Home Remedies for Swollen Ears in Dogs

Swollen ears, also known as ear hematoma, occurs when a blood vessel in the ear ruptures. According to Pet Alive, a hematoma can go away without any treatment if left to heal by itself. However, it could take a long time to heal and could disfigure the ear. Vets often treat hematomas with fluid draining or surgeries, but dog owners can try using home remedies for mild cases.

  1. Calendula

    • Calendula in tincture form can help treat swollen ears due to its healing properties, according to Natural Dog Health Remedies. To use it, a dog owner should dissolve one teaspoon of calendula tincture and half a teaspoon of sea salt in one cup of distilled or filtered water. Flush the swollen ear with the mixture once or twice a day.

    Mullein and Garlic

    • According to Natural Dog Health Remedies, garlic and mullein have antibiotic, antimicrobial and antiviral properties. The combination treats swollen ears effectively. Create a mixture of equal parts mullein oil and garlic oil. For every one ounce of the mixture, add 10 to 20 drops of olive oil or vitamin E. To apply, place a few drops into the ear canal and gently massage the ear.

    Vinegar

    • ILoveIndia.com states that vinegar solution can kill the yeast in the ears and clean the ears. Mix one part warm water with three parts apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Using cotton balls or a spray, apply the mixture on the outer ear two to four times a week.

    Warm Compress

    • According to ILoveIndia.Com, a warm compress can reduce pain, inflammation, irritation and redness in a dog's ear. A dog owner can do this simply by dipping a small towel in warm water, twist it to get rid of excess water, and placing it on the ear for 30 seconds.

    Oil ear cleaner

    • According to ILoveIndia.Com and Natural Dog Health Remedies, oil ear cleaner has antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It cleans the ear and helps treat the swelling. To make the mixture, combine one ounce neem oil, one teaspoon tea tree oil, 1/2 ounce mullein or olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of eucalyptus oil. Every day, apply a few drops of the oil mixture into the ear canal and massage the ear to spread.