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Dog Ear Infections -
Natural Home Remedies

Dog ear infections can be treated effectively by using simple natural home remedies.

In our page on Ear Infections in Dogs, the causes and symptoms of ear infections are discussed. This page shows you how natural remedies, such as herbs and essential oils, can be used to effectively treat ear infections in dogs.

Herbal Remedies for Ear Infection in Dogs

Herbs are effective in treating bacterial and yeast infections in the ears. Here are some useful herbs that you can try to use:

Calendula

Calendula is antifungal and has excellent healing properties. Add a teaspoon of calendula tincture and half a teaspoon of sea salt to one cup of distilled or filtered water. Use the mixture to flush the affected ear once or twice a day.

Mullein and Garlic

The antimicrobial and antiviral properties of mullein make it an excellent herb for treating ear infections in dogs. Garlic is antibiotic; when used in combination with mullein, it is also effective for treating ear problems.

Here is a simple way of making a mullein and garlic herbal remedy for ear infection:

Combine equal parts of mullein oil and garlic oil
Add 10-20 drops of olive oil or vitamin E to every one oz. of the mullein/garlic oil mixture.

Apply this remedy to the ear canal of your dog and gently massage the dog ear.

Oregon Grape

The strong antibiotic and antibacterial properties of Oregon grape make it an effective herb for treating ear infections or ear mites. Use an oil infusion of the herb. Apply 1-10 drops at a time in each ear one to two times a day until the infection is gone.

Echinacea

Echinacea tablets, tea, or tincture can be given to your dog suffering from ear infection to strengthen her immune system.

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Home Remedies for Dog Ear Infections

Green tea ear wash

Steep two green tea bags in boiling water for about 15 minutes. Let the tea cool down and use it to flush the ears twice a day.

Vinegar ear wash

A 1:1 mix of vinegar and water can also be used to flush the ears regularly (once or twice monthly) to keep your pet's ears clean and bug free.

Neem oil ear cleaner

First flush out the ear with the above vinegar ear wash. Dry the ear thoroughly with cotton balls (DO NOT use Q tips)

After the ear is dry, instill 10 -20 drops of Neem oil ear cleaner to prevent yeast and bacteria infections once daily.

Ingredients:

1 oz Neem oil
1 teaspoon of tea tree oil
1/2 oz mullein or olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of eucalyptus oil

Aromatherapy for Dog Ear Infections
Aromatherapy can also be used to clean a dog's infected ear. Here is an aromatherapy recipe that you can try.

Natural Remedies - Internal Use

Dogs ear infections, especially chronic ear infections, are an indication of a weakened immune system. If your dog has been repeatedly treated with antibiotics for ear infections, chances are his immune system is largely compromised, and since antibiotics also kill off the "friendly" bacteria in the dog's digestive system, your dog will also suffer from various digestive problems.

Natural supplements, such as digestive enzymes, probiotics, and essential fatty acids, are the basic essentials for treating chronic dog ear infections from the inside out.

Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids (Omega-3 & 6) should be given to your dog as a daily supplement, not only for general health management, but especially for boosting the immune system and controlling inflammation.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants can help reduce free radical damage to cells, which has been implicated in a wide array of serious health issues, such as ear infections. Vitamins A, C and E are good antioxidants.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes can help the body get the maximum nourishment out of food. Better digestion can also help keep inflammatory processes in check.

Probiotics

Probiotics supply the body with "friendly bacteria" and, as mentioned above, are absolutely essential for dogs receiving antibiotics or any other prescription drugs that kill off and upset the balance of intestinal microflora.

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Commercial Products - Internal Use

Only Natural Pet Super Daily Vitamins Skin Coat 10 oz.

This great natural product contains flaxseed (essential fatty acids), digestive enzymes, and antioxidants.

Only Natural Pet Probiotic Blend for Dogs and Cats

This is a good product of probiotics that can supply beneficial bacteria to guard your dog's digestive system.

Commercial Ear Care Products - Topical Use

There are several commercial natural dog ear infection remedies that contains the main herbal or oil ingredients mentioned above. If you don't want to concoct your own dog ear infection remedy, try one of these:

Only Natural Pet Ear Care with Tea Tree Oil - This product contains witch hazel, tea tree oil, and echinacea - all effective ingredients for ear infections in dogs.

Halo Herbal Ear Wash - This product contains useful oil and herb extracts such as St.-John's Wort, Sage, and Chamomile, and is a good ear wash for dogs!

References

R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
Pitcairn & Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).

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