Ear Infection Remedies for Pets
by Dawn Forster
Do you have a pet that suffers from the occasional ear infection? It's frustrating for you as an owner because the infection is often difficult to deal with and rid your pet of. It's even more frustrating for the pet, as it causes them to continually scratch and fuss with the affected ear and is just plain uncomfortable for them.
These types of ear problems will affect both cats and dogs, but more commonly is an issue for our canine friends. Ear infections are often pretty easy to spot as in addition to noticing your pet physically scratching and rubbing its ears, the infection often is accompanied by a dark, waxy substance inside the ear and carries with it a horrible smell. The cause of the infection could be a number of things such as a yeast, or fungal infection, ear mites, and unfortunately those dogs with floppy ears and/or fur inside the ear canal are particularly at risk.
Another sure-fire way to an ear infection is a dog that loves to swim. Retrievers and other particular breeds are naturally drawn to water and as a result it's difficult to keep them out of the pool, pond or lake. Pets who enjoy their regular swimming sessions are prone to ongoing ear infections as a result of the water that gets into their ears.
You may not be able to stop them from taking that regular dip, and you probably wouldn't even want to, but you certainly can take action to prevent those nasty ear infections. Regardless of the cause of your pet's occasional ear infection, make sure that you clean your pet's ears on a regular basis. Use a solution of 50% Vinegar and 50% Water and insert the solution into the ear canal. Gently massage it in and use cotton balls to clean out any debris. (This is also the same cleaning protocol you would want to use when your pet actually has an ear infection prior to administering any type of treatment.)
For those of you with the regular swimmers, mix a solution of 1 cup of Water, 2 cups of Vinegar and 1 tablespoon of Rubbing Alcohol. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and squirt it onto the outside of the ear canal once or twice per week and after every swim. You can also use this solution applied with a cotton ball to clean out the inner part of the ear. The alcohol in the mixture will help to dissolve wax, whereas the vinegar creates an acidic environment that will not allow yeast or bacteria to grow in.
12 YEA 1 WARNING!
[YEA] 03/27/2008: Harry from Montreal, Canada writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar. IT REALLY WORKS!!! Thanks to all who have posted about using ACV for curing dog ear infection. I used 2 parts water to 1 part ACV as per some post, mixed in squeeze bottle, and applied once a day. This is day four, and my pooch has started to stop shaking her head or scratch her ears. I know its working because there is no longer any rancid smell coming out from her ears. Love this natural way of healing, instead of the chemiacl soup I have tried."
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[YEA] 02/21/2008: Marie from Walnut Creek, California writes: "I wasn't sure if it would work, but I had already spent $165 over 3 months on medications from my vet to cure my dog's itchy ear problems. Nothing seemed to work and his ears kept getting worse. He kept scratching them open until they bled. I used 1 part ACV to 2 parts water applied daily, and within 4 days his ears were all healed. Amazing results!"
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[YEA] 02/06/2008: Kathleen from San Antonio, Tx. writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar is wonderful to clean out my German Shepherd's ears, when his ears are bothering him. He will shake his head, and I just put an apple cider and water solution on a cotton ball, and clean out his ears, and in ten minutes he stops fussing and lays down and finally can rest. My husband takes white vinegar and soaks his feet in it, and no more athelets foot! It is wonderful for killing any kind of fungus or bacterial infections. Thanks so much for the advice!"
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[YEA] 01/10/2008: La Verne (JosieWals@aol.com) from Hampton Roads, Virginia writes: "Dear Users of the Earth Clinic website, 'I have been reading your comments and I have been truly amazed at the information on this site. I have a 6 year old German Shepherd. Chronic ear infections. I have been going to the vet on a Teacher's salary and it has taken me straight to the poor house. With your comments and remedies about ACV and other home rememdies... I feel like I have gone to church and been Saved!!! I will definately try these rememdies. Last summer my dogs' ear infection had gotten so out of control that I seriously thought about having my 102 pound girl put down. She was in such misery and turmoil. So was I , not getting any sleep for all the scratching and digging, whining and crying... it was Awful. Thanks to you readers of Earth Clinic I have new hope! Please keep sending your comments and suggestions for pet remedies. You have definately helped me out!!! Thank-You Thank-You ! "
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[YEA] 01/05/2008: Tricia from Hamilton, On, canada writes: "A couple of weeks ago I responded re ACV remedy, I was very pleased with the results. I am sending my comments again because when I think of the money I spent at the vet which did not cure the cats ear infection and this simple solution of ACV worked so well. Its a wonderful solution, our cat seems to be completely healed, no more scratching what so ever."
