Were you aware that ear infections in dogs can be triggered by the accumulation of wax and inadequate airflow? A lot of pet owners tend to overlook the care and cleansing of their dogs’ ears during grooming routines, which is something that definitely should be avoided.
Too much wax can turn the ear canal into the perfect place for bacteria to grow. Overtime, the ear infection can worsen and lead to further complications. Untreated ear infections can lead to the following:
- Temporary or permanent hearing loss
- Mobility issues – Only walking in circles
- Mobility issues – Unable to maintain balance, prone to falling over
- Ruptured eardrum (from constant scratching)
- Bleeding from ear
If you are worried about this and are wondering “what to give my dog for an ear infection?” we’re here to help you out.
Dog Breeds that are more at Risk of Ear Infections
Before we take a closer look at the remedies, it is essential to know that dog ear infections don’t always occur because someone isn’t cleaning their ears.
In fact, certain dog breeds are just more prone to ear infections because of how their ear canal and outer ears are shaped. The following dog breeds are more likely to get an ear infection:
- Beagles
- Basset Hound
- Cocker Spaniel
- Dachshund
- Irish Setter
- Labradoodle
- Golden Retriever
- Poodle
- Schnauzer
A common aspect here is that dog breeds that have long and floppy ears are more likely to develop ear infections due to the lack of ventilation and sunlight here.
Tell-Tale Signs of an Ear Infection in Your Dog
Before you begin any treatment, you also need to make sure that your dog actually has an ear infection. Some other health issues can also cause similar symptoms. Additionally, by knowing these signs, you can detect the infection early before it worsens. Data shows that over 20% of all dogs have an ear infection that is overlooked.
If you’re wondering what those signs are, pay attention to the following:
- Increased head tilting– it can be a sign that there is an infection in one ear
- Excessive shaking of the head
- Scratching at ears
- Whining while scratching ears
- A bad odor that is coming from the ears
- Dark, waxy discharge from the ear
- Scabby, red skin on the inside of the ear
If you see any of these signs, your dog has an ear infection. Then, the only thing you need to do is figure out just how to treat the issue.
Treating a Dog Ear Infection
Once you see that your dog has an ear infection, you can resort to a number of different methods to treat the issue. It’s always a good idea to be careful in this aspect. The following measures are the ones we strongly recommend you should turn to when you are trying to treat an ear infection in your dog:
Take the Dog to the Vet
First and foremost, you should take your dog to the vet to get the infection checked out. This is necessary to understand the extent of the infection. Moreover, your vet will be able to accurately diagnose the issue, see the damage done as well as figure out the leading underlying cause of the problem.
Never self-diagnose your dog and apply treatment without confirming with your vet. Dogs can be sensitive to medications. In some cases, the product you use can contain chemicals that can harm your pup. With the vet’s help, you can work out the right treatment measure that you can take for your dog.
Use a Dog Ear Flush
A dog ear flush is a gentle wash that is designed to clean the ear thoroughly. The flush allows you to rinse your pup’s ear canal, remove any wax build-up, and also kill the harmful bacterium that is causing the infection. In many cases, the flush can also help to soothe the skin around the ear and also help improve healing.
Flushes should be used in accordance with the vet’s prescription and based on the instructions on the bottle. Improper usage can cause more harm and can make irritate the ear canal further. Moreover, over-cleaning the dog’s ears can also lead to worsening of the infection.
Dog Ear Infection Home Treatment
Home treatment of ear infections for dogs is a good idea, but you should only opt for this method once you are sure about the ear infection. Many people resort to home remedies, especially if their pets are vulnerable to the chemicals in other treatments.
Additionally, with home treatments, there can be a bit of a hit and miss. Some treatments might be useful, while others may give no results. It is a good idea to be careful in this aspect and to be patient. Based on the biology of each dog, different remedies can yield different results.
Making Your Own Dog Ear Flush
Many dog owners like to use natural home remedies for dog ear flushes to treat ear infections. If you would like to do so as well, the following are some key ingredients you should add to the flush:
- Witch Hazel – This reduces inflammation, redness, and also helps with swelling. It is excellent for drying out moisture levels in the ear canal too.
- Garlic – When applied to the ear or eaten as is, garlic can help to treat mild ear infections.
- Chamomile – This ingredient is exceptionally soothing for skin that is inflamed and also helps with itchiness.
When making a flush with it, be sure to use it twice a day and make sure to be patient. Monitor how the infection develops, and if it worsens, take your dog to the vet immediately.
Our Recommendation – EcoEars Natural Dog Cleaner
The formula is all-natural and is designed especially for dogs who have sensitive skin. Its solution is also 100% organic and has no chemicals. The best part is that it is a multi-purpose ear cleaner. It can be used for the treatment of ear infections, as well as addressing waxy discharge, itching in-ear, bad odors, and more. The organic formula is one of the main reasons why people enjoy using it for their pets.
Our Recommendation – Mister Ben’s Original Ear Tonic
This is another ear tonic that is all-natural and is also organic in nature. It also contains extracts of aloe, turmeric, ginkgo, and other organic ingredients. These are known to not only address ear infections but also help with itching, redness, and inflammation. Regular use also helps improve the pH and environment of the ear canal and effectively provides protection from getting ear infections.
If you’re dealing with an ear infection in your dogs, try out these excellent home remedies and see the difference that they can make to your dog’s health.