A dog ear infection can be easily spotted if your dog shakes his head more than often, scratches behind the ear and gets agitated without any apparent reason. The dog ear infections are caused due to many reasons that include bacterial infections, ear mite infestation, food allergies, fungal growth, unhealthy environment or improper dog hygiene.
A dog ear infection can be of three types, the outer ear infection, middle ear infection and inner ear infection. An outer ear infection is more easy to treat than middle and inner ear infection. An outer ear infection can be detected by inflammation and bad odor of the waxy discharge. In case of middle and inner ear infections, it is best to take your dog to the vet for further treatment.
Dog breeds with large, floppy ears are more prone to ear infections. This is because the large ears tend to trap moisture within the ear due to poor air circulation. This leads to the growth of microorganisms in the ear leading to infections. Also, the dog ear mites get an opportunity to hide and grow within the ear. The hair growth in the ears also block the air circulation. These factors along with improper pet care lead to ear infection in dogs.
You can prevent ear infections in dogs by taking some good home care. You need to clean the dog ears, especially ones with large floppy ears, regularly to prevent development of infections. This also helps in detecting early infections and you can try some immediate home remedies for dog ear infections. If your dog has developed some minor ear infections that can be taken care at home, the following tips on dog ear infection home remedy will prove to be useful.
Dog Ear Infection Remedy
The home remedy helps provide some relief to the dog as well as prevents the infection from spreading. The following are a few home remedies for dog ear infections that are popular among many dog owners.
Dog Ear Infection Cleaning Solution
The first dog ear infection home treatment should be cleaning the dog's ear. You need to use a cotton ball or soft tissue and dip it in a special dog ear cleaning solution. You can use OTC cleaning solutions, but as this article is about home remedies, we shall learn to make a homemade cleaning solution.
The best cleaning solution recommended by vets is made of apple cider vinegar. To make this cleaning solution you need one part apple cider vinegar, one part hydrogen peroxide and one part water. You need to fill the dog's ear with the solution by rubbing at the base of the ear. Allow the dog to shake his head and then clean the ear using the cotton ball or tissue. Using sharp scissors and holding the dog steady, cut the hair within the ear. This will help curb the growth of bacteria or yeast within the ear. This is a very effective dog ear infection home treatment.
Warm Compress
The next home dog ear infection remedy is application of a warm compress. This is very beneficial as it helps reduce the pain, inflammation, irritation and redness of the ear. Other home remedies include, use of cod liver oil or vitamin E oil. This is very good for middle and inner dog ear infection home treatment. You need to put a drop of cod liver oil or vitamin E oil in the dog's ear. You can even use vitamin E soft gel capsules and break them open. The oil inside can be used to clear the dog ear infection. This will help relieve the pain the dog may be suffering.
Macerated Garlic
Another home remedy includes use of macerated garlic. You need two cloves of garlic macerated in olive oil. Let the mixture stand for two weeks and then strain it. You need to put 2 or 3 drops of the warm oil mixture into the dog's ear. You should apply it daily till the infection is totally treated. This dog ear infection remedy is very useful if your dog is prone to developing ear infections often.
Dog Ear Yeast Infection Remedy
In case your pet has developed a dog ear yeast infection, you can try the following remedy. You need to get a tub of organic, natural, probiotic yogurt. The packet should state that it contains active strains of probiotic bacteria. Apply a small amount to the ear and rub in well. This is a very helpful dog ear infection treatment as the natural, good bacterial solution help fight off the yeast infections.
Herbal Ear Infection Remedy
Neem oil is known for its antimicrobial action and you can use it as a remedy. All you need to do is follow the instructions below and make a neem oil ear cleaner. You will need:
- 1 oz Neem oil
- oz Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Tea Tree oil
- teaspoon Eucalyptus oil
Dog Ear Mites Infection
Dog ear mites can also cause ear infections. You can try the dog ear infection remedy for clearing the ear mites using a regular flea powder. You can even use a special herbal flea powder containing rosemary, wormwood, rue, eucalyptus and pennyroyal powder. You need to sprinkle the powder over the body of the dog after a bath as few mites will be able to cling on the dog. This is an effective dog ear mites home treatment for getting rid of ear mites in dogs.
These were a few home remedies for dog ear infections that will help your dog. You should clean your dog's ears regularly using cotton balls and apple cider vinegar cleaning solution. You should follow this precaution whether or not your dog has an infection. You should not use any over-the-counter medicine without the advice of the vet. If the dog ear problem does not seem to reduce, speak to the vet immediately.
Disclaimer: The information and opinions on Buzzle.com are not to be substituted for professional veterinary prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your veterinarian before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested. Your dog's veterinarian can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your pet's unique needs or diagnose the condition based on your pet's particular medical history.
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