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[YEA] 12/18/2007: Tricia from Hamilton, On, Canada writes: "I have a seven year old indoor siamese, have been having trouble with his ears getting dirty for the last year and a half, vet has treated him with clavamox and prednisone and even though the scratching stops it returns as soon as the meds are finishedl. I recently read the article re apple cider vinegar and the dirt in his ears is basically almost gone and the scratching has stopped, obviously this method is working but I still do not know what is causing the dirt. The vet said it was an infection and the clavamox would cure it but it did not. I have to say I am extremely impressed with the acv remedy. Hopefully in time this will cure him completely."
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[YEA] 11/13/2007: April from Las Vegas, NV writes: "I have a Shitzu (sorry for the spelling) who is constantly getting ear infectoins, I have had to pay twice for surgical cleaning of her ears, and a number of times for meds "clear" her ears I just recently stared using ACV and I am truly amazed at the results. Today is day 4 for ACV and her ears are almost clear again!! She also had one paw that she is constantly chewing I put a 50/50 mixture on her paw and she has cut back on her chewing considerably!! This stuff really works!"
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[WARNING!] 10/24/2007: DogMA from Salem, MA writes: "Hi, My Bernese Mt. Dog has had chronic ear infections for most of her life. (she's 6 years old) I've tried everything that the vet's recommended, including prednisone. Nothing works. I just tried the vinegar/water mixture, and she seems to be very irritated, rubbing her ears, shaking her head. Is this normal, and should I continue to try it again? Help!"
05/29/2008: Aandrea from Ithaca, NY replies: "Your dog may be sensitive to the mix. I talked to my vet and she said that can be the case with some dogs. Her dog in fact has it bother him sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. I wouldn't worry too much."
05/29/2008: Leanne (lee lee 46 10 at embarqmail.com) from Rolla, Missouri replies: "In regards to the ACV for yeast infections. My dog has a sensitivity to this also but I put in a tablespoon or so of aloe vera gel (natural) and shake it well. This helps tremendously."
[YEA]06/02/2008: Terese from Cedar Rapids, Iowa replies: "My dog has to be held down and then I put the mixture in his ears. He shakes, rubs his ears, rubs them all over the floor, rolls around on the floor, etc. Google Jim Zim family cocker website. He has the ear infection remedy on there. Do it exactly as he says. My dog used to get infections all of the time... no more."
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[YEA] 09/21/2007: Debra (TOOTSIE8589@yahoo.com) from Morganton, North Carolina writes: "
Mandy and I just moved into an area where pets are allowed, which in itself is a rarity. Fleas are an issue. Mandy is my only (baby) still at home and she's a 14 yr old schnauzer. She depends on me for everything as it should be. I depend on her for "lovin' and cuddlin'" and she's very good at it. Anyway, I've only recently discovered (lemon) flea killer, however, after using this half and half mixture leaves me to wonder. Did I do this right because this smell is almost unbareable it really smells like wet dirty dog, but not on Mandy only where she's been ie under coffee table, her bed' etc... Can anyone tell me how I messed this up because I don't see how??
Also, I have used the vinegar solution (one (1) part vinegar to two (2) part water) for a yeast build-up in Mandys ears and as of this day I'll swear by how well it works three (3) or four (4) days in a row then weekly treatment, amazing, and no vet bill nor chemicals which is a bonus for us as well as the world. THUMBS UP!!!"
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[YEA] 03/06/2007: Lynn from Wallingford , CT writes: "I was seeking a natural alternative to cure my dog's ear problems, I have used ACV for many things and even drink it daily with warm water and honey, I never thought to use it for my dog. I read some of the comments on treating your dog's ear infection and several of the answers said to try ACV. It really works, I now clean my dog's ears regulary with ACV and water. Regular ACV does not contain the same healing properties as due to the heavy processing. Thanks."
