Holistic medicine and treatments are becoming commonplace in American medicine for both humans and pets. The idea of treating the body and not just the symptom has been around for generations but is now catching the eyes of medical experts.
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Symptoms
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Ear infections are typically identified when a dog excessively scratches at its ears and may even rub them on the ground. Upon inspection of the ears, an ear infection may show as a dark, waxy buildup or red and inflamed ears. A heavy odor may accompany the ear infection, especially if it is a yeast infection. The infection may cause pain or be irritating to the dog.
Causes
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Floppy-eared dogs are most prone to ear infections because the ears tend to be moist and warm, perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and fungus. Other causes of ear infections can include a poor diet or an affinity with the water. A dog that had a poor diet may not be able to fight off a bacteria or fungal infection. A dog that is drawn to the water may find water being trapped in its ears, an invitation for an ear infection.
Home Remedies
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Keeping the ears clean and aired out is a great way to prevent an ear infection. Washing the ears with a solution of 1 cup purified or distilled water, 2 cups white or apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp. rubbing alcohol may help in preventing or handing a small ear infection. The water and alcohol help to remove wax and debris while the vinegar helps to kill any bacteria or fungus and prevents the cultures from growing.
Holistic Treatments
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The holistic treatment of ear infections can include a change of a dog's diet from a yeast- or flour-based diet to a meat-based diet. This does not mean that a raw food diet has to be followed, but rather the ingredient list on the dog food should have meat listed primarily and a very small amount of flour or in best cases, no flour. In addition, including probiotics and enzymes in a dog's food and water can assist in keeping the dog's digestive track healthy and in turn prevent ear infections.
Talk to a Veterinarian
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If your dog is displaying frequent ear infections, a trip to the veterinarian is necessary. This is also the case if the dog's ear infection does not clear up within a couple of days. Allowing an ear infection to continue can cause scarring and harm to the dog's hearing. In addition, ear infections are uncomfortable and can reduce a dog's quality of life.
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