How to Treat Your Dog's Ear Infection at Home Naturally

Did you know that dogs are often at risk of ear infections throughout their lives? This common health issue can cause significant discomfort for your pet. If not properly treated, it may lead to more serious complications.

Ignoring early signs, such as excessive scratching or head shaking, can result in chronic ear infections and possibly even hearing loss. Therefore, it is crucial to address the problem promptly to ensure your dog's well-being.

Are dog ear infections life-threatening?

While most ear infections in dogs are not life-threatening, severe cases can cause significant damage. These can lead to hearing loss and balance problems. In extreme instances, untreated infections may even result in facial paralysis, incessant drooling, and difficulty or inability to blink.

Therefore, it’s crucial to take care of your dog's ear infection at the first sign of symptoms, such as scratching at the ear, redness, or discharge. Prompt treatment can prevent these serious complications and ensure your pet’s health and well-being.

In addition to walking you through the usual causes and symptoms of ear infections in dogs, I will share my expertise as a pet homeopathy expert on how to use natural remedies to address these health problems.

You'll learn what triggers these infections, how to spot them early, and effective homeopathic treatments to keep your pet healthy and comfortable.

What Exactly is a Dog Ear Infection?

Technically referred to as otitis, a dog ear infection involves inflammation of specific areas of the ear canal. It can affect the outer ear (otitis externa), middle ear (otitis media), or inner ear (otitis interna).

The severity of these infections varies based on the type and the duration of time before treatment is administered.

As a pet homeopathy expert, I'd like to reiterate that there are natural ear infection remedies readily available. You can find effective solutions like apple cider vinegar or coconut oil right in your kitchen or pantry. We will explore these remedies in detail as we proceed.

Are dog ear infections painful for your pet?

An infection affecting your dog's ears can cause anything from mild irritation to severe pain. The discomfort your pet may experience varies depending on the type and severity of the infection.

Regardless of these factors, it's crucial to address ear infections promptly to prevent complications and ensure your dog's well-being.

Types of Ear Infections in Dogs

Many dog owners mistakenly think that all ear infections are the same. However, did you know that there are four general types of infections that can affect your dog's ears?

These include bacterial ear infections, fungal ear infections, parasitic ear infections, and foreign body ear infections. Let's delve into each type to better understand their differences and impacts.

Bacterial ear infections

A variety of bacteria can cause ear infections in dogs, including:

• Staphylococcus spp.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Proteus spp.
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Streptococcus spp.
• Enterococcus spp.

If left untreated, these bacteria can lead to severe or even chronic ear infections, potentially causing pain, discomfort, and long-term damage to the ear.

Fungal ear infections

The overgrowth of certain types of fungi can lead to ear infections in dogs. Fungi such as Malassezia pachydermatis, Aspergillus, Candida, and Cryptococcus may already be present in dogs' ears or on their skin, but their overpopulation can trigger an infection.

Fungal ear infections are often common in dogs with underlying health issues, such as a weakened immune system. For instance, Malassezia pachydermatis frequently causes yeast ear infections in dogs. Interestingly, Candida fungi are not usually responsible for dog ear infections.

Parasitic ear infections

Parasites can also cause ear issues in dogs. The most common culprits include fleas, ticks, sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei), demodectic mange (Demodex canis), and ear mites (Otodectes cynotis).

Like fungal ear infections, some of these parasites may be present in your dog's body without causing any trouble. However, problems arise when they overgrow.

Foreign body ear infections

Did you know that common environmental factors can make your dog's ears prone to infection? Foreign objects such as small pebbles, clumps of dirt, grass seeds, and even pieces of plastic can become lodged in the ear canal, making your dog susceptible to inflammation.

When a dog's ears become inflamed, they can provide a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, leading to infections. This inflammation can be particularly tricky to spot, especially in breeds with drooping ears.

What are the Factors that Increase the Risk of Dog Ear Infections?

Here's something every pet owner should know: some dogs are more vulnerable to ear infections than others.

In this section, we will explore the key factors that can trigger this problem, including genetics, environmental influences, old age, and underlying health issues.

Genetics

Some dogs are prone to ear infections due to two specific reasons: floppy ears and brachycephalic (short skull) structures.

Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and invite parasites like ear mites, becoming breeding grounds for fungi and bacteria. Dog breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Poodles are among those affected.

Brachycephalic dogs, such as Lhasa Apsos, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Pugs, and Chow Chows, have short skulls and deep ear canals that make them highly vulnerable to fungal and bacterial infections.

Additionally, some dogs with wrinkly skin, such as Shar Peis and Bullmastiffs, can harbor yeast and bacteria within their skin folds. While these microorganisms usually do not cause problems, an overgrowth can lead to skin issues and inflamed ears.

Environmental influences

The environment plays a crucial role in causing ear infections in dogs. Factors such as humidity, moisture, air quality, extreme temperatures, and chemical irritants can lead to these infections.

Chemicals often include harsh cleaning agents, fertilizers, and pesticides. Additionally, pet owners who smoke or vape expose their dogs to dangerous chemical irritants daily.

Some environmental allergies are triggered by seasonal changes. For instance, yeast infections in dogs are often more common during the warmer months. Conversely, bacterial infections usually occur during the rainy season when a dog's ears may not dry completely.

Old age

Older dogs are more prone to ear infections due to their weakened immune systems. In large breeds, dogs are considered "senior" at 5 to 6 years old, while in smaller breeds, this age is typically 8 to 9 years.

