Natural Remedies to Try – If you’re in search of natural remedies for treating your dog’s ear yeast infection without a vet visit, you’re in luck! A basic understanding of how to treat dog ear yeast infection without vet assistance can go a long way in providing your pup with the relief it needs.
- It’s worth noting that while natural remedies work well in some cases, a vet visit is still necessary in others.
- One remedy that has been successful is a homemade saline solution.
- Combine a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gently flush your dog’s ears with the mixture.
- Another option is to use coconut oil, which has antifungal properties.
Apply a few drops to your pup’s ear canal, and gently massage it to help it spread. Whatever natural remedy you try, ensure that it is safe for your furry friend, and if symptoms persist, seek veterinary assistance.
Contents
- 1 What can I give my dog to get rid of ear infection?
- 2 Can you put olive oil in dogs ears?
- 3 How do you make homemade ear solution for dogs?
- 4 What happens if you ignore a dogs ear infection?
- 5 What foods cause ear infections in dogs?
- 6 Does vinegar help ear infections in dogs?
- 7 How can I get rid of my dogs ear infection fast?
How can I get rid of my dogs ear infection at home?
Natural Remedies for Ear Infections in Dogs – If you’re a dog owner, you know that your furry friend’s health is just as important as your own. Unfortunately, dogs are prone to ear infections, and a trip to the vet can be time-consuming and costly and have you asking ” why is the vet so expensive? ” How to treat dog ear infection without vet help? There are a few natural remedies you can try at home to help treat your dog’s ear infection without having to make an appointment. Before attempting any home remedies, it’s important to identify the cause of your dog’s ear infection. Some common causes include allergies, yeast infections, and excessive ear wax buildup. Once you have a better understanding of the issue, you can begin to research home remedies that may work for your pup. Some popular options include witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil. However, it’s important to note that these remedies may not work for every dog, and it’s always best to consult with a vet if you’re unsure about treatment options. By learning how to treat dog ear infection without a vet, you can make sure that your furry friend stays happy and healthy. >>Get your dog pet insurance for ear infections
How can I get rid of my dogs ear infection without going to the vet?
How can I treat my dogs ear infection at home? – You can easily manage ear infections like otitis externa with natural ear infection remedies including mullein drops, green tea, apple cider vinegar and calendula. For deeper ear issues (otitis media and interna), you may need to ask your holistic vet if you’re not sure which type of infection your dog has.
What can I give my dog to get rid of ear infection?
Remedies for Dog Ear Infections Reviewed by on November 17, 2022 Many pets are prone to ear infections — especially those with long, floppy ears. Because of this, many dog owners are familiar with the symptoms of, Common symptoms of dog ear infections include:
Excessive itching and scratching at the earHead shaking, particularly when it looks awkward or unnaturalSwelling and redness around the ear canalUnusual discharge and odorScabs or crusted over the skin in the ears
The ear canal of dogs is much more vertical than the human ear canal. This L-shape makes it more susceptible to holding fluid and disruption from bacteria, yeast, or ear mites — all of which are causes of infection. There are three types of dog ear infections:
Otitis externa, the most common one that typically affects the outer portion of the earOtitis media, affecting the middle part of the ear canal and usually a secondary development in up to 50% of chronic otitis externa casesOtitis interna, referring to inner ear infections that can result in neurological damage
Dog ear infections can be a serious condition, which may result in hearing loss or facial paralysis. These serious complications make it imperative to prevent infection and seek treatment as soon as symptoms arise in your pet. Caring for and managing dog ear infections involve cleaning, medication, and aftercare.
Up to 16.5% of dogs will experience at least otitis externa, and complications may involve further development into more serious dog ear infections. Fortunately, there are straightforward steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and minimize the severity of such infections in your dog. Immediate Care Once your vet has determined the severity and type of ear infection your dog is experiencing, they will clean your dog’s ear thoroughly to remove debris, discharge, and ear wax.
They may use a medicated ear cleaner or apply a topical medication. In more severe cases, the vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or oral antibiotics for your pet. Long-Term Care Your vet will likely prescribe a topical medication to your dog.
