Most dogs with aches and pain in their ear are diagnosed with an ear infection from either a yeast or bacterial microorganism. While an ongoing condition should be treated at the vet, the majority of minor ear infections can be treated naturally at home.
Here at Dope Dog we care about a man’s best friend and want to provide information on DIY treatments to get rid of ear infections.
Using distilled water and vinegar
The first step is to create a mixture that contains a diluted solution of distilled water and apple cider vinegar at a 1: 1 ratio. Dip a Cotton ball in the mixture, and use it to clean the ear. However, if it is a bacterial infection, don’t use this method because vinegar will sting the dog, making him uncomfortable.
Using coconut oil mixture
The coconut oil mixture is also appropriate when treating yeast infections. It involves making a solution of coconut oil and garlic gloves by simmering it and giving it approximately 15 minutes to cool. Use a dropper and squeeze two to three drops in the ear while massaging it for 3 minutes. Dip the cotton in the mixture and swab the inner part of the ear. Coconut oil contains antifungal properties that can clear the yeast infection, and it’s available in any local food store.
Using basic ear cleaner
Use lukewarm water and hydrogen peroxide to prepare a solution then squeeze four to five drops in the affected ear while massaging the base of the ear to loosen the ear wax, cleaning it with a cotton ball.
Alternatively, plantain tincture can be appropriate because it is a natural antibiotic, especially if you don’t prefer using hydrogen peroxide. All of these products are available at local drugstores and pharmacies, and it works well on bacteria and mite infection.
Use Calendula oil to remove mites or bacteria
Removing the bacteria or mites is simple because all you need is a glass jar of calendula flowers filled with olive oil. Leave this jar for a couple of days for the oil to absorb the calendula then use a liquid dropper to squeeze five drops of this mixture on the affected area. Wait for approximately one minute then clean the cotton swab. Calendula is very reliable when it comes to bacterial infection, and it works great on the removal of mites, which could have been a possible cause of the infection.
Use Boric acid
Boric acid is best used on damp ears after the dog has taken a bath or swim. Wet ears make the dog susceptible to developing ear infections, so it is essential to use boric acid to massage the base of the ear. It is also vital to know that this substance is poisonous, and it should not come into contact with the nose or mouth, so be cautious when using it.
If you happen to notice foreign objects in the dog’s ears, try to remove it using your fingers or tweezers. Alternatively, homeopathic silica can also help to extract it.
Otitis interna
Otitis interna is characterized by inflammation of the inner ear. It goes away on its own 50% of the time, but sometimes it can cause hearing loss if left untreated. Half the time, otitius interna is caused by fever.
Otitis media
This is the inflammation of the middle ear that makes up 50% of ear problems. These infections happen when the ear’s eustachian tube becomes swollen or blocked and traps fluid in the middle ear. The majority don’t need treatment, but they can be painful.
Otitis externa
This is inflammation of the outer part of the ear, often caused by exposure to water or allergies.
Infection is painful and uncomfortable, which can make it noticeable. Some of the common symptoms include:
