If your dog has been shaking his head or shaking his ears a lot, chances are he has an ear infection. Yeast bacteria is a common cause of a dog's ear infection. Heat, lack of air flow and allergies can all cause yeast to grow in the ears. To prevent infection, keep hair around the ears trimmed and use a specialized ear wash solution at least once a week. If your dog is already suffering from an ear infection, there is no substitute for veterinary care. However, you can perform some remedies at home until that vet appointment.
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Cod Liver Oil
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A few drops of cod liver oil in the ear canal can help ease the pain of a middle or inner ear infection. This will not get rid of the infection, however, so get the dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Vinegar
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The acidic nature of vinegar makes it a good remedy for ear infections caused by overgrowth of yeast bacteria. White vinegar and apple cider vinegar will both work. First, clean out your dog's ear with a canine ear wash and remove the excess liquid with a tissue or cotton ball. Then, make a mixture of half water and half vinegar and gently swab the inside of the dog's ear with the solution.
Garlic
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Garlic is a powerful antiseptic and is another remedy for a dog's ear infection. Soak a fresh clove of garlic in a bit of olive oil overnight. In the morning, apply a few drops of the olive oil to the inside of the affected ear. Do this twice a day for at least a week.
Vitamin E Oil
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Try breaking open a Vitamin E capsule and using a syringe or dropper to put a few drops of the oil into the ears. This should help with the pain.
Vitamin C
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Give your dog a daily Vitamin C supplement to support her immune system and to reduce inflammation in the ear canal. Check with your vet to find out the correct dosage. You may want to start with a small dose and work up to the correct dose for the dog's size. Too much Vitamin C can cause diarrhea in some dogs.
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