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.
Common Symptoms of Ear Infection in Dogs
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.
Immediate Care
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.
Most often, a dog ear infection will not go away on its own. All types of otitis require a veterinarian to evaluate the infection and the eardrum. If the eardrum is ruptured, certain cleaners and medications can be toxic to the middle ear.
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. Another option is to use coconut oil, which has antifungal properties.
Zymox: Great At-Home Treatment for Ear Infections in Dogs. Zymox is made for acute and chronic inflammation of the external ear caused by bacterial, viral, and yeast infections. It contains antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral agents.
However, some home remedies such as cleaning the ears with a gentle, vet-approved solution, and using natural remedies like tea tree oil can provide relief for milder infections.
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.
Both apple cider vinegar and rubbing alcohol have antiseptic properties that help to kill any bacteria or fungi present in your dog's ears. The mixture of these two ingredients helps to dry out any excess moisture in your dog's ears, preventing infections.
Normal saline can be used and is very safe. This includes products like Virbac's Epi-Otic Ear Cleaner. Epi-Otic has a low pH of 2.2 and contains no chlorhexidine or alcohol. Other popular, safe options include Zymox cleanser with bio-active enzymes and ear wipes like these.
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.
The probiotics in Greek yogurt also fight yeast infections, which can help dogs with recurring ear or skin infections. Just be sure to avoid flavored or sweetened Greek yogurt, as dogs don't need the added sugar.
Manuka honey has been proven to be helpful in treating dog wounds, kennel cough, and dog ear infections, but hasn't been proven to help with dog allergies. Honey is deemed acceptable to give to most dogs in small quantities.
Oregano essential oil is used by home-remedy proponents to treat dog ear infections, as it has natural anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. It must always be diluted before you apply it. Coconut oil or sweet almond oil are recommended as “carrier oils” to dilute it.
Signs That Your Dog May Have A Yeast Ear Infection
If your dog has a yeast ear infection you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: Red or brown waxy discharge in the ear. Itching, scratching & pawing at the ear. A cheesy or musty smell coming from the ear.
Saltwater is known as an effective way to reduce inflammation. And saltwater could help an ear infection as well – just don't put the salt water directly in your ear. Instead, add one teaspoon salt to one cup of warm water and gargle it for a couple minutes.
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.
Various remedies that can be applied to improve your dog's ear health and get rid of infections are: Coconut Oil: It acts as a great anti-bacterial and anti-fungal component that can be administered to the pooches in their infected ears.
Helping with itchy ears
Add a few drops of coconut oil to your dog's ear and then massage around the area. This will help to clean out excess wax leaving your pup with clean ears.
Proteins that we know can cross react are (chicken, duck, turkey), (beef, milk, lamb) and (chicken, fish). The most common food allergens in dogs are beef, chicken, lamb and wheat.
Dogs with Malassezia infections are very itchy and they tend to smell a bit 'yeasty'. If they have Malassezia ear infections they will constantly shake their head and scratch at their ears. A thick black waxy material may be seen crusting around the ears and the opening of the ear canal.