13 Home Remedies for Dog Ear Infection
The infection can be of 3 types- inner ear infection, middle ear infection and outer ear infection. In comparison to inner and middle ear infection, it’s easier to cure an outer ear infection (which is usually accompanied by bad odor of the waxy discharge and inflammation), if you resort to home remedies. In case of middle and inner ear infection, its best to consult a vet.
Some of the major reasons that lead to this condition in dogs are improper hygiene, fungal growth, bacterial infections, unhealthy environment, food allergies and mite infestation. To help your dog overcome this problem, here are some easy home remedies that you can use.
1. Macerated Garlic
In case of mild infection, this remedy can be used. Steep 2 garlic cloves in olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 2 weeks. Then, strain it. Pour 2-3 drops of the mixture in the pet’s ear. Use it on daily basis until the infection heals fully.
2. Warm Compress
Apply warm compress to cure the outer ear infection. It effectively treats the associated symptoms like redness, pain, inflammation and irritation of the ear. Soak a towel in hot water. Squeeze the excess water. Hold and press gently on dog’s ear. Employ this remedy several times a day for the best results.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Add 2 tablespoons of ACV (apple cider vinegar) to a cup of water. Give it to your dog at least 2 times a week. You can also cleanse the ears with this solution. ACV does not let the ear infection aggravate.
- Alternatively, mix equal quantities of water, hydrogen peroxide and apple cider vinegar. Put this solution in the pet’s ear and rub the base of the ear. Thereafter, using a cotton ball, clean the ear. This will prevent the growth of yeast or bacteria.
Use cod liver oil or Vitamin E oil to get rid of inner and middle ear infection of the dog. Crush a Vitamin E capsule and use the oil as the ear drop. Alternatively, put 1-2 drops of cod liver oil in the affected ear.
5. Margosa Oil
The antimicrobial properties of margosa are commonly used to cure dog’s ear infection. You can prepare herbal ear cleaner by mixing ½ teaspoon eucalyptus oil, 1 teaspoon tea tree oil, ½ oz olive oil and 1 oz margosa oil. Put 10-20 drops of this ear cleaner into the affected ear of dog, with the help of a dropper. Massage the ear’s base gently to spread the oil. This remedy will soothe the inflammation and provide relief.
6. Witch Hazel
Combine equal quantities of organic apple cider vinegar and witch hazel. Pour a few drops of this solution in dog’s ear with a dropper. It will decrease the discomfort that your pet is experiencing.
7. Aloe Vera Gel
Warm some aloe vera gel. Pour 1 teaspoon of it in each ear of the dog. This will help cure redness or irritation in the ear.
8. Almond Oil
Warm some almond oil and put ½ teaspoon of this oil in each ear. This remedy is very useful in loosening the wax and dirt, thereby reducing the risk of infection.
9. White Vinegar
Combine water and vinegar. The quantity of the vinegar in the mixture should be enough to dry out the excess water; otherwise, the left over water will lead to irritation. While pouring the mixture in dog’s ear, ensure that it (the mix) is at room temperature, as the cool mixture will cause more pain.
10. Probiotic Yogurt
Apply a small amount of organic probiotic yogurt (it must have active strains of probiotic bacteria) to the ear. Rub well. This is the best natural remedy to ward off yeast infections.
11. Mullein
Mullein extract is obtained from the twigs and leaves of the mullein plant. It soothes the inflammation of the ear, and is very effective in treating certain types of ear infection. Or else, mix together garlic oil and mullein oil. Put a few drops of this oil mixture in pet’s ear, 1-2 times a day.
12. Pau d’arco
Combine equal parts of mineral oil and pau d’arco. Massage the ear with this oil twice or thrice a day. This herb called pau d’arco acts as an antibiotic and kills the infection-causing bacteria and fungi.
13. Herbal Flea Powder
Mites or flea may also be the responsible for ear infection in dogs. After a bath, sprinkle herbal flea powder that contains pennyroyal powder, eucalyptus, rue, wormwood, and rosemary, on the dog’s body. It will remove the mites clinging to the pet and provides respite from the symptoms related to ear infection.
Do’s
- Before using any home remedy, douse the infected ear with warm water, in order to eliminate irritants. Dry the ears properly.
- Maintain good hygiene.
- Groom your dog frequently to reduce the risk of ear infection.
- Check your dog’s ears for twigs, leaves and other foreign objects.
- For good aural health and boosting up the immune system, give Vitamin C to your dog.
- Cut all the hair growing in the ear canal, as they hinder the flow of air in the ear, which increases the risk of infection.
Don‘ts
- Avoid use of over-the-counter medications without consulting a vet.
