Not all ear infections in dogs respond to antibiotics, but some natural remedies have proven to be effective treatments. Yeast, bacteria, allergies, wax and water in the ears can lead to infection. Long-eared dogs develop more infections because air circulates less. Dogs with infected ears shake or tip their heads and scratch their ear with their paw. There might be a discharge or odor from the ear, or dirt inside it. Inflammation and redness are signs of a cut, rather than infection.
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Vinegar and Water
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Applying a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts water is an effective way to clean the ear and remove wax buildup. Release a few drops into the ear canal, massage the ear and dry it with a cotton ball. Try this once a day until the dog feels relief. Never use vinegar on open cuts. Apple cider vinegar in his water twice weekly will improve an infection.
Oil Treatments
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Olive oil and garlic can ease mild ear infections. Place two peeled garlic cloves in a bottle of olive oil, and let it sit for a week. Afterward, strain the garlic, apply several drops of oil and massage the outer ear. Lubricate the ears occasionally with olive oil, blotting them with cotton balls. A drop of cod-liver oil relieves the pain of inner- and middle-ear infections. Almond oil will soften wax and its discharge.
Relief from Inflammation
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Vitamin C in the diet helps reduce inflammation. Use small amounts at first because of the risk of diarrhea. Warm compresses applied several times daily also ease the pain of inflammation. Gel squeezed from an aloe vera plant heals the ear while it soothes. Tepid green tea also brings relief.
Boric Acid
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A time-tested remedy combines 10 oz. of isopropyl alcohol, 4 tbsp. of boric acid powder and 16 drops of Gentian Violet solution (items available from a pharmacy). Mix the ingredients. Before you apply the solution, it should be warmed and shaken to keep contents from settling. Use a syringe or apply the mixture with a cotton ball. Once the inflammation subsides, you can squirt a small amount into the ear, massage it and blot it dry. Repeat the dosage, letting the dog shake it out. Try this twice daily for a week or two.
Preventive Measures
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Since dogs clean their ears naturally, probing with a Q-tip isn't necessary. Improve air circulation in long ears by trimming hair. Try dry food with lamb, rice and quality ingredients, avoiding preservatives to decrease wax buildup. After a bath or swim, dry the dog's ears thoroughly. Yeast thrives in the warm, moist ear canal. After walks, check for prickers or other matter that should be extracted from the ear.
Caution
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Before beginning treatment of any type, see your vet for an accurate diagnosis. Because of the risk of hearing loss, persistent ear infections need to be investigated. Regular care and ear cleaning will keep yeast and bacterial infections at bay and make your dog more comfortable.
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