Ear infections are common in dogs. Infections can be caused by yeast or bacteria. If you notice a foul odor coming from your dog's ears, he most likely has an infection. Any ear infection that lasts more than a week will require veterinary treatment. However, you can treat many cases at home using safe homeopathic remedies.
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Cleaning
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Before you treat the ears, you must clean them well to remove debris, wax buildup and mites if there are any present. Make a solution of equal parts of white vinegar, alcohol and water. Using gauze or a soft clean cloth, gently wipe out her ears with the solution. Alcohol may dry out her ears so you can eliminate it if you prefer.
Cod Liver Oil or Vitamin E Oil
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Using drops of cod liver or vitamin E oil can help relieve pain from the ear infection. One or two drops in each ear, depending on the size of your dog, is sufficient. Massage the ear gently to work it into the ear canal. The oil will draw out the infection, provided that it is not too far advanced, as well as make your dog feel more comfortable.
White Vinegar
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In addition to using vinegar to clean your dog's ears, you can use it to treat the infection. Vinegar changes the pH in your dog's ears to eliminate a yeast infection. It should be mixed with water in equal parts. You can also add 2 tbsp. to a cup of water, and give it to her twice a week. This will help prevent a worse infection.
Macerated Garlic
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Press two gloves of garlic and add a small amount of olive oil. Allow the mixture to sit for two weeks and then strain it. Two or three drops of the warmed oil in each ear will help cure the infection. Because this takes some time to prepare, you may want to make it ahead of time to have on hand, particularly if your dog is susceptible to ear infections. Keep the oil refrigerated until you are ready to use it.
Zymox Otic
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Zymox otic is over the counter ear drops that include a combination of three enzymes that are antimicrobials. It contains Lactoperoxidase, Lysozyme and Lactoferrin which work together in Zymox to kill bacteria and prevent it from recurring. In addition, Lactoperoxidase includes an agent called Hypoiodite which is a fungicide. According to Animal Pet Doctor, this can be used to treat both bacterial and yeast infections.
Neem Oil
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Neem oil comes from the fruit and seeds of a Neem, an evergreen tree, from India. According to Doggie's Paradise, it is an herbal treatment for yeast infections. With a medicine dropper, fill your dog's ear with the oil and massage gently. Wipe out the excess oil with gauze, a paper towel or a soft clean cloth.
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