How to Cure Your Dog's Ear Infection Naturally
Ear infections are a common challenge for dogs, who have large, often furry ears that are perfect breeding grounds for yeast, bacteria and mites. If your dog is shaking its head, scratching or you notice copious amounts of brown gunk in its ears, it may have an ear infection. Apple cider vinegar is useful in combating harmful bacteria and yeast and can be effective in treating an infection caused by these organisms.
Instructions
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Visit your vet if this is your dog's first infection. You need to know what is causing the infections in order to treat them. If the infection was caused by foreign matter, mites, or anything other than yeast or bacteria, let your vet treat it.
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Mix a half-and-half solution of vinegar and warm water. If your dog is sensitive and you're worried about this being too strong, mix it 60/40 water to vinegar. Have all your materials ready.
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Give your dog a treat and gently lead it to a well-lit spot where you want to administer the vinegar. If using the dropper, administer one dropperful per ear. If using the syringe, empty it gently into the ear, but do not force liquid into the ear canal. Massage the ear for 10 seconds then let your dog shake its head. Clean out visible portions of the inside of the ear with the cotton ball. Do not attempt to reach the cotton ball into the ear canal. Praise your dog the entire time.
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Repeat twice a day for 10 days or until the infection clears up. If your dog is prone to infections or dirty ears, use the vinegar solution occasionally to clean the ears and prevent an infection. Use it at the very first sign of an infection.
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Tips & Warnings
Never use q-tips on your dog's ears.
Take the dog to a vet if the infection does not clear up within two weeks or if the infection seems worse after starting the vinegar treatment. Some dogs are sensitive to apple cider vinegar, and some infections cannot be treated with vinegar alone.
References
- Photo Credit Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