Keeping your dog relaxed with affection and treats.Relying on a partner’s help to hold and comfort your pet while you apply medication to the ear.Ensuring that you place the applicator safely outside of the dog’s ear when dispensing medication.Gently massaging the medication into the affected area.
Always finish the full course of the medication, even if your pet seems to be feeling better. Lapses or errors in treatment can prolong your pup’s illness. Maintenance and Prevention Whether it’s to prevent an infection from starting or to manage the healing of a dog ear infection that’s already in progress, ear cleaning is an important part of your dog’s hygiene. Cleaning your dog’s ears can:
Make it easier for you to examine your dog’s ear canalRemove microbes and other small foreign objects that may cause dog ear infectionsClean and expose the ear canal for possible topical medication applications
Ear infections are often caused by excess moisture. Take care to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after a swim or a bath. If your dog experiences chronic infections, talk to your vet about underlying causes such as allergies. Managing your dog’s hygiene is an effective way to prevent future ear infections. Clean your dog’s ears by:
Gently wiping the ear with an absorbent gauze. Never use a washcloth or paper towel.Avoiding cotton swabs, which can push debris deeper into your dog’s ear. Cleaning the external portions of your dog’s ears.
For many dogs, ear infections are a recurring problem. Be proactive about keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry to prevent future ear-related health issues. As soon as you notice symptoms of an ear infection in your faithful friend, you should contact your veterinarian. Prompt and proactive treatment will ensure your dog’s comfort and happiness. © 2022 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. : Remedies for Dog Ear Infections
Can a dog ear infection go away without antibiotics?
In most cases, a dog’s ear infection will not go away on its own. What’s worse, if you wait too long to treat the ear infection, it can become much more difficult to get under control.
Can you put olive oil in dogs ears?
What sort of ear cleaner? – There are various types of ear cleaners, but the most important thing is that you only use a good quality dog ear cleaner. Never put olive oil, vinegar, shampoo, or any other substance in a dog’s ear. Also, avoid poking around with cotton buds in the ear, you will only work any wax and debris further in and potentially damage the eardrum.
How do I know if my dogs ear infection is bacterial or fungal?
How to treat ear yeast infections in dogs – Fortunately, treating outer ear infections is pretty simple. Your vet will find out if the eardrum is intact by using an otoscope, plus see if there is anything in the canal that caused the infection. They will likely extract a sample from the infected area to look at under a microscope.
Outer ear canal infections : Usually treated with topical antifungal creams or ointments Middle ear infections : These are more serious, and your vet may prescribe injections or tablets. Depending on the severity of your pup’s condition, surgery may be necessary.
Does your dog get frequent ear infections? Ask your vet for medical ear cleaners or other regular treatments.
How do you make homemade ear solution for dogs?
Do It Yourself Dog Ear Cleaning Supplies* –
- Hemostat (special scissors) sterilized before and after each procedure.
- Commercial ear powder
- Commercial ear cleaning solution or homemade mixture (see below)
- Cotton (sterile medical grade preferred).
* Do not use Q-Tips or alcohol as a dog ear medication.
- Straighten the ear canal by gently pulling the tip of the ear flap upwards.
- Drip a dog ear cleaning solution (see below for recommendations) into your dog’s ear canal using a plastic or glass dropper.
- Gently massage the base of your dog’s ear with your thumb and forefinger for 30 seconds. The ear canal will feel like a small hard tube between your fingers. You will know that you’re doing it right if you hear a squishy sound.
- Tip your dog’s head to the side and let the dog ear cleaningsolution drip out onto a towel. If this is your first time, don’t be surprised if a lot of material comes out!
- Allow your dog to shake out any excess dog ear wash.
- Being careful not to insert anything deeper into the ear canal than ½ inch, remove any excess wax or particles with a soft cloth, tissue or specially made dog earcleaning pad.
- Ventilate your dog’s ears by folding back their ears and allowing them to dry out for about five minutes.
- Wrap things up by administering a dog ear drying powder.
If you can see a build-up of oil or wax inside the ear, try using an Almond Oil dog ear cleaning solution:
- Pour a small amount of almond oil into a cup or glass
- Immerse cup or glass (do not let water overflow into cup) in a sink or bowl full of hot water
- Straighten ear canal by gently lifting the tip of the ear flap upwards
- Slowly drop about ½ teaspoon of almond oil into your dog’s ear canal using a plastic or glass dropper
- Allow the oil to run down ear canal for 5 seconds
- Gently massage the ear canal with your thumb and forefinger as mentioned above. Again, if you hear a squishy sound you know you’re doing it right.
