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by Denyse Lessard February 25, 2023 13 min read
If you're still wondering about how to treat dog ear infection without vet until now, then you've come to the right place.
Besides helping you become familiar in detecting the signs of dog ear infections, this blog post will also get you in on the natural ear infection remedies that you can go for when this health problem gets in the picture.
While this may sound surprising, your canine family member will be at risk of dog's ear infections at some point of his life. This condition typically affects the middle and inner ear, but also targets the ear flap and ear canals in some cases. These can even escalate to recurring ear infections if not given the right care and attention, too.
How about we start things off by finding out what dog ear infection exactly is?
Like its name implies, a dog ear infection is a health issue that affects a dog's ear. It is a condition that can strike at the outer ear, the middle and inner ear, the ear drum, the ear canal as well as the ear flap. Dog ear infections are considered as one of the most common disorders among dogs.
I'd just like to point out that while a dog ear infection may not be that unusual, it is very important that you must have the know-how in treating dog ear infections the right way. There are even natural home remedies for dog ear infections that you can include in your home pet care checklist!
What you don't want to happen is allowing these health problems to progress into chronic ear infections sooner or later, which can have a significant impact on your pet's overall quality of life. Recurring ear infections are not just very uncomfortable for your dog, but can also lead to possible hearing loss if not dealt with accordingly.
The short answer is yes.
Most ear infections in dogs can cause a lot of discomfort regardless of whether they began in the outer ear canal or the inner ear. And this becomes even more agonizing for your canine family member when they develop into severe infections. This is why knowing how to prevent ear infections and using natural remedies is a must for pet owners.
Do you remember having an ear infection yourself? Personally, I have a vivid memory of the time my left ear got infected, because it was oh so incredibly painful. Think about the time you've had an ear infection and now you have a comparison with how your pet feels when he's going through the same condition.
It’s a similar discomfort that our dogs experience when they have an ear infection. Of course, they can’t tell us this, but there are several symptoms that may indicate that they are in pain in this part of their body.
Is your dog's ear swollen? Does he has ear discharge? We will go over these symptoms in detail in just a few moments, as well as the causes of dog ear infections. And like I emphasized earlier, we're also going to discuss the right natural remedies for dog ear infections while at it.
One possible reason why you're checking out this blog post is that you're on the lookout for a reliable home remedy for dog ear infection. Sure there are lots of conventional treatments for ear infections in dogs, but did you know that there are natural remedies for this health problem, too?
If you're anything like most dog owners, chances are you will find yourself treating ear infections without having to go to the vet more than keeping this condition at bay. Given that the whole thing be can rather costly (and the vet's clinic is not our doggies’ favorite place anyway), having a few go-to natural remedies for dog ear infection is essential.
Does your dog keep shaking his head? While head shaking isn't automatically an indicator that your pooch has an ear infection, it can be already a tell-tale sign that your pet may be suffering from this health issue.
You may not know it—like many pet parents do—but this might suggest that your canine family member possibly has an ear infection. Technically speaking, a dog's ear infection is generally referred to as "otitis."
Depending on where the ear infection began or is developing, this condition can either pertain to otitis media or otitis externa. Otitis media relates to dog ear infections that attacks the middle ear, while otitis externa strikes at the outer ear canal and its surrounding areas.
Unlike what a lot of pet parents mistakenly think, ear infections in dogs are not all the same. A dog's ear can be afflicted with fungal infections, bacterial infections, as well as infested with ear mites. Without the proper remedies for dog ear issues and the right support, these conditions can even escalate to chronic ear infections.
I'd just like to reiterate that otitis or canine ear infections can be caused by a variety of organisms, including bacteria, yeast and even mites. Here's a quick yet detailed look at the factors that can develop ear infections:
What's really interesting is that several factors can predispose your dog to developing dog ear infections. These factors include genetics, lifestyle and sensitivity to allergens, among others. Your pet's overall immune system health can also influence his vulnerability to ear infections.
Let's begin with genetics...
Some dog breeds, particularly those with floppy ears, are deemed to be at higher risk of developing ear infections. Examples of these breeds are Cocker Spaniels, Afghan Hounds, Dachshunds, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bloodhounds, Beagles, as well as Shih Tzus. These floppy eared dogs are believed to be prone to ear infections since their ears tend to trap moisture.
For this part, we'll relate ear infections in dogs with lifestyle...
