Ear infections in dogs are a common feature, and most of the time, pet owners take them to the Vet for treatment. Symptoms of ear infections in dogs can be easily seen since they cause pain and itchiness. A dog ear infection treatment at home can begin by looking out for some common signs such as

• Pawing, rubbing and scratching at the ears
• Tilted head towards the infection side
• Smelly ears and waxy discharge
• Shaking head and loss of balance in severe cases
• Difficulty in eating and drinking
• Red irritated skin inside the ear flap

If there are any severe symptoms, one needs to see a vet; for a lesser problem, one can manage by using home remedies for ear infections.

Reasons for ear infections in Dogs

• Yeast overgrowth in dogs can result in dark brown discharge. They are itchy but not painful.
• The dog’s ear can get bacterial infections. One can see foul-smelling greenish or yellow discharge.
• Foreign bodies such as bugs, grass seeds, water from swimming, and dirt result in irritation and are a source of yeast growth or bacteria infection.
• A dog may develop aural hematoma when it scratches or shakes its head too hard. Blood is formed between the ear flap cartilage and skin and typically requires surgery by the Vet.
• A dog can be suffering from ear mites if it shakes its head and scratches its ears. They are contagious and common in young dogs, so they must be treated promptly. The symptoms are a coffee color discharge and a reddish crust on the outer ear.

Ear infections are sometimes not minor; they can be signs of deeper health problems for the dog. There are many natural home remedies for an ear infection that are safe and effective.

How can I treat my dog’s ear infection at home?

Before treating an ear infection in a dog, one must know about the different ear infections. The infections are in three different parts of the ear, which can be recognized as

• Otitis externa –Inflammation caused by infection visible on the outer part of the dog’s ear.
• Otitis media- the infection is in the middle part of the ear. Many dogs with Otitis externa spread the infection to the middle part and become Otitis media. This means a foreign body has entered deep into the middle ear and penetrated the eardrum.
• Otitis interna – Untreated Otitis media can spread to the inner ear and infect them, leading to deafness and loss of balance.

How to treat a dog ear infection at home?

Common and minor dog infections can be treated at home instead of at the Vet. One should avoid it as the Vet will give antibiotics, topical or steroid medication that may help cure the problem immediately, but it may return later. The antibiotics only treat the symptoms and not the underlying root cause.

Also, these drugs have side effects. For example, antibiotics can disrupt the balance in the dog’s gut and may lead to uncontrolled yeast or bacteria growth. Steroids can suppress the immune system and can have severe side effects. Inflammation and discharge from the dog’s ear is a healthy sign as it tells the dog is removing the toxins absorbed from foods and environments from the body. The healing process is already there, which is suppressed by the drugs and can cause more serious diseases in the dog in the long run.

Home remedies for ear infection– How to treat minor symptoms

Overcleaning a dog’s ear can also lead to infection. So, it is better not to put anything in the dog’s ear if they have an ear infection as it can lead to more serious problems. However, sometimes the infections can be too uncomfortable for the dog’s ear. One may need to provide temporary relief while working on the root cause.

Topical Relief

Natural remedies for an ear infection that provide relief from itching and discomfort.

• Green Tea- sponge the dog’s ear canal with warm green Topical Relief tea solution.  

• Grapefruit Seed Extract– is a natural antioxidant, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. A few drops are added to the dog’s food. Also, it is mixed with aloe vera juice and used for cleaning the dog’s ear.

• Calendula Tincture – it is used to relieve inflammation and pain. It has antimicrobial properties that help to prevent infection. The tincture mixed with lukewarm water is used for sponging the dog’s ear.

• Apple Cider Vinegar- helps reduce discomfort and itch caused by an ear infection. Mix vinegar with spring water and clean the ear with a cotton-soaked mixture. The liquid can be poured into the ear canal and gently massaged the dog’s ear.

• Mullein Drops –Mullen mix works the most in ear infections. One can make it at home or buy it from a health food store. Mix Mullen leaves and flowers with olive oil, adding garlic and a couple of cloves for extra effectiveness, and keep in a glass jar for 2 to 3 weeks. After training applying a few drops of the oil mixture in the ear canal helps prevent infections.

Homeopathic remedies

One can use homeopathy medicine to treat ear infections in dogs. Some of the remedies that can suit best the dog are

• Belladonna- for the inflamed and hot ear, which makes the dog irritated and impatient.
• Pulsatilla – This remedy is for dogs suffering from acute flare-ups with redness and yellow discharge symptoms.
• Hepar Sulphuris– This is used when dogs are irritated and do not allow their inflamed ears to be sponged or cleaned.

Conclusion

One has to be patient when dealing with the healing process as the ear infections may be chronic. Now that you know how to treat ear infections in dogs in so many easy ways, it will be easier to manage and react. There is more clarity on why the ear discharge is a good sign for recovery.