Natural Remedies for Dog Ear Infections
Dog ear infections are a common and frustrating issue for pet owners. Just like children, dogs frequently suffer from ear infections, which can cause significant discomfort and lead to serious complications if left untreated. Ear infections in dogs can be triggered by a variety of factors, including bacteria, yeast, and ear mites. Identifying the root cause is crucial for effective treatment of dog ear infections.
This comprehensive guide explores natural remedies for ear infections in dogs, offering holistic solutions to keep your furry friend healthy and comfortable. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and preventive measures, you can ensure your dog’s ears stay infection-free.
Table of Contents
Understanding Ear Infections in Dogs
Ear infections occur when the delicate balance of the ear canal’s microbiome is disrupted. The two most prevalent types of ear infections in dogs are those caused by an overgrowth of yeast (the most common type) or bacteria. Additionally, parasitic ear mites can trigger infections.
Managing ear infections effectively and preventing their recurrence is a multifaceted task. If left untreated, ear infections can escalate into more serious issues like deafness or mobility problems. If your dogs ear infections become a recurring problem, the ear canal may narrow due to constant irritation and inflammation. This can make future infections extremely difficult or even impossible to treat, potentially requiring surgical intervention. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial in preventing such complications.
Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs
Your dog’s ear infection can have a few causes, and determining the cause is essential in choosing the proper treatment or natural remedy. Ear infections can be caused by:
– Bacteria
– Hormone changes or imbalances
– Yeast
– Allergies
– Ear mites
– Dietary changes or intolerances
– Immune system issues, which can start in the gut
– Thyroid problems
– Over-cleaning of the ear
If your dog is experiencing frequent, recurrent ear infections, it’s essential to consult a holistic vet to identify the root cause of the problem. In addition to the causes mentioned earlier, your dog may sometimes have something lodged in its ear canal, such as wax or a foreign object. Holistic vets are trained to provide comprehensive care and can guide you in choosing the most effective natural remedy for dog ear infections for your dog’s specific condition, instilling confidence in your decision to seek professional help.
Breeds More Prone to Dog Ear Infections
Typically, the “water” breeds, referring to dogs initially bred to be in or around water regularly, such as Labradors, Newfoundlands, and retrievers, are more prone to infections. This is because they tend to produce thicker ear wax as a protective measure. This wax can accumulate yeast and bacteria in excess, leading to an ear infection in dogs.
In addition to the water breeds, quite a few other breeds are prone to ear problems, most notably Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Beagles, most of the Hound breeds, Boxers, and many terrier breeds. Some of this is due to their anatomy (big floppy ears trap moisture or open ear canals with no protection from debris).
Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections
Like in people, ear infections can cause various symptoms in dogs. The main symptoms are:
- Itchy, irritated ears
- Tilting the head to one side
- Pain when opening the mouth wide
- Hearing loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Walking in circles/Coordination issues
- Ear hematoma (from constant head shaking)
- Hair loss/Redness/Irritation around the ears from constant scratching
These are not the only ear infection symptoms in dogs, but they are the most common. Pain is also one of the most common ear infection symptoms. That’s why tilting their head to one side, or shaking their head, are some of the most common signs of a dog ear infection.
You may not be able to tell if the ears are red or swollen inside, but if the infection is severe, you may smell it. If your dog is exhibiting unusual behaviors, you should contact your holistic vet. Ear infections aren’t generally life-threatening, but loss of hearing is possible if your pets ear infection becomes severe for a period of time.
Ear Infections vs. Ear Mites in Dogs
It can be difficult for the average dog owner to spot the difference between a dog ear infection and an ear mite infestation. Generally, with mites, the discharge you will see will be very dark/black, look like coffee grounds, and have a foul, pungent odor. This contrasts with a standard ear infection in dogs, which usually smells yeasty, musty, or sweet, with more yellow-brown discharge.
Ear mite problems are often a result of an underactive or overstressed immune system. Our pet’s skin is home to many different organisms, including mites. In a healthy dog, the immune system will keep the mite population in check. However, if a dog is older, has an ongoing illness, is on steroids, or has been exposed to a heavily infested animal, ear mites can get out of control quickly and cause a great deal of discomfort and even pain.
If you suspect your dog has an ear mite infestation/infection, see your vet right away, as they can confirm the mite problem by swabbing your dog’s ears and looking at them under a microscope. This type of infection will involve a different treatment protocol than a standard yeast/bacteria type of ear infection.
Either way, your vet will be able to identify the type of ear infection your dog has by swabbing their ears and either microscopically examining them or sending the specimen into a lab for a culture (a culture will determine the exact type of organism present as well as the best antibiotic to use). I highly recommend opting for a culture if it is within your budget.
Types of Dog Ear Infections
Before considering a natural remedy for dog ear infections, it’s crucial to understand the different types of ear infections, which can affect three specific parts of your dog’s ear:
Otitis Externa (most common)
Symptoms: Common signs include redness, swelling, discharge, and a foul odor. Your dog may frequently scratch or rub their ear and shake their head.
Causes: It can be caused by allergies, parasites (like ear mites), foreign objects, excessive moisture (often from swimming), and certain underlying health conditions.
Otitis Media
Symptoms: Head tilting, difficulty maintaining balance, pawing at the ear, and persistent ear pain.
Causes: This condition is more common in dogs with chronic otitis externa. It can occur when a foreign object, like a foxtail, penetrates the eardrum or from an untreated external ear infection.
Otitis Interna
Symptoms: Dogs with otitis interna might exhibit severe symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and significant hearing loss. They may also have a head tilt or show signs of pain when their head or ear is touched.
Causes: This is the inflammation or infection of the inner ear. If otitis media is not resolved, it can spread to the inner ear, resulting in otitis interna.
