Do you know? Dog ears are vital organs that help a dog in finding prey and listening to those sounds that humans are not incapable of. That’s why human beings have used pet dogs for thousands of years to guard their homes and in hunting.
Now you know how essential ears are to a dog; as a pet owner, it is your responsibility to take care of their ears. In this article, I will explain ear infections, a common illness in dogs and how to treat them with home remedies. So let’s jump into it
What causes ear infections in dogs?
It occurs when bacteria or yeast starts multiplying in the ears. Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels, or dog breeds with long and floppy ears, are more prone to infections because their ears are covered with hair and moisture, which is a perfect environment for microorganisms to grow. Other possible factors of ear infection are ear wax buildup, allergies, mites, injury, endocrine, and autoimmune disorders.
Types of dog ear infections
Depending on the location, there are three types of dog ear inflammations: Otitis externa, Otitis media, and Otitis interna. In the Latin language otitis, externa, media, and interna means inflammation of the ear, external, middle, and internal respectively. The most common ear infection you see in dogs is otitis externa.
How do you know if your dog has ear infection?
Whining, head shaking, rubbing ears, redness, odor, and discharge from ears are some common ear infection signs in dogs. You may also notice signs like loss of balance, circle movement, hearing loss, and unusual eye movements if a severe ear infection is developed.
Is there a home remedy for dog ear infection?
Yes, you can use many home remedies to relieve your dog’s ear infection, but if the situation is harrowing and the ear is swollen, you should consult a vet. However, if the infection is in an early stage and the vet allows you to use home remedies, you can start with these two.
- Coconut Oil: The first home remedy for dog ear infections is Coconut oil. It has antimicrobial and antifungal properties in it. If you live in cold places, you need to melt it first. Next, take a cotton ball, dip in the oil and rub it throughout the infected ear.
- Apple Cider Vinegar has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It kills yeast and bacteria which is a reason for inflammation. Make a solution of one tablespoon of water and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and mix them. Dip a cotton tissue in the solution and apply it to the infected area gently. It is also useful in cleaning the ear wax that buildup and cleaning dirt and debris.
Choose either apple cider vinegar or coconut to treat. You can use it 3 times a day and for 7 seven days. These are both natural and don’t contain any harmful chemicals. Note: Don’t use cotton swabs; these can hurt or damage the inner ear canal.
How to stop dog’s ear infection from recurring?
You can prevent an ear infection from happening in the first place than treatment after it has happened. Regular ear check-ups (especially after dog swimming) and grooming once a month are essential and necessary to stop reoccurrence. To clean dirt and debris, you can use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or any recommended liquid cleanser by a veterinarian or groomer.
Can an ear infection kill a dog?
An ear infection is not life-threatening but can cause severe issues like extreme pain, facial paralysis, and deafness if untreated.