Apple Cider Vinegar for Ear Infections in Dogs

My 60lb beagle, Pnut, has had the same description going on inside his ears regarding chronic ear infections and the use of Apple cider vinegar. Well, I gave him his first treatment of a 50/50 mix of Apple Cider Vinegar and water and low and behold it has been over a hour or so and not one head shake or ear scratch and the ears look better inside already.

I also have a Cockapoo who's prone to ear infections so I'll try the vinegar-water mixture myself! Thank goodness for this site!

Deedra, I use Coconut Oil on a cotton pad to clean my dogs infected ears and its amazing on it's own. I'll try it with the Grapefruit Seed Extract next for sure. Thanks for the tip. I've tried the ACV and also a remedy containing alcohol, povidone iodine and vinegar and boric acid. You would think that combo would kill just about anything but the plain ole Coconut Oil was what finally cleared up the infection.

Apple cider vinegar is awesome! It does clear out the infection better than anything else I've tried. A note to all the people saying their dogs had negative reactions to the experience: let me remind you that putting vinegar on an open wound is going to sting. Make sure there's no blood in the ear before you put vinegar in it, I made this mistake once and that was the only time my dog yelped and was obviously in discomfort afterwards. If they shake their head a little bit afterwards, I wouldn't be alarmed, again you are messing with their injured area and they don't enjoy that. My dog obviously feels relief after the first few minutes, and has never been "traumatized" by the apple cider vinegar experience. You are only traumatizing your dog by being insensitive to its injuries. Have a little common sense.

Posted by Theresa

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Theresa

The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.

About Theresa

Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.

Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.

Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and  fueled  her quest for the knowledge held in lore,  and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.

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If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.  

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(Mpls., Mn) on 08/31/2014

Hey Donna!

Without seeing your dog's ears in real time, it is hard to comment on the pus being normal or not.

If you cannot afford a vet, I would continue the flushing 2x3 times a day to see if it helps heal the ears. If it get's worse you may need to see the vet, as a worsening condition can lead to deafness in that ear.

Concern about the ACV solution!! First time user of this solution and wondering if it is normal for a dogs ear to ooze puss after using the solution.. Our dog seems to have relief but we were or are concerned about this being a problem??

Posted by Theresa

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Theresa

The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.

About Theresa

Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.

Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.

Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and  fueled  her quest for the knowledge held in lore,  and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.

-----------------------------

How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation

If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.  

http://www.piperslegacy.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Bobo-home/1409993732632080?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

http://ted.earthclinic.com

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(Mpls., Mn) on 07/07/2014

Hey Deedra!

Thanks for this helpful tip!!

I realize this is not ACV, but Grapefruit Seed Extract in a natural antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiparasitic. I mix it with Coconut oil (a few drops is sufficient) and drop into dogs ears. Seems to work very well with no trauma. So whether your dog has mites, or a yeast infection-- this should work.

Posted by Theresa

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Theresa

The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.

About Theresa

Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.

Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.

Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and  fueled  her quest for the knowledge held in lore,  and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.

-----------------------------

How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation

If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.  

http://www.piperslegacy.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Bobo-home/1409993732632080?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

http://ted.earthclinic.com

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(Mpls., Mn) on 11/13/2013

Thank you, Fiona!

I did not know about TMG: http://www.arrowheadhealthworks.com/TMG.htm

There is some dosing info if you scroll down.

I admit I was surprised at your giving a coffee enema to your dog; granted, I must admit to having given a douche to MY own dog so I should not be one to raise an eyebrow! :-)

My first thought about gunky black ears was yeast; when I looked up the benefits of coffee enemas I found they can help get a handle on yeast! Too cool!

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/jul/09/ask-the-pharmacist-benefits-of-coffee-enemas/

Thanks for the feedback, Fiona, and please keep us posted on if the gunky ear returns!

A few days ago, I found out my dog ear had black gunk and the pink ear is now brown. First I cleaned the black gunk out and then a fistful Diatomaceous earth rubbed inside his ear. Right before walking him I did this for several days.

I gave him 2 coffee enemas two days apart 60 ml syringe with one single packet of pure instant coffee.

And then I gave him 2grams of TMG.

TMG basically detoxes heavy metal. and my dog is less than 10 poounds. 2 gram might be twoo much? yesterday and today my dog is especially playing hard..So I think not.

It has been 5 days. His both inner ears are pink. And I will not give him a bath another week or so just to be sure.

