Uh oh, is your doggie shaking his head and scratching at his ears? Do they look red and irritated with yucky gunk inside? It sounds like your furry pal might have an ear infection, which is sad. Ear problems are super common in dogs. The good news is you can often help your pup feel better without a trip to the vet. Let’s look at the best natural ways to soothe your dog’s itchy, painful ears at home.
Know the Signs of an Ear Infection
First, you need to learn how to spot an ear infection. Keep an eye out for:
- Head tilting or shaking
- Redness or swelling
- Smelly ears
- Gunky discharge
- Scratching/rubbing at ears
It could be serious if the ears seem painful or your dog has trouble walking. Then you’ll need the vet’s help. But mild infections can be managed at home.
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How To Treat Dog Ear Infection Without Vet?
If the infection is mild, the treatment can be done at home. Here is a dog ear infection treatment at home that you can easily try.
Don’t Stick Stuff in the Ears.
When you see gunk in your dog’s ears, grab a Q-tip and clean it out. Don’t do it. Sticking stuff in your dog’s ears can hurt them more. Never put anything smaller than your pinky finger inside your dog’s ears. Leave the gunk alone and focus on soothing the irritation. The gunk will come out on its own as it starts to heal.
Soothe The Itch With Natural Remedies
There are lots of gentle, natural ways to ease your pup’s ear woes. Things like:
- Apple cider vinegar – cleans and fights bacteria
- Green tea – reduces inflammation and pain
- Oregano oil – calms irritation and prevents infection
- Mullein oil – soothes discomfort and itching
Just dab a bit inside the ear to help your dog feel better.
Try to Keep Those Paws Away: Use a fitting Cone
Dogs with ear gunk just love to scratch. But too much scratching can hurt their ears and make things worse.
Put a cone on your dog’s head so they can’t scratch. If they hate the cone, get them comfy pajamas that cover their paws. Keeping those scratchers away will give your doggo’s ears a chance to heal.
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It Could Be More Than an Ear Infection
Did you know ear gunk and itching can happen when another health problem is going on? Allergies, thyroid issues, and tummy troubles can all make your doggie’s ears go nuts.
You’ve got to dig deeper to find and treat the root cause, not just the ear symptoms. Working with your vet to get the whole dog healthy is key.
Home Remedy For Yeast Infection In Dogs Ear
Apple cider vinegar effectively treats dog ear yeast infections. Mix 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Use a syringe to deposit drops deep in the ear canal. Massage the base of the ear so the solution reaches the problem area before the dog shakes it out. ACV kills yeast and bacteria to cure infection.
What NOT to Put in Your Dog’s Ears
Some common things people use for dog ear infections can be harmful. Avoid:
- Vinegar – While vinegar can kill yeast, it is mostly water and can leave the ear canal too moist. This moisture promotes the growth of new infections.
- Rubbing alcohol – Alcohol can cause burning, irritation, and dryness. Especially risky for already inflamed or raw ear tissue.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Can be too harsh for the sensitive skin inside the ear. Can cause additional irritation and damage.
- Cotton swabs – Can push debris deeper into the ear canal and damage the eardrum. Never insert anything smaller than your pinky finger.
- Undiluted essential oils – Many EOs are toxic to dogs. Must be diluted properly to avoid irritation.
Human ear drops – May contain harmful ingredients that are not safe for dogs. Only use dog-safe products. - Sugary yogurt – The added sugars can feed yeast overgrowth and worsen infections. Only plain yogurt should be used.
- Soap/shampoo – This can disrupt the ear canal’s delicate pH balance. Residues left behind can irritate and promote infections.
Stick with gentler, natural stuff to be safe. And if it looks really bad, call your vet before you put anything in there.
Time to Change Your Dog’s Diet?
Kibble and poor-quality pet food can mess with your dog’s immune system and cause allergies. This leads to ear gunk. Switching your pooch to a natural, high-quality diet with real meat and veggies may help stop ear infections for good. Ask your vet for diet tips.
How to Keep Ear Infections Away
Once your dog’s ears are better, keep infections away by:
- Cleaning gently once a week with olive oil
- Using natural flea/tick control
- Brushing often to avoid dirt buildup
- Not letting them swim too much
- Boosting their immune system with vitamins
Healthy ears are happy ears. It may take some trial and error to get your dog ear infection-free. But with the right mix of natural remedies, diet changes, and lifestyle adjustments you can kiss those itchy ears goodbye.
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FAQs About Treating Dog Ear Infections at Home
Should I Take My Dog To The Vet If They Have An Ear Infection?
It’s a good idea to have your vet examine your dog’s ears to confirm it’s an infection and rule out other problems. But mild infections can often be treated at home without medications if you catch them early.
How Can I Tell The Difference Between A Mild And Severe Ear Infection In My Dog?
Mild infections usually involve gentle head shaking and scratching, mild redness/swelling, and a small amount of discharge. Severe infections may involve head tilting and loss of balance, intense pain, foul odor, and thick discharge. When in doubt, see your vet.
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What Should I Do If My Dog’s Ear Infection Seems To Be Getting Worse?
Contact your vet right away if your dog’s symptoms don’t improve within 2-3 days of starting home treatment, or if they seem to be worsening. Persistent or worsening infections need medical treatment.
Can I Use Rubbing Alcohol Or Hydrogen Peroxide To Clean My Dog’s Infected Ears?
No, these can be irritating and damaging to your dog’s sensitive ear canal. Stick to mild, natural cleansers like apple cider vinegar. Never use cotton swabs either.
How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s Ears When Treating An Infection?
It’s best to minimize cleaning while they heal. Just use a natural remedy and cotton ball to gently wipe the outer area when needed to keep it clean, but leave the interior canal alone.
What Should I Do If My Dog Keeps Scratching Their Infected Ears?
Use an Elizabethan collar and trim their nails short to prevent scratching injuries. You can also try pajamas. Stopping the scratching is key to allowing the infection to heal.
