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).
Anti-fungal ear drops are the most common treatment for dog ear yeast infections. Your vet may also prescribe oral anti-fungal tablets and pain relief medication if your dog's ear is very painful. For severe infections, an ear flush under general anesthesia may be necessary.
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.
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.
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.
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. Remember, before purchasing any ear cleaning solution, please contact your veterinarian for advice.
That remedy is as simple as white vinegar! White vinegar is the most effective when treating Malassezia dermatitis in dogs, while apple cider vinegar is superior for treating Candida albicans infections. A vinegar rinse is made by diluting vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and is applied to the skin and left to dry.
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.
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.
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.
When some dogs eat ingredients such as chicken, wheat, corn or other individual items, ingestion will trigger an allergic reaction that can alter the natural flora and allow an unnatural growth of yeast. If your pet suffers from yeasty ears, attempt altering their diet to eliminate common triggers.
Your solution should contain less than 25 percent vinegar, so you'll need 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water. Never use hydrogen peroxide and alcohol for ear cleaning; they can damage the ear canal and cause overall discomfort, she warns.
You can clean your infected dog"s ears yourself, but be sure to avoid using cotton buds as these can push debris further into the ear canal, causing more severe problems. It is best to use a saline solution to clean the ears. You can make this by boiling water, letting it cool, and adding salt.
Manuka honey is considered one of the strongest natural antibiotics for dogs. It is used to treat wounds and lesions.
Probiotic yogurts are not only safe for humans, but they are safe for dogs as well. This is beneficial because it means that a healthy gut is promoted. If that was not enough, the probiotics found in yogurts can help your dog to fight yeast infections, which can result in ear and skin problems.
Is antifungal cream safe for dogs? Use of a topical antifungal cream, such as miconazole cream, is safe in small portions when applying it to a single skin lesion.
Hot humid weather provides the perfect environment for yeast to grow. When that moisture and warmth are combined with a lack of airflow caused by the shape of your dog's ears, yeast infections can often result.
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.
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.
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.
You can use a natural home remedy to clean dogs' ears such as organic witch hazel or olive oil. Just dab a little on a cotton ball (never use a Q-tip!). Start with the ear flap and wipe thoroughly. Always use a fresh cloth so you don't spread debris.
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.