How many times a day and for how many days (in a row?) should I use the ACV method?

Well my daughters choc lab has had trouble with ear infections nearly every time she goes swimming (which is often) ever since she got her. Very distressing. Vet treatments didn't seem that effective. So I tried her with the apple cider vinegar this morning. She was very disressed when I put it in and I felt real bad but now a couple of hours later she has stopped shaking her head and seems much happier. Have just given another rinse out and her ear is obviously feeling heaps better as she didn't worry much at all this time. Will keep up for another couple of days then use as a preventative treatment. Great remedy.

I have been using 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts water to wash out my dogs ears for ear infections. This has worked really really well. In 3 days the ears are clean, don't smell and the dog is not scratching at them. My dog has had a yeast ear infection in both ears that just will not clear up with vet prescribed medications and here it is gone in 3 days using cider vinegar. Thank you so much for posting this information.

Dogs with ear infections, allergies, yeast. These problems need to be fixed from the source. All owners need to read the website greatdanelady.com. Many questions will be answered that your vet has not.

Sage is right. Let's use some common sense. Of course a dog is going to dislike having something poured into its ear - it doesn't understand why you're doing it! Sometimes, with patience, you can gain the dog's trust. Try letting the dog see/sniff what you're using, so it knows it's not something to be afraid of. We used to have a problem with one of our bull terriers, but with patience she now tolerates having something put into her ear. And, of course, as has been repeated several times, the vinegar MUST be diluted. And, even then, it may sting when applied - that will depend on how inflamed and sore the ear is. So just because some dogs reacted badly to the treatment, doesn't mean it's a bad remedy - perhaps their ears were already very sore, or the dog is particularly timid. It also depends to some extent on the breed - some are very stoic and seem to tolerate pain much more than others. So please - a bit more common sense and a bit less hysteria.

You've jumped to a ridiculous conclusion here. Your dog was not traumatised by the ACV - he was reacting to the ear infection. I had a poodle who constantly had ear infections and she was the same way - didn't want me or the vet to touch her ears - her ears hurt and she wanted them left alone. Someone had to help me put medicine in her ears for the same reason. It was the ear infection, NOT the ACV.

Looking forward to trying the ACV & Water mixture for our Catahoula mix we adopted about 2 months ago. Since having him he has been on a mixture of medications with no relief from his chronic ear infections. We were told from the shelter he was tested for allergies and is allergic to pollen and molds and was on and off medications the entire year he was at the shelter. In addition to the roller coaster of antibiotics, he is also on an allergy medicine trial called Allercept (started while in the shelter). This dog has the sweetest disposition for being so uncomfortable, we want to do anything to help him get better. However, we are concerned with the continued use of medications and the mounting vet bills.

I have also switched his food recently to a grain, yeast, gluten free diet (salmon based) in case his ear infections could be related to food allergies... which I have also read a lot connecting the two.

So happy to have found this site.... Any recommendations on how much to apply each time and how frequently? Thanks again.

My cockapoos had awful ear mite infections, ears full of nasty black muck. After trying olive oil, Zymox, and other "remedies" for about 2 months, I finally found out about the vinegar/water treatment. AMAZING! Three days later and their ears are completely clean.

It appears that mites, fungus and bacteria cannot function in an acidic environment so they just die.

Flush the ears once a day with WARM vinegar/ water (1:2) and all the muck quickly comes out. My dogs are so happy now that the infection is gone. Thanks for turning me onto this.

For British from Long Island re. Cat with ear and tooth infection and swollen behind--Please give him/her food grade diatomaceous earth in his raw apple cider-dampened food, starting with 1 tsp. Once a day, increasing gradually to rounded to heaping tsp. 2 X/day. DE absorbs and eliminates toxins from body, and is inexpensive. Check health food store or internet for sources, or I would be glad to send you some if I knew your postal or email adDr.Also add gently melted coconut oil to food, starting with 1 tsp once a day, increasing slowly to 1--2 tsps. 2 X/day. You might try dropping into ear from eyedropper, diluted ACV with DE in it; or if possible after swabbing out, applying gently melted coconut oil into ear. For the behind, if possible, I would gently massage or simply apply gently melted coconut oil with DE in it at 2 or 3 X/day. If kitty doesn't allow you to touch it, the DE in his food should help a lot. If he refuses his food with these supplements, apply to fur, paws, legs so he'll lick it off. Try at least a few times in his food, though. Best wishes to cat and to you.