Your dog's ear can be at risk of being afflicted with bacterial infection or fungal infection if you happen to live in a very rainy or humid environment. Another factor is excessive bathing. While bathing helps keep a dog's ears clean, overdoing it can already be counterproductive since it can trigger the onset of ear infections, especially those with floppy ears.
Next, let's check out how allergen sensitivity can set off ear infections in canines...
A dog suffering from allergies—whether it's environmental or food-related—is rather vulnerable to ear infections since his immune system tends to be busy fighting off allergens most of the time. Instead of prioritizing to treat a dog ear that's afflicted with this health issue, his immune system will be focused on dealing with environmental allergies or a certain food allergy at any given time.
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I know this sounds surprising, but most pet owners only clean their pet's ears when they see their dog scratching vigorously more than usual. Dogs tend to do this to get to the irritated skin inside their ears, which cause them varying levels of discomfort.
Given that this activity is only done occasionally, a lot of pet parents aren't that experienced when it comes to cleaning their dog's ears. Apart from possibly not getting the job done properly, this can also be an underlying cause for health problems affecting the ears of their pets.
This is why I'm sharing these important reminders before you clean your pet's ears so you can be guided on how to do this the right way.
First thing to take note of is choosing the right ear cleaner for your canine family member. Most ear cleaning products sold in vet clinics are made from a solution containing a type of soft alcohol and other ingredients like salicylic acid and lactic acid.
While the soft alcohol is there to encourage excess moisture in the ears to dry out, the salicylic acid and lactic acid help get rid of any unwanted fungi and bacteria that may be accumulating inside them.
Second, never use cotton swabs or tips when cleaning your canine family member's ears. Sure they may be very handy and convenient for the job, but they do have some drawbacks that you should keep in mind.
Besides pushing debris towards the back of the ears and cause blockages, the cotton applicators of these swabs or tips can also potentially come off without warning. This can expose the hard plastic, which can cause injury to the inner ear or even the ear drum.
While this usually results to inflamed ears, there is still a very small possibility that it can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss in some cases.
The third reminder on our list is to determine how often should you clean your dog's ears. Like we've talked about earlier, not all dogs' ears are the same. Although some dogs only need a monthly ear cleaning, those with floppy ears may require them once a week or every couple of weeks.
And no matter how tempting it may be, don't wash your pet's ears just because you notice that there are visible specks of dirt and grime on them. Your pet's immune system can easily take care of these by itself and can even hold back an infection without a vet, too!
If you ask me, preventing ear infections is a much more practical strategy to go for than having to treat a dog ear or ears affected with this health problem. One way of doing this is to clean your pet's ears properly on a regular basis. Here's one of the many home remedies you can use to pull this off:
Do you think your dog is suffering from an ear infection? There are actually key things to take note of when determining the same and I walk you through them for this part of our discussion.
Typical symptoms of an ear infection in dogs are scratching of the ears and shaking of the head. To be able to spot an infection in your dog's ears, you will need to pay attention to the following signs:
While every dog ear infection should not be disregarded, there are some cases that require more immediate care and attention compared to others. In this section, I will give you the rundown on what these are.
Scenario #1. If your dog's head is tilted for an extended time or seems to be hearing less than usual, it is possible that the infection may have already migrated into the middle or inner ear. This can also mean that the tympanic membrane may have been ruptured. All in all, this is a more urgent condition and your dog already needs professional help.
Scenario #2. Another crucial situation to look out for is noticing that your canine family member's ear or ears have become remarkably red (sometimes even purple) and swollen, as well as quite warm to the touch. It's not uncommon that he will have smelly ears during this time, too. There is a big possibility that your dog has an ear hematoma and requires immediate vet care.
It is extremely crucial that you seek urgent professional assistance under these circumstances. Any delay could result to persistent or even lifelong adverse effects to your dog's overall health and quality of life.
For minor cases of ear infections in dogs, there are actually a number of home remedies you can go for to support your pet during this health issue. These natural remedies won't just help alleviate any pain and discomfort, but also promote healing and recuperation.
And when it comes to taking care of your pet's ear infection without a vet, we've got a few natural suggestions that you can help your dog with at home. Having a reliable home remedy is a must to nip dog ear problems in the bud since these can get in the picture unexpectedly!
For this part of our discussion, I will guide you through no-fuss home remedies such as a cleaning technique using hydrogen peroxide, one that's based on apple cider vinegar, as well as another that makes use of coconut oil.