- Use a soft cloth, tissue or special ear cleaning pad to remove the excess oil.
For normal weekly cleaning ( do not use on inflamed ears):
Commercial Ear Cleaner – there are several good ones on the market, such as Halo’s Herbal Natural Ear Wash Solution,
Vinegar Rinse – Create a mixture of 1/3 apple organic cider vinegar (2% to 2.5% acetic acid) and 2/3 water. Using a dropper, gently flush the ear canal with between 1 and 5 ml of the solutions.
The above is also good to use after swimming.
What does a dog ear infection look like?
What are the clinical signs of an ear infection? – Ear infections are painful. Many dogs will shake their head and scratch their ears to relieve the discomfort. The ears often become red and inflamed and develop an offensive odor. A black or yellowish discharge commonly occurs.
Is a dog ear infection an emergency?
How common are ear infections in dogs? – Ear infections in dogs are common, especially among certain breeds. Although an ear infection is not a veterinary emergency, it does require medical treatment to resolve and can be painful for your pet. Ear infections commonly lead to inflammation of the outer ear, a condition called otitis externa.
- The inflammation causes many of the symptoms associated with ear infections and is often very uncomfortable for the dog.
- Infections in the middle or inner ear, on the other hand, lead to otitis media and otitis interna, respectively.
- Recognizing the symptoms of ear infections is important for owners of dog breeds with a predisposition toward ear infections.
However, ear infections can affect all breeds, and can even be a sign of an underlying condition.
What happens if you ignore a dogs ear infection?
Just be aware that the longer you ignore an ear infection, the more difficult it becomes to shift it (and the more painful it is for your buddy). The most severe cases can lead to permanent hearing damage and facial paralysis – so it’s definitely a good idea to get it sorted quickly.
How long is too long for a dog to have an ear infection?
Treatment for Ear Infections in Dogs – Treating ear infections in dogs usually consists of your vet cleaning your dog’s ear with a medicated cleanser and prescribing any antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications required. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a topical medication and instruct you on how and when to apply it to your dog’s ear at home.
- With treatment, early-stage ear infections will usually clear up within a week or two.
- If your dog’s ear infection is more severe or is caused by an underlying health condition, treatment may be more challenging and may take months to resolve.
- More severe cases could result in chronic ear infections in your dog and increase the chance of repeat infections over their lifetime.
Carefully following your veterinarian’s instructions will be essential to clear up your dog’s ear infection as quickly as possible. Not finishing prescriptions, or stopping treatment before the infection has completely cleared can lead to a recurring infection that becomes increasingly difficult to treat.
Can you clean a dogs ear infection?
Prepare a rinse for your dog’s ear infection which will kill yeast and bacteria when applied often. Mix apple cider vinegar and distilled water into a half and half solution. If you have a solution bottle or syringe, you can put the solution directly into the ear canal by squirting it in.
- Avoid using cotton swabs in your dog’s ears.
- A solution or syringe bottle will have a long tip to get the solution into the ear.
- If you do not have a syringe or long tip bottle, you can soak cotton balls into the solution and squeeze it into the ear canal.
- Let the solution sit in your dog’s ears for several minutes.
They will try to shake it out because liquid sitting in the ear isn’t very comfortable. But hold their head gently and talk to them or give them treats to pass the time. Try to keep the solution in the ears for several minutes. A massage of the ears might help get the solution into the ear canal where it will do the most work.
However, their ears might hurt quite a bit, so a massage early on might hurt. If they flinch, wait until the next time you use the solution to massage again. Your dog will want to shake his ears at some point. You may want to have them outside when he shakes the solution out of his ears. Use a clean cloth to wipe out any gunk from the ears.
Do not dig deep into the ear, only wipe the portion of the inner ear you can see. Repeat this each day as the infection heals. To maintain healthy ears, clean your pup’s ears every one to two weeks.
Is coconut oil good for dog ear infection?
