Many pets, especially those with long, floppy ears, are prone to ear infections. As a result, many dog owners are aware of the signs of canine ear infections. The following are some of the most common symptoms of dog ear infections:
- Itching and scratching incessantly at the ear
- Shaking of the head, especially when it appears awkward or unnatural
- Ear canal swelling and redness
- Scratching the irritated ear
- Unusual secretion and odor
- Ear scabs or crust over the skin
The ear canals of dogs are significantly more vertical than the ear canals of humans. As a result of its L-shape, it is more susceptible to fluid retention and disturbance caused by bacteria, yeast, or ear mites — all of which are disease-causing organisms.
Dog ear infections can be exceedingly serious, resulting in hearing loss or facial paralysis in some cases. These potentially life-threatening consequences highlight the need to prevent infection and get treatment as soon as your pet develops symptoms.
Cleaning, medication, and maintenance are critical components of caring for and controlling dog ear infections.
Dog Ear Infections: Natural Treatments and Home Remedies
Otitis externa can affect up to 16.5 percent of dogs, and problems can include progression to more severe dog ear infections. Fortunately, you can take some straightforward steps to alleviate the symptoms and lessen the severity of such infections in your canine companion.
Immediate Help
Once your veterinarian has identified the degree and kind of ear infection your dog is suffering from, they will thoroughly clean your dog’s ear to remove debris, discharge, and ear wax from the ear canal. Alternatively, they could use a medicated ear cleaning or topically apply medication.
Your veterinarian may recommend that your pet receive anti-inflammatory drugs or oral antibiotics in more complicated situations.
Long-Term Care Services
Your veterinarian will most likely recommend a topical medicine for your dog. It is critical that you strictly adhere to your veterinarian’s directives and instructions.
Did you know that there are a variety of natural home remedies for treating ear infections in canines?
Dog Ear Cleaner Made from Natural Ingredients
First and foremost, we must clean the ears. It is possible to utilize a range of natural homemade dog ear cleaners, including apple cider vinegar, aloe vera juice, and even witch hazel, to clean the ears.
A favorite remedy to clean the ears naturally is to take the following:
2 cups of freshly brewed green tea (cooled, remove tea bag)
2 tablespoons organic apple cider vinegar
5-drop dose of calendula tincture
Combine all ingredients and administer 1-3 mL of the mixture into your pet’s vertical ear canal with a syringe. Massage the base of the ear. You’re looking for the sound of the liquid squishing. Allow your pet to shake its head, and then wipe away any remaining debris with a soft cloth or cotton balls if necessary. Continue to wipe until there is no waxy residue left.
Dog Ear Infection Treatment Using Natural Ingredients
Following that, you’ll want to employ a natural cure to treat the yeast and bacterial infection, as well as the inflammation that’s causing your dog’s ear to hurt and be sore.
Take a 10 oz spray bottle and the following ingredients to create this natural ear treatment:
Put five drops of essential lavender oil, 5 drops Copaiba essential oil, 5 drops frankincense, and 1 Tbsp Colloidal silver. Then fill the bottle to the brim with either distilled water or cooled, brewed green tea, which is naturally anti-inflammatory. Spray this solution on the ear flap and folds 2-3 times daily until the ear infection clears.
RELATED QUESTIONS:
How can I treat an ear infection in my dog at home?
Natural ear infection therapies such as mullein drops, green tea, apple cider vinegar, and calendula make it simple to control ear infections such as otitis externa. If you’re unsure which type of infection your dog has for deeper ear problems (otitis media and interna), you may need to consult your veterinarian.
Is it possible for a dog’s ear infection to resolve on its own?
Otitis externa can evolve into otitis media, and in some circumstances, otitis interna. As a result, it is critical to treat ear infections early before they worsen. Your dog may develop facial paralysis, deafness, or vestibular disease-related symptoms in severe cases.
