How to Treat a Dog Ear Infection (Using Home Remedies and OTC Aids)

Ear infections in dogs are a common problem. Thankfully, they can be treated very easily, and the symptoms usually subside just hours after treatment begins. However, if left untreated, the resulting problems could be drastic. In fact, if you don’t know how to treat a dog’s ear infection, your dog could lose his hearing.

Most pet owners seek veterinary assistance if they suspect their pet has an ear infection, but home remedies for a dog ear infection can also be very effective. If you do try a home remedy, keep a close eye on your pup. If the symptoms get worse, you will need to seek veterinary help immediately.

It’s important to keep your dog’s ears in good condition. His ears aren’t just used for hearing. They also help him with balance and coordination. If left untreated, ear infections can not only lead to hearing loss but also a drastic decline in your dog’s overall health and well-being.

How to Treat a Dog Ear Infection

1. Using Home Remedies for Dog Ear Infections

As with any home remedies, you will need to keep a close eye on your dog’s condition until his ear infection has cleared up completely. If the symptoms get worse, you will need to seek veterinary help immediately.

Home remedies usually need to be applied more often than medications as well. This is because the ingredients are not as strong as the chemicals in prescription treatments or over-the-counter remedies.

Dog ear care products and medication don’t need to be complicated or expensive. Some of the best ear infection treatments can be made right at home. And, it’s likely that you already have the ingredients on hand.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

The home remedy that I think is most effective is a mixture of 1 part water and 1 part apple cider vinegar. The vinegar has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also highly acidic, which helps it eat through the dirt debris and wax build-up in your dog’s ear.

Apple cider vinegar has been shown to kill yeast and bacteria – the two main causes of dog ear infections. To use this remedy, you can either wet a cotton ball and swab it around the inside of your pet’s ear or put a small amount of the liquid in your dog’s ear with a syringe.

If you choose to put the liquid directly into the ear, be sure to massage the ear’s base to work the mixture around thoroughly. Then, allow your pet to shake his head and wipe away any excess liquid.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has several health benefits for dogs, and one of them is that it is an effective home remedy for dog ear infections. When using coconut oil to treat an ear infection, you’ll need to melt it into liquid form first.

Of course, you don’t want to apply hot oil to the ear. You’ll need to allow the oil to cool enough that it won’t hurt your dog, yet not enough to congeal.

Dip a cotton ball in the softened oil, and wipe a thin layer throughout your dog’s inner ear. Coconut oil has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. You can use it to treat ear infections caused by yeast or bacteria.

Whichever way you choose to treat your dog’s ear infection, apply it 3-4 times per day for at least 7 days. Be sure to continue applying the treatment until all infection signs have been gone for at least 48 hours. Remember, if the infection gets worse, you need to call your veterinarian immediately.

Best OTC Treatments for Ear Infections in Dogs

While home remedies are natural and less intrusive and will generally work for minor ear infections in dogs, they aren’t always the best solution. If you noticed these home remedies not being effective enough, you might need a stronger solution. Below are some of the best treatments for ear infections in dogs, available over-the-counter.

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