How to Treat Your Dogs Ear Infection Naturally
Dog ear infections, painful for the dog, you, and your wallet. You will almost certainly notice your dog has an ear infection on a weekend when the vet is closed, and end up with a few hundred dollars less than you had before.
If you notice your dog shaking their head, wiping their face, whimpering when you touch their face, or a foul smelling discharge coming from their ears - it is likely your pet has an ear infection. There are a number of causes for these canine infections- mites, fungus, or bacteria.
Full blown infections always need to be treated by a veterinarian, especially if you do not know the cause. Talk to your vet about chronic ear infections and treating problem ears at home.
Things You'll Need
- Clean bedding
- Cotton balls
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol
- Distilled water
- Clean and dry empty squirt bottle
Instructions
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Examine your dog gently. Canine ear infections can be painful, and can cause hearing loss if left untreated. If the ear canal is obviously swollen or the odor is very bad, take your dog to the vet. Infections that have gone on too long must be assessed by a veterinarian. Continue on if treating at home.
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In the squirt bottle, mix a solution of one part apple cider vinegar to one part distilled water. About a half cup of each. You can use regular vinegar, but the smell may be overpowering. Add in a drop to a teaspoon or so of rubbing alcohol (to dry out the ear). Do not use to much alcohol. Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly to dry the ears, but you do not want to try the skin.
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Gather cotton balls. Do not use cotton swabs as you may damage the ear or push the debris further into the ear canal.
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Flush your dogs ear generously with the solution, allow them to shake their head (it loosens the debris). Wipe out the wax and whatnot that comes from the ear. Repeat process until the ear canal is clean.
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To treat a mild infection or problem, repeat daily. Continue ear flush twice a week to avoid problems.
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Wash bedding to keep mites away and fungus from spreading.
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Keep your dog's ears clean and dry to avoid potential ear infections. After swimming or baths, it is a good idea to flush them with the solution to keep water from building up.
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Feed your dog a healthy diet and supplement with a vitamin. Healthy dogs fight off infection and disease more easily than those with immune problems.
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Tips & Warnings
This is a good patio or garage experience - especially the first time.
Give your dog a special treat or toy after an upsetting grooming experience.
Make sure to talk to your dog in a loving way while you are cleaning her wounds, it will make her feel safe.
Always take your dog to the vet for new and unusual symptoms.
Always talk to your vet or trusted breeder when using home remedies.
Resources
- Photo Credit istockphoto.com
