How to Cure a Dog Ear Infection in 5 Easy Steps!

Actually, taking your dog into the vet entails a number of health reasons. One of which is the dog ear infection which is characterized by itchiness, pain, and smells over the dog’s ears. Although ear infection occurs due to many factors, getting rid of it is a hard thing to do. But, there are ways on how to cure a dog ear infection.

In this article, we will share the different types of ear infection in dogs and the causative factors that are involved in its occurrence. And, of course, we will also discuss helpful ways on how to cure a dog ear infection.

Different Types of Ear Infection

Before we jump on identifying the ways on how to cure a dog ear infection, it is better to know first the types of infection that may affect the dog’s ear. Basically, the various ear parts are the potential locations of ear infections. And, the type of ear infections highly depends on the infected ear part.

Ear Parts Affected by Infection

Otitis externa

This is generally the infection that affects the outer part of the dog’s ear. It is usually easy to manage and treat otitis externa at home. You just only have to know the ways on how to cure a dog ear infection.

Otitis media

The middle part of the ear is actually inflamed under this type of ear infection. Generally, almost 16 percent of canines suffering from otitis externa will develop otitis media. This is usually a serious problem observed on dogs with chronic otitis externa.

Otitis interna

Once otitis media worsen or left untreated, it will basically progress into otitis interna which affects the inner portion of the ear.

Common Types of Dog’s Ear Infection

Usually, the following ear problems commonly occur in dogs:

Yeast Overgrowth

Actually, healthy ears have also catered yeast in it. However, the moment it gets out of balance, the dog may generally exhibit yeast-smelling ears with dark brown discharge. Moreover, the ears become itchy but not painful.

Bacterial Infection

Bacterial infection on the dog’s ears is characterized by a bad odor. At the same time, there will also develop a yellowish or greenish discharge.

Foreign Bodies

In the outdoor, the dog may get seeds from the grass, bugs, water on the pool, or dirt. And all those can take into their ears. Usually, accumulation of these foreign bodies on the ears of the dog may result in head shaking for them to keep away that debris. Unfortunately, if that debris is not successfully taken away, the ears may irritate and there will also be an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast.

Aural Hematoma

An aural hematoma may usually develop once the dog shakes or scratches his head too hard. Typically, this is a dog’s bruise in which formation of blood occurs. The pool of blood is commonly located within the skin and the dog’s ear flap cartilage. The veterinarians will generally suggest surgery. But there are ways on how to cure a dog ear infection.

Ear Mites

Parasites are the common source of ear mite infection. Aside from that, this is also a type of mange. Head shaking and ear scratching are commonly seen on dogs having ear mites.

Moreover, the young ones may get contagious ear mite infection than adult dogs. And knowing how to cure a dog infection is a good thing to treat it fast.

Symptoms of Dog Ear Infection

Knowing the symptoms of dog ear infection is actually a good way to come up with better ideas on how to cure a dog ear infection. Here are the following indications that the dog’s ear is infected:

• Head shaking
• Hot ears
• Irritated and reddish skin inside the ear flap
• Rubbing or scratching of the ears
• Smelly ears
• Tilting of the head on the side of infection
• Waxy discharge

Moreover, chronic or more serious ear infection in dogs may result to:

• Loss of balance
• Loss of hearing
• Walking in circles

It is generally advisable to visit the vet in case you already notice serious symptoms.

How to Cure a Dog Ear Infection

If you want to save your dog from itchy ears and free him from ear scratching, consider this steps-by-steps procedure on how to cure a dog ear infection.

1. Check if it is actually an ear infection

Actually, once you are already aware of the symptoms of ear infection in dogs, it will be easy for you to identify if is something wrong with your dog. Yes, it is good to reach out and visit the vet for conventional treatment recommendations. But, a holistic approach on how to cure a dog infection is also available which is more beneficial for the dogs having lesser side effects.

2. Keep away from conventional medicines as much as possible

Basically, vets of conventional medicines will usually recommend antibiotics and medicated topicals as part of the treatment on how to cure a dog ear infection. Initially, these treatments clear the ears of the dog, yet it recurs after some time. The reason behind this is that the medicines only target the symptoms and not dig deeper on the underlying cause. Moreover, they have negative effects on the dog.