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[YEA] 11/27/2006: Glenda from Coos Bay, OR writes: "Apple Cider Vineger cured lower back pain, acid reflux, haven't had a migraine in awhile either... I also use it in my dogs' water each day. 1 teaspoon per 15 llbs of dog. I also use it as an ear wash for my little pekingese and it has helped her with an ear problem. My big Chow Chow has discoid lupus and was losing all the black on his nose and it started to affect his eyelids. Since I've been using ACV in his water and applying emu oil to his nose, it actually looks like it's getting better and the black is crawling back up! Double Yayyyyy!"
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[YEA] 08/24/2006: Jennifer from South Africa writes: "My tomcat was in a fight and got his ear badly scratched. It started smelling really bad as the puss formed, and the whole scratch was filled with yellow puss. He was in a lot of pain. So to clean the ear i put very warm water in a small bowl and added quite a bit of apple cider vinegar. Then i dunked tissue paper into the water & apple cider mix and squeezed it out into his ear (i had to get another dry tissue to hold into his ear-drum so the water wouldn't run further into his ear and upset him). It cleaned it out very quickly, after a few hours the crust had gone and the puss was dispelling. I repeated this in the morning, and he actually seemed to enjoy the warmth of the water on his painful ear, so he never even flinched when i came close with the apple-cider water. it's worked for him ! It's easy on the skin, not harsh like other medication / antibiotics would be."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, ALOE VERA GEL, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
[YEA] 01/28/2008: jackie from grand rapids, minn writes: "my cousin's lab puppy's ear was red and hot. there was dried blood and dirt in it too. i have a book of homeopathic remedies for dogs and cats. cleaned ear with acv then mixed 1 tbsp pure aloe vera gel(fruit of the earth from walmart) and 1/2 tsp hydrogen peroxide from walmart. she's getting over it nicely' at first i used 2 eyedroppersful but got better results with 3 she had a small growth under an eye on the same side as the affected ear and it has disappeared. could it have been a mite? just want to mention,i mixed up the mixture to put in her ear fresh everyday."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, HERBAL EAR WASH
[YEA] 05/05/2008: Stella from C, OH writes: "My dog started shaking his head and scratching at his ear. Last year and the same time of year he was doing this and I took him to the vet who gave him ear drops. So when he started doing it again this year, I looked in his ear and it wasn't red or anything and it was the very beginning stages of what ever was going on with him so I looked on earthclinic under pet ear infection and figured that before I take him to the vet I will give it one or two days trying the ACV/water solution in his ear. I did the ACV 3x in two days and then I went to the pet store and bought Halo brand Herbal Ear Wash. (I was all prepared to take him to the vet if I had to) anyway, I first used the ear wash on myself to make sure it didn't burn then I used it on my dog and the first 2x it seemed like his issue was getting worse but I continued to use it another night and Wa..La -- no more ear issue. I will however continue to use it for the full 14 days and then use it as maintenance prevention. I don't know from experience how well the Herbal wash works for ear mites but I have done some research that suggests people using it for ear mites I also saw it on sale at http://www.swansonvitamins.com "
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[YEA] 12/30/2007: Pamela from Omaha, Nebraska writes: "My dog who has had constant ear problems for years has been on blue powder solution for 2 days and it is definitely providing relief. My veterinarian is out over the long holidays and it great not to have to pay for emergency care. I am hoping this is a more permanent cure that previous prescription ointments, etc. I have looked around the internet and found that many sites connect chronic ear problems to lack of some nutrients, and am currently going to try feeding my dog 1/2 a sweet potatoe every other day, and see if we can go longer between ear problems."
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[YEA] 09/19/2007: renee from tully, new york writes: "The remedy is called Blue Power Solution and can be found on any search engine. My Bernese Mtn dog, Gunther had very serious infection in both ears and we tried clearing it up with prescription meds for 2 years. I found the solution by doing my own search for a natural treatment. After two years he was cleared of infection in about 2 weeks. I now only use it once a month. The vet was amazed!"