Various remedies that can be applied to improve your dog’s ear health and get rid of infections are: Coconut Oil: It acts as a great anti-bacterial and anti-fungal component that can be administered to the pooches in their infected ears.
What oil is safe for dogs ears?
Can I put that in my Pet’s Ear? Wax in the ears and ear infections are common problems with our pets. Home remedies abound for cleaning and treating ear infections, but are they safe and are they effective? We’ll explore a few of these in this week’s blog.
Hydrogen peroxide—while this is a common remedy for removing ear wax from human ears, our vets do not generally recommend cleaning pets’ ears with peroxide. Dogs and cats have an “L” shaped ear canal; therefore, pouring liquid that does not readily evaporate, such as peroxide, into the ear canal can actually make some ear problems worse as it keeps the ear moist which can encourage bacterial or fungal growth. Peroxide can also sting or irritate sensitive tissue so it would not be a good idea to use if your pet has a severe ear infection.Vinegar—the acetic acid in white or vinegar is antiseptic, especially against yeast, so, wiping your pet’s ear with a cotton ball soaked in vinegar may help to remove wax and may improve a mild ear infection. However, use of vinegar should not be a substitute for treating an ear infection. Most pets need proper antibiotic or antifungal medication to clear an infection. Take your pet to the vet if his ears are red, have a bad odor or he is scratching his ears or shaking his head for proper care.Olive oil, mineral oil or coconut oil—oils are relatively safe to use, and olive oil can kill ear mites by smothering them though it takes many weeks to clear ear mites with this method. However, as before, if your pet has a serious ear infection, she needs proper medication to resolve the infection. Oils may also leave the fur around the ears greasy and any of these home remedies could be potentially harmful if your pet’s ear drum is ruptured. And, speaking of ear mites, ear mites are fairly common in kittens and occasionally found in puppies but are quite uncommon in adult cats and dogs. That brown waxy debris in the ear is more commonly associated with yeast or sometimes bacteria in the ear canal. Avoid over-the-counter ear mite medications as they are often irritating to the ear canal and are ineffective against bacteria or yeast.
In general, home remedies for cleaning ears are relatively safe; however, it is best to stick with commercial ear cleaning solutions which are designed to break up wax and evaporate from the ear canal to leave it dry. Pour the solution into the canal, rub the base of the pet’s ear, allow your pet to shake his head and wipe out any excess fluid or debris with a cotton ball.
- Do not use cotton swabs other than to gently clean the folds on the outer ear canal.
- Swabs can push debris further into the canal causing an impaction.
- Make sure to seek veterinary care for your pet if she has signs of an ear infection or if home remedies do not help within 2-3 days.
- This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.
Schedule an appointment with our team of veterinarians today at (717) 246-3611 !
What foods cause ear infections in dogs?
Diet – Just like in people, certain foods may not agree with your pet’s particular digestive system. When some dogs eat ingredients such as chicken, wheat, corn or other individual items, ingestion will trigger an allergic reaction that can alter the natural flora and allow an unnatural growth of yeast.
If your pet suffers from yeasty ears, attempt altering their diet to eliminate common triggers. If you’re uncertain as to what your dog’s particular allergies may be, begin by feeding your dog a single protein or dog foods with minimal ingredients and slowly adding items back in. This will allow you to identify key food triggers for your pooch and help avoid ear yeast infections.
A high-quality diet is essential for keeping your dog happy and healthy. Digestive problems and food allergies can be expensive to treat. Compare pet health insurance plans to save more than $270 a year on vet care.
Does vinegar help ear infections in dogs?
Ear infections need the vet – Ear infections have many different causes. We’re here for the love, health, and happiness of your pet, which means knowing first what’s causing the problem, and then prescribing the most effective treatment for your pet. Home remedies for ear infections often just don’t work. They can irritate and damage your pet’s ears, and sometimes even make an infection worse. If you’ve search online, you may find home remedies for dog ear infections like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol. These are all bad ideas, because they can irritate the inside of the ear and invite more infection.