Underlying health issues

Additionally, older dogs may suffer from underlying conditions such as hormonal imbalances and seborrhea, which can lead to ear issues. These conditions can cause yeast overgrowth and increase vulnerability to allergies, further contributing to ear infections.

Signs That Your Dog Has an Ear Infection

In this part of our discussion, we will cover the usual indicators that your furry friend is going through an ear infection.

Although these signs may vary from one dog to another, chances are your furry friend is suffering from an ear infection if it exhibits two or three of the following:

• Constant shaking of the head
• Scratching of the ears
• Head tilting to the side for prolonged periods
• Foul odor coming from the ears
• Excessive waxy ear discharge
• Decreased energy and sudden loss of interest in play
• Reddish appearance and warmth in the ears
• Accumulation of blood in the ear cartilage
• Presence of aural hematoma (collection of blood in the ear flap)

Should you observe these signs, it is crucial to examine your pet and administer dog ear infection treatment immediately. Beyond the risk of severe ear infections, untreated issues can compromise your dog's hearing.

Will Your Dog's Ear Infection Go Away On Its Own?

Unfortunately, a dog's ear infection will not go away on its own. Without proper treatment, this condition will only worsen.

Many dogs tend to hide their discomfort, which means an ear infection can become severe before it's noticed.

Prevention is the best strategy against dog ear infection

Preventing dog ear infections is the best strategy. Regular cleaning and grooming are crucial, as parasites, bacteria, and fungi can infiltrate your dog's ears and cause infections. Regular ear cleaning can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Should you always use conventional methods for dog ear infections?

There are pros and cons to immediately using conventional dog ear infection treatments. The most significant advantage is that they can provide quick relief, whether the infection is caused by yeast or bacteria.

However, these conventional medicines, like antibiotics, can also trigger adverse side effects such as sudden allergic reactions and gastrointestinal upset in dogs. These side effects may be more prominent in very young and older canines.

Additionally, the excessive use of antibiotics can inadvertently cause some bacteria that lead to ear infections to become more resistant to treatment. This is the primary reason we advocate for using natural alternatives to address this health issue.

How to Treat Dog Ear Infection Without Vet

Yes, it is possible to treat your dog's ear infection using home remedies, but it's crucial to note that these natural alternatives are recommended only for mild cases.

Serious infections require attention from a veterinary professional.

In this discussion, I will walk you through some natural dog ear infection treatment options, including apple cider vinegar and virgin coconut oil. I will also provide tips on how to use each remedy effectively.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV)

While numerous studies have already highlighted the antioxidant properties of apple cider vinegar (ACV), recent research reveals an additional benefit: ACV can effectively eliminate bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which are resistant to methicillin, a common class of antibiotics.

To use this home remedy for addressing dog ear issues, start by diluting one part apple cider vinegar (ACV) with two parts water. Once diluted, soak a gauze pad or cotton ball in the solution and gently wipe it on the affected ear.

It is important to use a fresh cotton ball or gauze pad with each application to avoid spreading any infection. This method is particularly recommended for infections affecting the outer ear (otitis externa) and middle ear (otitis media).

Alternatively, ACV can be used as ear drops. Fill a syringe or dropper with the diluted solution, then administer a few drops into the affected ear. Massage the base of the ear gently to help the ACV reach the deeper areas. This method ensures that the solution can effectively penetrate and treat the infection.

Virgin coconut oil (VCO)

Pet owners have long used virgin coconut oil (VCO) as a home remedy for dog ear infections because it eases inflammation and swelling.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, studies from health journals reveal that VCO possesses combined antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, effectively working against pathogenic microorganisms. This unique combination of properties makes VCO particularly effective in combating ear infections in dogs.

To treat a dog's ear infection with virgin coconut oil (VCO), start by warming the VCO by placing its container in hot water for a few minutes. Once warmed, test a small amount of the VCO on your wrist to ensure the temperature is comfortable and safe for your dog.

After confirming it's not too hot, apply the VCO to the affected areas of your dog's ears, just as you would with any topical medication.

Additionally, you can supplement the treatment by adding a few drops of VCO to your dog's food, which can help boost their immune system.

Our Top Pick for Dog Ear Infections You Should Check Out

As a pet parent, your first priority is to make your dog feel better as soon as he shows the first signs of an ear infection. Zumalka’s EAR CARE is specially formulated to support your dog when this health issue strikes.

EAR CARE not only soothes the itchiness in your furry companion’s ears but also reduces the redness associated with inflammation. This premium product enhances your pet’s natural defenses against ear infections, ensuring a holistic approach to their well-being.

It addresses the root causes of an ear infection and targets chronic yellow ear discharge, throbbing pain, bleeding, ear inflammation, hardening of the eardrum, deafness, and even bad odors.

Designed with your pet’s health in mind, Zumalka’s EAR CARE offers safe and effective relief, helping your dog feel their best quickly.

About the author

Denise Lessard

HOMEOPATH, NATUROPATH, REFLEXOLOGIST, TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE THERAPIST

Denyse Lessard is deemed as the “mother” of Zumalka, which was established more than ten years ago to provide easily accessible natural products for pet wellness worldwide.

Besides being a trained alternative medicine therapist, Denyse also has expertise in homeopathy, naturopathy and iridology, reflexology, as well as Chinese medicine. She is a long-standing member of the Professional Union of Homeopaths of Quebec, as well as the Association of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists of Quebec.

Denyse’s philosophy as regards pet wellness is not just about only dealing with disease and illness when they get in the picture, but keeping animals in ideal health each and every day.

Find out more about Denyse when you click HERE.