Can anyone help me please. My cat has an ear infection, a tooth infection and his rectum is so big and red and swollen, like a baboon's. I was so scared when I saw it. I'm sorry to say he looks like a rape victim. He is so miserable. I rushed him to the vet and was given 'Clavamox' 125mg plus 2 liquid meds to put in his ears. Oh, plus a cone around his neck. Unfortunatly I lost my job last month so I could only afford the office visit, Clavamox, ear cleaning and the collar ($121). I desperately need a home remedy that will really work and won't hurt or damage him. I'm a bit confused with all the 'yeas and nays', the dosages and the application. It is so hard to see my baby this way as i'm sure any pet owner can relate. I'd really apreciate any helpful tips that will ease his dicomfort and eradicate this problem. My cat and I thank you and wish u all the best of luck with your precious ones.

I need to let all you people know before all these poor dogs are put through a very painful week of vinager and rubbing alcohol, first of all all these remedies are wonderfull BEFORE your dog has an ear infection, my dog got at least 3 infections a year and these remedies are wonderful for PREVENTION, scratch your arm then poor vineger and rubbing alcohol on it and see if you like it, when your dog has an ear infection there ears are swollen and very raw from itching, once they have the infection you need to get them antibiotics!!! But I have a great solution to cost, you dont need to bring your dog to the vet there is a solution at petmeds. Com, you can buy without a prescription!! if you compair it to the prescription stuff you'll see there is no difference in the least, its $20 dollars for 1 oz (zymox )but worth it compared to a $150 bill which is what I paid everytime I took my dog in for an infection. Its called ZYMOX OTIC(its arouns $20 but some other petmed places have it for $10) it is the same stuff as the anitbiotics your doc will give you!!! AND YOU DONT NEED A PRESCRIPTION!!! I have been using it for 3 years now and my dogs ears clear up with in 3 days!! THERES ONE WITH CORTIZONE AND ONE WITHOUT NOW THE CORTIZONE DOES, HELP WITH PAIN BUT DONT GET IT!!!! , YOUR DOG MOST LIKELY DOES HAVE OPEN SORES FROM SCRATCHING , AND THE CORTIZONE WILL BURN!!! So get the green one not the blue bottle anyway im glad I can help its really common sense no one would ever put vineger or rubbing alcohol on a cut it hurts!!! Use all these remedies as a preveNtive NOT a solution!!!! , it wold be like me telling you "YOU HAVE CANCER !! "now go home and eat a apple EVERY DAY! " (it does nothing to cure, but it might prevented.

Has anyone tried or had any success using garlic?

U. can use tucks pads or buy liquid witch hazel. It will take down the swelling. Then u can put the medication on a piece of cloth or cotton ball and use it as a wick to get it into the ear. Just make sure it's long enough for u to retrieve it when needed.

I used this on my dogs ears 2 parts water to one part ACV and it made her ear worse. I feel horrible that I hurt her worse!

To the one who stated that what goes in the ear canal drains into the mouth is not true. I have a standard poodle who has been prone to ear infections. According to the vet the dogs ear canal has a L shape. Whatever goes in the ear travels into a corner at the bottom and just sits there. Thats what causes the ear infection. Bacteria grows from the moisture left in the ear.

This is crazy. 80% water solution? That will make everything worse. WORSE. NOT BETTER.

Remember, moist, dark, damp = perfect breeding ground for bacteria. DO NOT PUT WATER IN YOUR DOG'S EARS!

My dog has been doing the exact same thing with her ear. I don't have much money for the vet, but I would like to know what's wrong with her, to do anything possible to ease her pain. What was the cause for your dogs pain?

HORRIBLE! I used this "remedy" on my Chorkie puppy because he was scratching at his ears and shaking his head and would make himself holler. Well I did this prior to taking him to the vet hoping that it would lessen his symptoms in the mean time. Well I started with the first ear and my puppy screamed so loudly I knew I had hurt him. He shook his head ran around rubbed his head on every surface around. Finally get him to the vet for his appointment and he fought with the vet when she went to look at his ear. He is now apparently traumatized by the experience with ACV wash. Now even when I try to put in the medicine that the vet prescribed my husband has to hold my poor puppy down because he is so scared it might be the ACV going into his ear again. THIS IS A NO GO SYSTEM for dogs. Just keep in mind that your dog might react in the same way mine did to the treatment. Be careful and think about what you are about to try before you do it. It could cause your puppy to have a traumatic experience that may result in fear of anything coming close to his ears.