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HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
[YEA] 07/22/2007: Rita from Hammond, USA writes: "Thank you for the remedy about using the peroxide in the cats water. I believe it cured his ear infection and saved his life. My cat was running diarrhea,vomitting and would not eat for two days. I used an ear dropper with the water peroxide solution, gave him Pedialyte so he would not dehydrate. I also, rubbed apple cider vinegar on him until I could get him to the vet. He started drinking on his on even before I got him to the vet. He is back to his old self. Also for now, I'm not gaving him water from the sink. I'm also letting him eat a little raw chicken, which he loves. I freeze it first. He's doing great."
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HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, COCONUT OIL
[YEA] 09/18/2007: Tim from Magnolia Springs, Alabama writes: "We have a poodle Bridgett who gets infections after grooming. My wife takes 1/2 peroxide and water and cleanse her ears and then takes virgin coconut oil and rubs her ears and it works great no scratching and rubbing until the next grooming."
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RUBBING ALCOHOL AND WHITE VINEGAR
[YEA] 02/05/2007: Vince from Philadelphia writes: "My guys both had an ear problem, that wasn't mites. I had heard about using rubbing alcohol and white vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide and something else that I couldn't remember. I tried the alcohol and vin, which I tested on my elbow pits and eyelids, with no irritation. They shook for 20min, probably being a watery liquid it was different than mineral oil, and went deeper. They had been scratching themselves silly before, but they didn't scratch after treating them."
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RUBBING ALCOHOL, VIOLET SOLUTION AND BORIC ACID
[YEA] 10/27/2007: Carol from Sacramento, CA writes: "I have used this on my dog (a cocker spaniel) for more than 10 years. No more ear infections!
Dog Ear Cleaner
16 oz. rubbing alcohol
10 drops violet solution
2 tabs. boric acid powder
You can purchase violet solution and boric acid powder at the drug store. Pour a little of the rubbing alcohol out of a 16 oz. bottle. Add the violet solution (be careful! - it stains) and the boric acid powder. Shake well. Put 5-8 drops in each ear several times per week. Shake each time you use it. You will save loads of money on vet bills - no more ear infections in your dog!"
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[WARNING!] Stella from Ohio writes: "How potent is Joy dish-soap? Here’s a little Food for Thought; A few yrs back when my dog had an ear infection the ointment that was used got on his fur & wouldn’t come out for nothing so the Groomer used J…dish-soap and Yes it took the ointment out of his hair but also took the hair out along with it. Needless to say my dog still has a bald spot and the hair hasn’t even attempted to grow back… Maybe J…dish-soap is the answer we’ve all been looking for, for hair removal on our legs & armpits."
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[YEA] 11/19/2007: Marilyn from Queensbury, New York writes: "My newfie has always had goopy ears and a slight doggy odor about her. At her last chiropractic visit, the chiropractor said that for some reason the big fluffy dogs are more prone to doggy odor and to give her 1/2 of a sweet potato every other day. She said just fix the sweet potato the way that I normally would and give it to her. So, I baked it in the microwave (poke some holes all around, nuke on high for 10 minutes, when done, immediately wrap in aluminum foil and let sit for at least 5 minutes), mashed it up with a little butter and gave it to her. Almost immediately I noticed a big difference - no more doggy odor and BONUS her normally goopy ears were clear and dry!!! Now she gets her sweet potato as prescribed - and they don't cost a fortune."
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[YEA] 03/22/2008: Kay (pakama2@peoplepc.com) from Crooked River Ranch, Oregon writes: "My shih tzu dog had a rash in one ear, I treated it with tea tree oil, I put it on with a cottonbal, it cleared up in two days. "
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[YEA] 04/16/2008: Tim from Winters, California writes: "While trying to find out more about tea-tree oil's medicinal applications, I came upon the threads on Earth Clinic about ear infections in pet animals. I was disturbed and alarmed by the degree of inaccurate and incorrect information I encountered. Particularly of concern were the readers' comments soliciting unapproved and off-label uses of unknown parasite control products, especially in exotics.