Understanding these different types of ear infections in dogs helps in identifying the symptoms early and seeking appropriate treatment or remedy to prevent complications.
Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs
Preventing ear infections in dogs is essential, but it may take some experimenting to find the cause.
Keeping Your Dog’s Ears Clean
Ensuring you are cleaning your dog’s ears regularly is also important. Your veterinarian or groomer could explain how to clean your dog’s ears properly. Generally, your dog’s ears must be cleaned once or twice weekly, depending on the breed and lifestyle. You shouldn’t remove fur from your dog’s ears unless instructed by your veterinarian because it could lead to inflammation. If the hair isn’t causing an issue, a professional must remove it properly.
Diet & Gut Health
Often, ear infections caused by allergies start with gut health. Feeding a low-carb, less processed diet, such as raw or lightly cooked foods, can make a huge difference for dogs suffering from chronic ear infections.
Kibble is loaded with carbohydrates (some contain up to 70% carbohydrates). Carbohydrates cause an excess of yeast in the body, eventually making their way out via the mucus membranes and skin. This is why ear infections smell yeasty- they are millions of yeast particles mixed with bacteria, creating a nasty cocktail.
Changing your dog’s diet from kibble to fresh will often eliminate a chronic ear infection issue. If your dog still has ear infections after changing to a raw/fresh diet, try switching proteins to see if a particular food intolerance causes the issue.
In addition to highly processed foods, over-vaccination and chronic stress can impact gut health, which can cause ear infections as well. Talk to your holistic veterinarian about implementing a vaccine detox and/or doing a microbiome test to see where your dog’s gut health is at.
Natural Remedies for Ear Infections in Dogs
If your goal is to manage ear infections without needing a prescription antibiotic, you have several options, including silver hydrosol, apple cider vinegar, and CBD for dogs.
Silver Hydrosol for Dog Ear Infections
Benefits: Silver hydrosol is antibacterial and antifungal, helping clean ears and kill bacteria causing infections.
Oral Use: Add a few drops of silver hydrosol to your dog’s water bowl as directed by your veterinarian.
Topical Use: Clean your dog’s ears gently with a damp cloth. Apply a few drops of silver hydrosol directly into the ear canal. Gently massage the base of the ear to help distribute the solution. Wipe away any excess solution with a clean cloth or cotton ball.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Dog Ear Infections
Benefits: Apple cider vinegar has antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties useful for alleviating ear infections.
Oral Use: Add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water bowl as directed by your veterinarian.
Topical Use: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and filtered water (50/50 solution). Clean your dog’s ears gently with a damp cloth. Apply the diluted solution to the ears using a clean sponge or dropper. Gently massage the base of the ear to help distribute the solution. Wipe away any excess solution with a clean cloth or cotton ball.
Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD + Coconut Oil
CBD is a great way to tackle ear infections, as you can use it internally and externally! The Full Spectrum Hemp Extract also acts as an antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain reliever. It covers all angles of ear infections and does so safely, without any burn, itch, or irritation that may come with other methods. Administering CBD orally also reduces inflammation, anxiety, and pain that ear infections can cause.
The coconut oil in CBD Dog Health’s formulas is also perfect for combating yeasty ears while soothing and gentle, with no burn or sting. Combined with CBD, which is anti-inflammatory, it can help relieve your dogs ear infections. CBD Dog Health CALM CBD oil and EASE CBD oil for dogs formulated with Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, rich in CBD, as well as MCT oil, and can help alleviate your dogs ear infection.
Oral Use: Add a dropper of FSHE CBD oil to your dog’s gums, or you can add the CBD oil or organic coconut oil to your dog’s food as directed by your holistic veterinarian.
Topical Use: Clean your dog’s ears gently with a damp cloth. Warm a small amount of coconut oil until it turns to liquid (if it isn’t already). If using a CBD product with coconut oil like CBD Dog Health CALM or EASE, insert enough oil to fill the ear canal or apply a few drops of the coconut oil (with or without CBD) into the ear canal. Gently massage the base of the ear to help the oil bind to the wax and slide out of the ear canal. Wipe away any excess oil and wax with a clean cloth or cotton ball. Do not insert cotton swabs into the ear; leave that to your veterinarian only.
Green Tea for Ear Infections in Dogs
Preparation: Boil 8 ounces of water and add two green tea bags. Let the tea steep for a few minutes and cool to lukewarm temperature.
Application: Use a clean sponge or syringe to gently apply the solution into your dog’s ear canal. Massage the base of the ear to help distribute the solution. Wipe away any excess liquid with a clean cloth or cotton ball.
Calendula Tincture for Ear Infections in Dogs
Benefits: Calendula relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and has antimicrobial properties.
Preparation: Add 5 to 10 drops of herbal calendula tincture to 1 cup of lukewarm filtered water.
Application: Use a clean dropper or sponge to apply the solution into your dog’s ear. Massage the base of the ear to help the solution spread. Wipe away excess solution with a clean cloth or cotton ball.
General Tips on Natural Remedies for Dog Ear Infections
- Comfort: Ensure all solutions are at a comfortable, lukewarm temperature.
- Cleanliness: Use clean utensils and applicators to prevent introducing new bacteria.
- Monitoring: Observe your dog for any adverse reactions. Consult your veterinarian if symptoms worsen or persist.
- Work with your Vet: If you aren’t seeing results from holistic modalities within a few days to a week, visit your holistic vet to consider other options. They may have some tricks up their sleeve to help your dog beat a nasty infection!
As with any health issue, talk to your holistic vet about the best natural remedy for dog ear infections and other holistic options tailored to your dog’s needs.