Our vet uses boric acid, vinegar, and water mixture it works GREAT!

Hematoma is a Swelling with blood involved! Eccymosis is a bruise.

A hemotoma is a bruise, not a swelling. I think this guy is just trying to debunk the uses of ACV; trying to be all scientific and failing, lol.

Glenda, Just wondering if your Chow has improved with the discoid lupus. My Doberman has it and it has affected her lips, nose, and eyes. I started her on ACV yesterday. Please reply. Thanks

Brian from TN opines that vinegar kills bacteria and causes yeast infections. Brian (and his wife) are confusing ANTIBIOTICS, which have those effects, with vinegar, which COUNTERS them. I am afraid someone will read his comment and become afraid of vinegar for the wrong reasons--completely oppositely wrong, in fact! (Sugar is more deadly a culprit in this situation than vinegar. ) P. S. --It has nothing to do with the gender of the person using it.

hello my poddle-shih x has had cronic ear infections since she came into my life two years ago. Ive dealt with ear infections with other dogs as well. My sugestion for anyone trying a new holistic remidy for a dogs ear would be to start with your solution 20-80 20 Apple Cider Vinegar/ 80 h20. See if ther is pain or too much iritation then try 40-60 however dont go and flush the poor dogs ear 5 times in a row. Try a test every 24 hrs perhaps. I apreciate everyones coments. Im gonna put my idea to work. ill let you all know .m

I have just added the drops and my dog has been shaking his head and whining ever since. I will never do this to my dog again. He lookd like he is in so much pain. I am headed out to take him to the vet right now.

Feed your pets some Plain Yogurt daily. Just a spoonful a day will do and they love it. Not temporarily just to treat the problem, but always as their daily routine because it's good for them anyway and will be a preventative. When it's a yeast infection in the ear then they have a yeast infection internally in their body. Drops in the ears from vets are not treating their whole body. Yogurt works on their whole body. Also, if your pet is having chronic yeast infections then you should look into them having a food allergy. Find a food that is for pets with allergies. Do some research online about pet food quality and how to narrow it down to find out what their allergy could be. Animals with allergies tend to get yeast infections. Also, if they've been on antibiotics they can get yeast infections.

Of course an antibacterial will kill all bacteria, but, just as following the use of prescribed antibiotics, you should add pro-biotic/good bacteria back into your body. Eat yogurt.

My 15 year old cat has some sort of med resistant ear infection. In the past year, I have taken her to 3 different veterinarians and who each prescribed 3 different ear meds. The last vet prescribe an otic ointment called gentamicin. In researching it after it too failed to address her ear condition, I found it to be a very broad spectrum medication that is effective to every ear pathogen, including yeasts and fungi, that I, (a previous vet teach of 10 years), have ever heard of.

I am on a very low income and so can not afford the huge cost of another vet visit. Thus, I did an Internet search and came upon your wonderful site, and noticed many contributors using vinegar as an ear treatment. I have been treating her with a 50/50 solution, of white vinegar to water, for about 2 weeks now which has had no effect and the dark brown liquidy discharge has continued along with her discomfort.

Yesterday, I ran out and purchased some ACV and mixed it to a 50/50 to water solution and shall begin a treatment with that hoping that the particular kind of vinegar used may make a difference. I am really at a loss as to what to try if the ACV solution does not work. I would very much appreciate any ideas that anyone can contribute. Seeing my feline friend suffer is just not acceptable, and so, if any of you could post an idea ASAP, I would certainly appreciate it. There is also a store in town where alternative ingredients can be purchased, or perhaps someone could suggest an online company that sells a product that may work. No matter what, I thank you for reading my plea and for any advice that you could give to me. A Cat Lover in Spokane, Washington

We had issues with our mix getting recurring ear infections when she was young. We finally switched her to Wellness brand dog food and that pretty much cleared up her issues. She occasionally gets yeasty red ears when she spends too much time outside, but we found something that you can make called: Blue Power Ear Treatment that works wonders! it truly is amazing how well it works! It contains: alcohol, gentian violet and boric acid

All of you folks who are asking about dilution and frequency, it's all in the original post. You don't need to put so much of the solution in your pet's ear that they are shaking it out for half an hour. You can also follow it with aloe vera gel, which is soothing and also will loosen deposits in the ears. If you put the solution in a spray bottle and spray into the ear you won't end up soaking your pet's ear canal and causing them to give themselves injuries due to shaking out all that liquid. One thing that I changed from the original post and would suggest to all of you: use a tablespoon of vodka in place of rubbing alcohol. The solution potentially will drain into the animal's throat from the ear canal and/or be absorbed, and rubbing alcohol is not a healthy substance to ingest. Vodka is clean and digestible. I have poodles, prone to ear issues, and this works for me.

