Ear infections are a common affliction among dogs. Caused by the growth of bacteria or yeast within the auditory canal, ear infections are generally not serious and can easily be treated at home. This is good news for anyone who has ever made a trip to the veterinary clinic, fighting off panic at the thought of the mounting cost of treatment. Herbal remedies can be just as effective as traditional medications while sparing you the expense of professional veterinary services.
-
Symptoms
-
Observe your dog. If you notice the dog shaking his head frequently or holding it cocked to one side, or if she is constantly scratching at her ears, an infection may be developing. Turn the ears back and peer inside. Infected ears are generally red with inflammation and hot to the touch. They also tend to smell bad and you can frequently see discharge oozing from the ear canal. If any of these signs are present, regular applications of herbal ear drops may help the ears to heal.
Ear Drops Formula
-
To make ear drops for your dog, simply add 10 drops of garlic oil to one tablespoon of mineral oil or olive oil. Transfer the mixture to a small sterile bottle and shake gently, until well blended. The type with a nozzle for squirting would make application easier, but an eye dropper can be used if this type of container proves to be too difficult to locate.
Application
-
To use the ear drops, turn the dog's ear back and place 3 to 4 drops of oil into the ear canal. Return the dog's ear to its original position and press down lightly, rubbing in a slow circular motion. This will help work the oil into the ear canal. Repeat the application two to three times a day for one to three weeks, or until the infection clears.
Warning
-
If you do not see any improvement in the affected area after one week of treatment, or if the infection seems to get worse, rather than better, discontinue treatment immediately. Your pet may be allergic to the ear drops, aggravating the condition, rather than improving it. You may try an alternative, such as plain cod liver oil or vitamin E oil, or you may wish to seek professional veterinary assistance at this point.
-