Dog Ear Infections - Natural Home Remedies

Dog ear infections can be controlled and treated effectively by using simple natural home remedies such as herbs and dietary supplements.

Yeast infections in dog ear are rather common. Many conventional medications for recurrent chronic ear infections include strong drugs such as antibiotics, antihistamines, and steroids. As in many other infections, ear infections in dogs are largely due to an immune system that is weakened or out-of-sync. Prolonged use of antibiotics and steroids cannot address the root cause - in fact, it can aggravate the problem since prolonged use of these medicines can very often wreak havoc to a dog's immune system.

If your dog is prone to yeast infections in the ear, try a natural approach. Natural home remedies using herbs and essential oils are effective in treating ear infections in dogs. Herbs and dietary supplements can also be used to strengthen a dog's immune system, making the dog less prone to infections.

This page looks at the following;

Herbal remedies for ear infection in dogs
Simple home remedies for ear infection in dogs
Dietary supplements essential for dogs with ear infections
Natural products (for internal use)
Natural products (for topical use)

(For common causes and symptoms of dog ear infections, please visit our page on Ear Infections in Dogs).

Herbal Remedies for Ear Infection in Dogs

Herbs are effective in treating bacterial and yeast infections in the ears and in strengthening the dog's immune system. Here are some useful herbs that you can try to use:

Calendula

Calendula has antifungal properties. It is also extremely effective in promoting wound healing. One way to use calendula is to make an ear wash. Get a tincture of calendula. Add a teaspoon of the tincture together with 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt to a 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:

Use equal parts of mullein oil and garlic oil. Combine the two oils.
To every one oz. of the mullein/garlic oil mixture, add 10 to 20 drops of olive oil or vitamin E.

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 once or twice a day until the infection is gone.

Echinacea

If your dog is prone to ear infections, use this immune-boosting herb to strengthen your dog's immune system.

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Home Remedies for Dog Ear Infections

For mild dog ear infections, or if you do not have any herbs at home, try these home remedies:

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.

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Dietary Supplements for Dog Ear Infections

As mentioned above, yeast infections in the ear, 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. Furthermore, since antibiotics also kill off the "friendly" bacteria in the dog's digestive system, your dog will also suffer from various digestive problems.

Natural dietary supplements, such as digestive enzymes, antioxidants, 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 and 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 digest and absorb food better. Better digestion can also help keep inflammatory processes in check.

Probiotics

Probiotics replenish the body with the "good-guy bacteria" and are absolutely essential for dogs who are being or have been treated with antibiotics or any other prescription drugs that kill off and upset the balance of intestinal microflora.

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Natural Products for Dog Ear Infection - Internal Use

Integrative Therapeutics Phytostan : Very often, dog ear infections (especially chronic ear infections) are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. This Phytostan supplement is an excellent natural antifungal formula that combines Caprylic acid, Undecyclenic acid, and grapefruit extract with Pau d'arco and extracts of other key antifungal herbs such as rosemary and thyme.
Only Natural Pet Super Daily Vitamins Skin Coat : This dietary supplement contains flaxseed (rich source of EFAs), digestive enzymes, and antioxidants.
Only Natural Pet Probiotic Blend for Dogs and Cats : This probiotic blend supplies the essential "friendly" bacteria to guard and support the digestive system of your dog.

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Dog Ear Care Products for 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 effective ingredients for yeast infections in the ear, such as witch hazel, tea tree oil, and echinacea.
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!