There are still a lot people who are undecided about using H2O2 to treat a dog ear ailment. I even remember as a child that my father used this technique to clean MY ears! How about you? Have you already tried this one?
According to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), using hydrogen peroxide is not just efficient in getting rid of earwax and other debris in the ears, but very cost-effective as well.
The best way to use H2O2 in dealing with your dog's ear infections is by mixing one part of it with one part of water. You can either use a cotton ball or a dropper to slowly fill your pet's ear with this solution.
Allow the whole thing to froth for about two minutes, then gently tip your dog's head to one side to drain the solution. Never use undiluted peroxide for this approach or add more than the recommended amount to prevent any damage to your pooch's ears.
Chances are you've already got apple cider vinegar in your kitchen or pantry right now. Believe it or not, besides being a must-have ingredient for making delicious salad dressings, apple cider vinegar is also one of the home remedies you can go for to take care of dog ear infection.
Another study in the NCBI highlights that ACV exhibits antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Apple cider vinegar has also been seen to restrict the growth of E. coli, S. aureus and Candida albicans—which can trigger a yeast infection—in laboratory-based studies.
This home remedy partly consists of acetic acid, a naturally occurring compound that is also found in several commercial ear cleaners. Using ACV to treat your pet's ear infection without a vet is not that tricky, too.
Thoroughly combine one part apple cider vinegar with one part warm water. With the use of cotton balls, slowly apply a few drops of the solution inside your pet's ear. Cover the ear with a dry cotton ball or a clean piece of cloth and let the solution sit in the ear for about three to five minutes.
Drain your pooch's ear carefully afterwards and wipe off any residue of the solution. Moreover, keep in mind not to use ACV to treat a dog ear infection in its pure and undiluted form since it's highly likely that it will cause a burning sensation upon contact with sensitive tissues.
Another strategy to treat dog ear infection without going to the vet's clinic is by using coconut oil. Here's a quick and easy guide from Wellpet that you can go include in your natural remedy list:
As a pet parent, your first course of action would be to make your dog feel much better as soon as he is showing the first signs of an ear infection. Zumalka's EAR CARE is particularly formulated to help you support your pooch when this health problem strikes.
Besides helping soothe the itchiness in your furry companion's ears, EAR CARE is also designed to reduce the redness associated with inflammation. This premium product helps boost and maintain your pet’s natural fighting power against ear infections while at it, too.
EAR CARE not just addresses the root causes of an ear infection, but also targets issues such as chronic yellow ear discharge, throbbing pain, bleeding, inflammation of the ear, hardening of the eardrum, deafness and even bad odors.
Have you ever wondered, DO ZUMALKA PRODUCTS WORK?
In any case, ear infections in dogs should be taken seriously even if they are very common. Allowing this health problem to linger for days (or even a few weeks in very minor cases) can already lead to some serious consequences.
Should your dog display the symptoms of ear infection, make sure you apply the most convenient natural remedy available at that given moment to stop this condition in its tracks. Just remember to act immediately and avoid complications.
A dog with healthy ears is a happy dog!
July 21, 2023
I have a large dog (75-80lbs), possible part shepherd/rottweiler mix, 13 years old. While very gentle and very sweet, he will not allow me to touch his badly infected ear. Neither will he get in a vehicle to travel to vet. My husband and I are both disabled making lifting and moving him even more difficult. We have tried everything from using a muzzle to distracting him with treats and affection to get to his ear, but he is not having any of it. So, I cannot get any medicine in his ear. I have given him antibiotic in his food, but the topical antibiotic is impossible. Do you have any advice on helping him? I’m really desperate at this point.
June 13, 2022
Hi Myrna,
I’m so sorry to hear about your poor dog’s situation with raw itchy ears. We would be more than happy to help guide you to the best natural treatments possible for the ears. We have sent you a private email so we can provide the most personalized recommendations for your dog.
Regards,
HOMEOANIMAL
June 13, 2022
Hello, My 8 year old Labrador had developed a nasty ear infection. Both ears are raw, and red, and have a yellow discharge. I have cleaned them, but wondering what would be the beast antibiotic to use.
September 20, 2021
Hi Joanne,
I hope that this article has given you good tips to help your dog’s ear with home remedies options. We are also sending you a private email so we can learn more about your pet’s specific situation and give you even more personalized help.
