Homemade Remedies for Dog Yeast Infections of the Ear

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.

  1. Cod Liver Oil

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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.