A basic issue is the prevalence of ear mites. While very common in cats, it is virtually nonexistent in dogs under most circumstances. The people posting comments about the pros and cons of various treatment protocols for ear mites in dogs are most likely not even dealing with mites. And treating ear mites in cats these days is extremely simple and not worthy of prolonged discussion; a one-time (two at most) application of feline Revolution or Advantage Multi for cats should eliminate the pests. While a good product for flea control, Frontline is probably completely ineffective against mites.
I would recommend that this site be refereed by a competent veterinarian who embraces integrated (Eastern and Western) responsible practice.
Respectfully,
Tim Krasnansky DVM
Berryessa Veterinary Services
Winters, CA 95694
(530) 795-6090
BerryessaVet.com"
[NAY]05/08/2008: Eisha from Austin, TX replies: "I completely disagree with this "professional" veternarian's opionion. All of the commercial recommendations he lists are not going to completely get rid of the issue and will most likely cause further problems in the future with your pet. I have a 14 year old cat whom I've had since she was a kitten. She has been sick with everything under the sun. I have used EVERY commercial treatment recommended by most vets as well as vet sites but nothing seems to fix or get rid of the problem unless it's a temporary fix. Recently I've done research on animal vaccines, food and other treatments and found many problems with it all. I switched my cats food to an all natural food (Innova) 9 months ago and her skin irritation (which caused her to rip out handfuls of hair) and weight problem came to a sudden halt. She started losing weight, became more playful and stopped ripping her hair out. Recently she acquired a severe ear infection; I've used hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar and colloidal silver and it has cleared up amazingly. This Dr. Krasnansky is unable to open his mind to see there ARE other options for pet healthcare other than over the counter RX drugs. Sorry Doc, you're not fooling anyone but yourself."
07/18/2008: KL from Austin, Texas replies: "To Eisha from Austin, TX: You've jumped to conclusions about the vet's warning. He only mentioned two commercial products, and only in relation to mites. He then goes on to knock one of those treatments for being ineffective against mites. Most vets I've met are highly trained caring individuals. I do not think this doctor has a "closed mind". He is merely giving us a warning that solutions found online aren't always what they're cracked up to be. He did, after all, stumble upon this site looking for information on tea tree oil, so I doubt he's all that bad. Sorry Dr. Krasnansky for the poor reception here. I hope most folks will be able to recognize your constructive critique and warning. Eastern, Western, Homeopathic, or other medicines aside, we should gauge the safety and efficacy of ANY treatment before wholeheartedly recommending it to others. Inaccurate information -- about prescription medicine OR natural medicine -- can make animals sick or even kill them. Always be careful, and never believe what you read online without the sources to back it up."
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WHITE VINEGAR, BORIC ACID, RUBBING ALCOHOL AND BETADINE
[YEA] 03/28/2007: Linda Phillips from Phoenix, AZ writes: "My dog has heavy, drooping ears and loves the water, not a good combination!! I found this recipe for dog ear drops on a cocker spaniel web site and use it after each bath, swim, or at least twice a month or at the first sign of ear redness. It works much better than any product from my vet. Follow this link for the recipe http://www.zimfamilycockers.com/EarCleaner.html. "
[YEA]05/08/2008: Terese from Cedar Rapids, Iowa replies: "I have a cocker spaniel that ALWAYS gets ear infections after he sees the groomer. I always tell her, "Do not douse his ears because cockers have 45 degree ear canals." Any water gets in there you are screwed and magically you have an ear infection. We have used this for him each time he gets an ear infection after the groomer. Yes, we have changed groomers but I think they get comfortable after a while and stop listening to me. I have used this on stray cats we rescued when they had ear mites, and they were gone after one good dousing. Of course we had to hold them down and they hissed and moaned. We do this to our dog about once a week to prevent the infections. We have to do it every day twice a day for a week after the groomer. This has saved us hundreds of dollars and several visits to the vet. My husband had a horrible ear infection and because of our horrible health insurance here in the US-we had to wait until the morning to go in. I put it in his ear... I told him, "If it works on Romper, WHY wouldn't it work on you?". He was very reluctant, but agreed if anything would take the pain away. The next morning he never went in to the doctor. Fever was gone, no more ear pain either. Amazing stuff."
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