Treatment of a Dog Ear Infection With Vinegar

If you have a dog, it's a good idea to have vinegar on hand. It can be used to treat a variety of canine ailments, including ear infections. The warm, moist environment in a dog's ear is a perfect setting for dangerous microorganisms to grow and cause irritation. The acidity of vinegar helps adjust the pH balance in the ear and make it difficult for bacteria to multiply.

  1. Safe

    • Vinegar is a safe remedy for ear infections. It doesn't contain dangerous chemicals or unnecessary additives that can harm your pet. Your dog won't experience uncomfortable side effects. Whether it's administered in the ear or mixed into your pet's drinking water, it's a non-toxic treatment that can be used regularly.

    Effective

    • Vinegar helps kill bacteria and neutralize yeast on contact. It helps keep a dog's ears clean while creating an unfavorable environment for bacteria. Many times, veterinarians prescribe medications that address the symptoms, not the underlying cause of an ear infection, so when a round of treatment is completed, the infection can easily return. In addition, if you give your dog medication, it can take days or weeks before you see improvement in his condition. When you use vinegar, you can see results right away.

    Inexpensive

    • Many times, a trip to the vet ends with a list of expensive medications. Instead of spending several dollars per treatment, using vinegar to help heal a canine ear infection costs only pennies per application. You can buy a gallon of vinegar for a few dollars and you'll have an effective treatment at your fingertips the next time your dog has an ear infection.

    Natural

    • Vinegar is a natural substance that has a variety of uses. It's used as an eco-friendly cleaning aid, a healthy flavoring and a natural home remedy. It doesn't contain any toxic chemicals or dangerous additives that can harm your pet. It can be administered both orally and topically. When used in moderation, it helps your dog recover naturally and can help prevent future health issues.

    Treatment

    • In a small bowl, mix 2 parts distilled water and 1 part apple-cider vinegar. Dip a cotton ball in the liquid and gently squeeze to remove excess fluid. Swab the underside of your dog's ear flap and just inside the entry to his ear canal with the wet cotton ball, If your dog's ears contain a lot of discharge or dirt, repeat with a new cotton ball until it comes away clean. Do this twice a week to heal an ear infection, and once a week for maintenance. You can also put 1 tsp. vinegar in your dog's drinking water to help balance the alkalinity in his system.