Vinegar Sure, the acid in vinegar might kill yeast, but vinegar is mostly water. And that water will leave your dog’s ear canal moist, creating the perfect environment for an ear infection. Hydrogen peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is also mostly water. Once the initial bubbling stops (and we’re pretty sure your pet will hate that anyway), what’s left in the ear is water. Rubbing alcohol Rubbing alcohol will cause nearly unbearable irritation in your dog’s ears, which will be awful to watch and make it even harder for you or your vet to get anywhere near your pet’s ears for treatment.
Never put anything in your dog’s ear without veterinary instruction. Your veterinary team can help you find the ideal treatment to treat the infection and give your dog much-needed relief. Get to the bottom of all that ear scratching Itchy, uncomfortable ears can be caused by everything from ear infections to allergies and ear mites. If your dog’s ears are bothering them, bring your BFF in to have their ears checked. Ear infection relief—ASAP Some dogs can be total ear infection magnets. : Can You Treat an Ear Infection Without a Vet? | Banfield Pet Hospital®
How can I get rid of my dogs ear infection fast?
Dog Ear Infection Treatment – It’s best to see your veterinarian as soon as you notice signs because ear infections won’t go away on their own. You’ll usually need prescription dog ear infection medicine, Pashaian-Grant says. Your veterinarian will take a swab of the ear discharge and look at it under a microscope to see if it’s mites, yeast, or bacteria, and then prescribe the appropriate medication.
- Treatments include antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-mite medications that are usually applied to the skin.
- But if the infection has advanced to the inner ear, your veterinarian may recommend oral medications.
- Capuski / Getty Treatment usually lasts two weeks, but your pooch should have some relief from symptoms within a few days, Pashaian-Grant says.
“If it’s a one-off ear infection, we won’t do anything else,” she says. “But if your dog gets multiple ear infections, then we’ll talk about allergy testing so we can come up with a better long-term plan for the pet. That might mean changing up foods or long-term medication to address canine allergies.”
How do you make homemade ear solution for dogs?
Do It Yourself Dog Ear Cleaning Supplies* –
- Hemostat (special scissors) sterilized before and after each procedure.
- Commercial ear powder
- Commercial ear cleaning solution or homemade mixture (see below)
- Cotton (sterile medical grade preferred).
* Do not use Q-Tips or alcohol as a dog ear medication.
- Straighten the ear canal by gently pulling the tip of the ear flap upwards.
- Drip a dog ear cleaning solution (see below for recommendations) into your dog’s ear canal using a plastic or glass dropper.
- Gently massage the base of your dog’s ear with your thumb and forefinger for 30 seconds. The ear canal will feel like a small hard tube between your fingers. You will know that you’re doing it right if you hear a squishy sound.
- Tip your dog’s head to the side and let the dog ear cleaningsolution drip out onto a towel. If this is your first time, don’t be surprised if a lot of material comes out!
- Allow your dog to shake out any excess dog ear wash.
- Being careful not to insert anything deeper into the ear canal than ½ inch, remove any excess wax or particles with a soft cloth, tissue or specially made dog earcleaning pad.
- Ventilate your dog’s ears by folding back their ears and allowing them to dry out for about five minutes.
- Wrap things up by administering a dog ear drying powder.
If you can see a build-up of oil or wax inside the ear, try using an Almond Oil dog ear cleaning solution:
- Pour a small amount of almond oil into a cup or glass
- Immerse cup or glass (do not let water overflow into cup) in a sink or bowl full of hot water
- Straighten ear canal by gently lifting the tip of the ear flap upwards
- Slowly drop about ½ teaspoon of almond oil into your dog’s ear canal using a plastic or glass dropper
- Allow the oil to run down ear canal for 5 seconds
- Gently massage the ear canal with your thumb and forefinger as mentioned above. Again, if you hear a squishy sound you know you’re doing it right.
- Use a soft cloth, tissue or special ear cleaning pad to remove the excess oil.
For normal weekly cleaning ( do not use on inflamed ears):
Commercial Ear Cleaner – there are several good ones on the market, such as Halo’s Herbal Natural Ear Wash Solution,
Vinegar Rinse – Create a mixture of 1/3 apple organic cider vinegar (2% to 2.5% acetic acid) and 2/3 water. Using a dropper, gently flush the ear canal with between 1 and 5 ml of the solutions.
The above is also good to use after swimming.