Possible side effects of conventional treatments for dog’s ear infection

1. Antibiotic treatment usually damages the balance of bacteria on the gut of the dog. If the gut’s bacterial balance is disrupted, the occurrence of other health problems is possible. Moreover, the microbial environment of the gut will also be disturbed resulting in uncontrollable yeast growth. Eventually, it will kill numbers of good bacteria.
2. Steroids are also helpful in managing ear problems. However, its main action is to suppress the immune system but also produce further damage.

Actually, the dog’s immune system weakens as they are exposed to some medicines, vaccines, and pesticides. The body of the dog is trying to keep away these kinds of stressors. One of the exit portals of these chemicals includes the skin and the ears.

Once you see any signs and symptoms of the ear infection or any presence of discharge, you are already aware that their body is removing the toxins. On a healthy and natural approach on how to cure a dog ear infection is generally helpful and actually a good thing. The dog’s natural body mechanism is doing its own job to heal by keeping away chemicals that damage the body.

Using conventional medicines to suppress and block the exit portals can move the disease deep inside the body. This basically means that the infection will possibly come back some other time. By then, it will be of a more serious disease in dogs.

3. Determine the root cause of ear infection

Another step on how to cure a dog ear infection is to know where it does come from. The same with other conditions of the skin, the ear infection in dogs is a sign of underlying health issues. In most cases, you need to explore farther than the infection of the dog’s ear to resolve all the problems involved.

4. Use natural topical treatments

Based on the above discussion, a dog ear infection is a great indication of more serious health problems. However, most of the time infections of the ear tend to be uncomfortable to the dog. Using natural treatments are safe and soothing ways on how to cure a dog ear infection. Additionally, this approach will make the dog comfortable as you try to figure out the cause of infection.

Green Tea

With high amounts of antioxidants, green tea basically reduces inflammation caused by an ear infection. How to cure a dog ear infection using Green Tea? Consider the following steps:

1. Bring to boil about 8 ounces of water.
2. Afterwards, put two bags of green tea.
3. Generally, allow it to steep within a few minutes and cool until the temperature is lukewarm.
4. Finally, place the solution into the dog’s ear canal through the use of a syringe. You can also soak a piece of cotton and put some drops of the solution over the ear.

Calendula Tincture

In order to reduce the inflammation and ease the pain from an ear infection, use calendula as part of the treatment on how to cure a dog ear infection. The calendula generally exhibits antimicrobial properties that are highly beneficial for infection.

1. Basically, purchase calendula tincture.
2. Incorporate about 5 to 10 drops of the tincture into a lukewarm water of about 1 cup.
3. Put it into the ears by using a dropper or a sponge.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

The Grapefruit Seed Extract is the most powerful antioxidant that has antibacterial and antifungal properties. How to cure a dog ear infection by using grapefruit seed extract is through the following steps:

1. Initially, combine about 10 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extracts and 1/2 ounce of aloe vera juice in pure form.
2. Clean the ears using the solution.
3. For internal use, pour on about 3 to 5 drops of the extract to the food of your dog.

Oil of Oregano

A natural antibiotic, the oil of Oregano is a helpful treatment on how to cure a dog ear infection.

1. Basically, pour on one drop of oil into 1/2 ounce of pure aloe vera juice. Make sure that the aloe vera is warm.
2. Soak the cotton ball into the mixture and eventually clean the outer portions of the dog’s infected ear.

Vinegar Solution

Generally, the vinegar has a natural way of reducing itch and ear discomfort. That’s why this solution is one of the good ways on how to cure a dog ear infection. You may consider using organic apple cider vinegar as a good option.

1. In 1 part of vinegar combine also 1 part of filtered water.
2. Soak the cotton ball into the mixture and eventually clean the outer portions of the dog’s infected ear.

