Home Cures for a Dog's Ear Infection

Ear infections can be very irritable to dogs. If you have ever experienced one, you can relate to the discomfort. If you notice your pet scratching, whining and shaking his head constantly or an odor coming from your dog's ear, chances are that it's from an ear infection. These infections are caused by ear mites, food allergies or bacterial or fungal infections. Some home cures can help provide relief for your dog's ear infection.

  1. Cleaning

    • Gently use gauze to clean out as much dirt and grime as you can from the dog's ears. You can also use the tip of a fine cloth. Place 1 tsp. of balsamic vinegar on a cotton ball and clean the dog's ears. Do this twice a day. Make sure you dry the ears. You can also try a a 50/50 solution of water and apple cider vinegar as a cleaning agent. Water, alcohol and vinegar, mixed in equal parts, is another commonly used home remedy for cleaning and treating dog's ears. Vinegar helps kill bacteria by increasing the pH level in the ears. The alcohol assists in the drying process.

    Home Remedies

    • Use cod liver oil or vitamin E oil as ear drops. These cures are especially soothing if they are warmed before being administered. Take a dropper bottle and insert the solution into the ear canal. You can use the vitamin E from gel capsules if you have them. You can also purchase the oil at most health food stores.
      One of the most popular home cures for dog mites is comprised of 1/2 tbsp. of almond oil and 40 drops of vitamin E oil. You can substitute olive oil for almond oil.
      Treat you dog with herbal flea powders to defend against fleas and mites. You can use wormwood, rosemary and eucalyptus. Apply the powder to your dog after bathing to provide her a layer of protection as against the pesky insects hanging around.
      The sources of many dog allergies are their diets. Changing the quality of food your dog is eating may be all that is required to rid your pet of allergies. If you can afford it, buy higher-quality commercial dog foods that are free of ingredients such as corn, additives and preservatives. These items contribute to the build-up of ear wax and create a higher risk for a yeast infection to occur.

    Warning

    • The information presented here is not intended to replace the advice of your veterinarian.