Ear infections in dogs are a common problem.
Fortunately, they can be treated very easily and the symptoms usually disappear within a few hours of starting treatment.
However, if left untreated, the resulting problems can be drastic.
If you don't know how to treat a dog's ear infection, he could lose his hearing.
However, most pet owners seek veterinary help when they suspect their pet has an ear infection.home remediesit can also be very effective for canine ear infections.
If you are trying a home remedy, keep an eye on your pup.
If the symptoms worsen, you should seek veterinary help immediately.
It is important to keep your dog's ears in good condition. Your ears are not just for listening. They also help you with balance and coordination.
Left untreated, ear infections can lead to hearing loss and a drastic decline in your dog's overall health and well-being.
home remedies for ear infections in dogs
As with any home remedy, you should keep an eye on your dog's condition until the ear infection clears up completely.
If the symptoms worsen, you should seek veterinary help immediately.
Home remedies generally need to be used more frequently than medications.
This is because the ingredients are not as potent as the chemicals in prescription treatments or over-the-counter remedies.
Dog ear care products and medications don't have to be complicated or expensive. Some of the best treatments for ear infections can be done at home.
And you probably already have the ingredients on hand.
1. Apple cider vinegar
The most effective home remedy is a mixture of1 part watermi1 part apple cider vinegar. who has vinegarantiseptic and anti-inflammatoryCharacteristics.
It's also very acidic, which helps remove dirt and wax from your dog's ear.
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to kill yeast and bacteria, the two main causes of ear infections in dogs.
To use this remedy, you can either wet a cotton ball and rub it on your pet's ear, or put a small amount of the liquid into your dog's ear with a syringe.
If you are putting the liquid directly into the ear, be sure to massage the base of the ear to distribute the mixture evenly.
Then, have your pet shake his head and wipe up the excess liquid.
2. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has severalhealth benefitsfor dogs, and one of them is that it is an effective home remedy for canine ear infections.
When using coconut oil to treat an ear infection, you must first melt it into a liquid form.
Of course, you don't want to get hot oil in your ear. You want to let the oil cool enough that it won't harm your dog, but not so much that it freezes.
Dip a cotton ball into the softened oil and apply a thin layer to the dog's inner ear.
has coconut oilantibacterial of courseand antifungal properties.
You can use it to treat ear infections caused by fungi or bacteria.
Regardless of how you treat your dog's ear infection,Apply 3-4 times a day for at least 7 days.
Be sure to continue treatment until all signs of infection are gone for at least 48 hours.
Remember, if the infection worsens, you should call your vet immediately.
The Best Over-the-Counter Treatments for Ear Infections in Dogs
While home remedies are natural, less invasive, and often work for minor ear infections in dogs, they are not always the best solution. Yo
If you have noticed that these home remedies are not effective enough, you may need a stronger solution.
The following are some of the best canine ear infection treatments that are available without a prescription.
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Common Questions About Ear Infections in Dogs
If you still have questions about your dog's infected ear, or just want a quick overview of the key information above, these questions should help.
How can I treat my dog's ear infection at home?
You can try to treat it at home with a simple ear cleaning.
Common home remedies include apple cider vinegar and coconut oil, which you can apply to the affected ear with cotton swabs.
Or you can get a vet-approved ear cleaning solution and use that.
Will a dog ear infection go away on its own?
It is possible, but not likely, that the infection will go away. If the infection affects the middle and inner ear, ear canals, or any other part of the ear, you should see a veterinarian.
More importantly, dog owners are often unaware of serious ear conditions, such as a ruptured eardrum.
This is especially concerning, as a ruptured eardrum can make certain medications and ear cleaners toxic to your dog's middle ear and even lead to serious chronic illness.
Can you put peroxide in a dog's ear if it has an ear infection?
Since you probably have peroxide at home, you may want to use it to keep your dog's ears clean.
NO! It would help if you never used hydrogen peroxide or alcohol for this. Both can aggravate recurring ear infections and inflame the ear canal.
How do you know if a dog has an ear infection?
Most ear infections are accompanied by your dog's signals that something is wrong. He may not notice anything in the outer ear, or it may be red, swollen, or crusty.
There may also be ear odor, discharge (yellow, brown, or bloody), or hair loss in the area.
You may also notice head shaking or your dog scratching at his ear. These are all dog ear infection symptoms to look out for.
What should you expect at the vet for ear infections?
Expect your vet to thoroughly examine your dog's ears. He or she will examine the ear canal for ear mites and irritated skin inside the ear.
In addition to looking for an infection, the vet wants to determine what species it is.
Otitis refers to an ear infection and types include otitis media, otitis interna of the middle ear, otitis externa, and infections affecting the internal ear canal or vertical ear canal.
Are dogs with floppy ears more prone to chronic ear infections?
Yes, if your dog has floppy ears there is an increased risk of developing ear infections. Dogs that swim a lot are also at higher risk. Either way, moisture plays a role in canine ear infections.
What do vets give dogs with ear infections?
Your vet will treat your dog's chronic infections by treating the underlying cause. If it's a bacterial infection, you'll likely need to give your pup antibiotics for about six to eight weeks.
If the underlying cause is a fungal infection, wait for an antifungal. The fungicide also helps with a yeast infection.
Most vets will prescribe oral antibiotics, which you can easily hide in dog treats.
Your vet may also suggest allergy testing to make sure the infection or irritation isn't caused by dust mites or other allergens.
Your vet can also offer options to treat or prevent ear infections, including recurring ear infections.
What is the best remedy for ear infections in dogs?
The best remedy always depends on the cause of the dog's infection. It could be a fungicide, an antibacterial drug, or something else.
What happens if a dog's ear infection is not treated?
It would help if you never leave an ear infection untreated. At best, your dog will continue to be in pain.
However, it is much more likely that the ear canal, pinna, or other parts of the ear are also severely damaged.
A deep infection can cause the eardrum to rupture or cause serious damage. Your dog may even develop permanent hearing loss.
Summary of how to treat an ear infection without a vet
You now have a few options for treating ear infections in dogs without a vet.
Like I said before, both apple cider vinegar and coconut oil have antifungal properties, and these home remedies for canine ear infections are great resources before you get started on the heavier stuff like prescriptions and vets.
READ THIS:Top 5 Treatments for Dog Ear Infections (Over the Counter)
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