil — but be warned, it is potent and should be diluted before use. Simply mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, and apply it to the affected area.
Tea tree oil contains a type of chemical called terpenes. These are the chemicals that give the oil its power against bacteria and fungi. But unfortunately, for pets are a toxic agent. Terpenes are rapidly absorbed into the body whether taken orally or on the skin.
Tea Tree Oil
Mix a few drops of oil with a tablespoon of olive oil and warm slightly. Fill a clean dropper with the mixture and drop into the infected ear. Lay on your side with the oil in your ear for about three minutes.
Remember to see your veterinarian for medication such as antibiotics as well as an ear cleaning solution that will help your dog's ears heal quickly. You can make ear cleaning solutions at home using apple cider vinegar and lukewarm water. Apple cider vinegar will help kill yeast or bacteria.
Natural Remedies to Try
It's worth noting that while natural remedies work well in some cases, a vet visit is still necessary in others. One remedy that has been successful is a homemade saline solution. Combine a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gently flush your dog's ears with the mixture.
Never put anything in your dog's ear without veterinary instruction. Your veterinary team can help you find the ideal treatment to treat the infection and give your dog much-needed relief. Itchy, uncomfortable ears can be caused by everything from ear infections to allergies and ear mites.
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.
Apple cider vinegar can clean a dog's ears and rebalance the skin pH, but it will also dry out ears to combat yeast and bacterial infections. When using apple cider vinegar around your dog's ears, remember to never use it on raw or open sores since it is an acid and will burn and cause irritation.
To clean the ears, tilt your dog's head downward with one hand and squirt a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian into the ear, filling the canal. Holding the ear closed, give it a nice massage, really squishing the cleanser around in there. That softens any gunk inside.
Your veterinarian will take a swab of the ear discharge and look at it under a microscope to see if it's mites, yeast, or bacteria, and then prescribe the appropriate medication. Treatments include antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-mite medications that are usually applied to the skin.