Ensure that the solution gets through deeper into the ear canal through holding the ear of the dog in a still position. Moreover, using a dropper, pour the liquid solution into the ear canal. Afterwards, massage the bottom portion of the dog’s ear gently.

Mullein Drops

Mullein drops are effective ways on how to cure a dog ear infection. There are numbers of available mullein drops over health food stores. However, you can also make your own drops of mullein. Additionally, for added effectiveness, try adding some garlic on it.

1. Basically, put leaves and flowers of mullein into a glass jar.
2. Cover the mullein leaves and flowers with olive oil.
3. Incorporate about a clove or two of garlic in every pint of olive oil. However, this step is optional. Yet, it is a good choice as it can increase the antibiotic effect of the drops.
4. Generally, allow the mixture to stand for 2 to 3 weeks time.
5. Finally, strain the mixture and put some drops of the oil into an ear canal of the dog regularly.

5. Take care of the dog’s gut

Like what we’ve said, the dog’s ear is the gateway to reflect problems in their immune system. In fact, around 90 percent of canine’s immune system is situated in the gut. That’s why the health of the gut results to the overall health of the dog. So, if you rule out the issue of a leaky gut it is also a way on how to cure a dog ear infection.

Generally, most dogs with leaky guts suffer from chronic health problems. With this, the bad bacteria may damage the cells lining the dog’s gut. Because of that, bacteria and toxins are floating into the bloodstream that is not usually normal.

Here are the primary factors that cause leaky guts in dogs:

• Drugs and toxins
• Too much vaccines
• Poor diet

Healing the leaky gut basically needs more time yet its treatment has a beneficial effect on the overall health of the dog. Below are ways of taking care of the dog’s gut:

Keep away from bad ingredients

Mostly, dog food comes in processed form and it is packed with ingredients causing leaky gut syndrome and, of course, ear infection. Basically, try to avoid the following so that you can generally manage the gut of your dog and also cure a dog ear infection:

Glyphosate

Generally, this ingredient is a herbicide which primarily treats soy, wheat, and other grains. Most dog food typically contains glyphosate.

Lectins

The proteins in legumes, soybeans, lentils, and other grains are the lectins. This is also gluten that targets the lining of the gut and causes a dog’s intolerance.

Mycotoxins

This ingredient is generally a mold that causes cancer and normally grows on grains and other plants. Mycotoxins are basically present in many kinds of pet foods.

Dairy

Basically, leaky gut in dogs may result in intolerance to dairy. And, mostly, canines are not able to create digestive enzymes responsible for breaking down dairy products like milk.

Give dog some supplements

Another way to manage leaky gut is to put on some dietary supplements on the dog’s food. Here is the list of supplements that may be beneficial for them:

• L-glutamine that is normally present in most animal proteins, asparagus, spirulina, and broccoli
• N-Acetyl Glucosamine or NAG
• Licorice Root
• Prebiotics and Probiotics
• Aloe vera juice

Control the yeast

Yeast is a causative factor of ear infection as well as releasing toxins. Once the toxins are present in too much amount, the gut lining will get irritated. So, with that, it is better to control the yeast production by doing the following tips below. These can also help with how to cure a dog ear infection.

• Basically, cut the carbs and the sugar on the diet of your dog.
• Keep away from pesticides and vaccines.
• As much as possible, try to give high-quality dog food and water.
• Consider giving garlic to your dog.
• Generally, incorporate some MCT oil to the dog food.

Final Thoughts

When you deal on ways on how to cure a dog ear infection, the key is patience. You need to have it all throughout the healing process. The toxins released from the dog’s ear are a crucial part of the healing. Regardless of whether you use conventional medicines or herbs in treating the infection, suppressing the natural process of healing would do no good at all. Just be patient on looking for the exact source of the problem. It would be the best way to get rid of the ear infection and any underlying conditions that may be involved.

Meanwhile, as you try to determine the real cause, consider working on the holistic method of curing the ear infection which is a little bit gentler and safer. Moreover, using curing the ear infection of dogs at home using natural remedies is the initial step to provide overall health to the dog. Aside from that, it is also one effective way of getting rid of ear infection in the long run.