Warm regards,
-HOMEOANMAL
September 20, 2021
Hello my chow chow is 5 yrs old and has an ear infection for the first time can you give me a hone remedy that I can use at home thank you
Joanne
March 01, 2021
Hi Susan,
We are so sorry to hear that your dog has a constant fight with ear irritation. There can be more permanent solutions other than simply masking the symptoms. We have sent you a private email so that we can more fully understand the root cause of your dog’s irritation so we can offer you a personalized natural solution for your pet.
We look forward to help you and your dog!!
Regards,
HOMEOANIMAL team
March 01, 2021
Hello. My dog has chronic dog irritation. He has gotten drops from the vet before and they always seem to help. But of course they run out and they’re expensive. I also have your cleaner but that doesn’t seem to solve his discomfort. Is there something else that you might suggest I can do on a regular basis: The apple cider vinegar or a different homeopathic method?
February 22, 2021
Hi Marcy,
I hope you found good tips in our blog article to help your dog’s ear infection naturally. We also offer FREE consultations so that we can find the most targeted natural treatments for your pet. We have sent you a private email to help you and your dog more.
We look forward to working with you!!
Warm regards,
HOMEOANIMAL
February 22, 2021
My dog has a ear infection and we have used meds from the vet before and we are out what is something we can use that is soothing and all natural
January 27, 2021
Hi John,
We are very sorry to hear that your dog has an ear infection. These can be very uncomfortable, so we are happy you have come to us for help. In order for us to target your dog’s specific needs we have sent you a private email to get some more details on the situation.
We look forward to working with you to improve your dog’s health!
-HOMEOANIMAL
January 27, 2021
My dog has smell ears, possibly yeast infection and used apple cider vinegar but it got more inflamed. Also has an allergy breakout on his tummy. Any natural remedy tips? Thanks
December 07, 2020
Hi Deepika,
Thank you for sharing your comment with us! We are very sorry to hear about your pet’s itchy and painful ear(s). We will send you a private email so we can help you more to target that uncomfortable situation as fast as possible!
Regards,
Homeoanimal team
December 07, 2020
My dog is shaking head.. Itching pain
October 13, 2020
Hi Shireen,
I’m so sorry to hear that your dog is suffering with an ear infection. This article gives great tips for home remedies. But for more targeted help, we are happy to help guide you personally!
We have sent you a private email to be able to help you more. We look forward to helping your pet back to health as soon as possible!
Regards,
Homeoanimal.com
October 13, 2020
Please advise my dog has a bad ear infection.
June 29, 2020
Hi Don,
Thank you for sharing your comment with us. We are so sorry to hear that your dog is itching and uncomfortable. We have really great remedies that can help reach the deeper issues that may be going on. To help you find the best treatment to target your dog’s specific needs, we have sent you a private email so we can find out more details and offer a free consultation from one of our Health Advisors.
We look forward to working with you.
Regards,
Homeoanimal Team
June 29, 2020
My pug keeps itching his right ear. I regularly clean with soft wet baby wipes. (Also use wipes to clean wrinkles on face). I purchased at pet store a bottle of “Prosense” which says it is an (“Ear cleanser solutions enzymatic formula”). In short, not working. No problems with left ear. What home remedy works best?
May 11, 2020
Hi Katie,
Thank you for your post. We can for sure do our utmost to help with your poor dog suffering with dermatitis.
We have sent you a private email to help you and your dog in the most targeted way possible.
We look forward to helping your dog feel much better soon!
Regards,
Homeoanimal team
May 11, 2020
We are in lockdown, our dog suffers from dermatitis which is now present in her ear too. Any advice on how to sooth or even better how to treat?!
April 27, 2020
Hi Lindsay,
Thank you for sharing your situation with us. We are so sorry to hear about what you and your pet are going through right now.
We would love to help your dog get relief as soon as possible which is why we have sent you a private email so we can give your dog more personalized help.
We look forward to working with you!
Regards,
Homeoanimal.com
April 27, 2020
I know my dog has ear infection,I’m out of work with coved 19 and I wanted to see if can take a swab of my dogs ears n put in ziplock
And label n so they can see what bacteria is in there,or trust me n give me something,she’s had this going on for years ,but not as much,or give me something minor,I did give her a 1/2 baby aspirin n it seems to make her better..I called her dermatologist and left messag for her to call me,left her email 4 days ago n nothing
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July 21, 2023
Hi Dawn, I’m sorry to hear this about your pet ! We sent you an email to let you know how to get in touch with our homeopath for your free email consultation. We hope to hear from you soon !