My rescue DDB had CHRONIC ear infections. I'd use the ear meds from the vet, the infection would go away only to return a week or two later. I tried ACV and it did no good. After much convincing, I tried putting my dog on grain free food. I also clean her ears once a week with 50-50 white vinegar/hydrogen peroxide. She has been on this regimen for over 2 years now and not a single ear infection. I HIGHLY recommend trying grain free food for any dog with chronic ear infections.

Thank you for writing that your dog was thrashing and trying to get at its ear. My dog has had on and off again chronic ear infection for the past few yers. Its a terrible thing. I feel so guilty and everyone always asks me what's wrong with her ears. I feel like a bad owner. I've tried all the vet and store products. Well, I decided to give the ACV/Alcohol and water treatment. She looked like she was in so much pain and was trying to get at her ear. I felt so bad! But, then afterwards, she panted, drank water and seemed to calm down. I noticed that her ear no longer smelled and that it seemed to be clearing up. Less stuff in her ears. I was doing every other day, but I will try 3 days in a row like suggested. I just want to make sure I'm not hurting her further.

About dog ear infections: After I put ACV/H2O) 50/50 dilution into my dog's very inflammed ear, it irritated her so much, she shook her head for 25 minutes until a large area of swelling on the ear flap (hematoma) developed. I gave homeopathic Arnica right away twice a day until it cleared, (you can give it up to a week. ) Also I gave Rutin, 250 - 500 mg for this 45-lb dog 3 times a day with food. These two things reduced the swelling to zero after 24 hours. You can get both at a health food store.

WARNING!

WARNING: After 12 days of my 45 lb dog's dog's ear infection, I put about 8 drops of 50% AC vinegar/50% water solution into the ear. It bothered her so much she shook her head for 25 minutes, resulting in a very large hematoma (swelling) covering 2/3 of her ear. It looked like she would need surgery for this. Luckily it resolved, but my holistic vet said that ACV can aggravate an ear infection. Be careful with ACV for very inflammed ears.

I just wanted to say to the "Pepole" who support this web site are "AwSoMe" and thank you for all the information on this site. My cat had an ear infection and I tryed the ACV treament, WOW, it works great.my cat is not drooling anymore, which is signs of infection in the ears and gums.again

thank you
Gilby (Cat Daddy)

dog with ear deterioration

My 6yo german shepard was diagnosed with ear margin dermatitis, allergies, yeast and bacteria in ears. One vet told me he may have to amputate her ears and gave her lots of meds, the naturopathic vet started her on a natural anti-inflammatory and a few other remedies--neither cured the underlying problem. I started using 1tbsp of ACV in her food each day about 1 month ago. She no longer is on the meds both vets gave me. Her ears are not completely healed but they are no longer bleeding and appear to be healing slowly. She also has not had diarrhea.

The only thing that worked for my dog's ear infection was the antibiotic drop from our Vet. I'm so glad he took him to the vet. This is just our story.

My Maltese poodle's both ears got infected and had dark brown gunk coming out. I have tried different remedies mentioned here to clear my dog's ear infection. I tried the ACV flush, ACV Alcohol solution, Coconut Oil, aloe vera jel, the witch hazel, etc. It worked temporary and some didn't work at all. So after a 2.5 months, his ears were still red and had dark gunk coming out. I finally took him to the Vet who gave us an antibiotic ear drop. In less than 3 days, I could see my dog was feel better and his ear looked better. We used the drops 2 times/day for 7 days and his ear cleared up completely. The Vet bill and cost of the 1 oz drop was $40, it was so worth it to see him feel better. I wish I had taken him to the vet sooner. He was suffering for too long while I was trying to figure out what would worked for him.
So far it has been 3 months and he has no ear problems. Our Vet did recommend using vinegar/warm water solution to flush his ears as a preventive treatment. And I have been flushing my dog's ears with vinegar/water solution every 2 wks. We still have the ear drops to use if the infection comes back.

I too have had a few dogs with reacurring ear infections. Had no idea about apple cider vinegar. I will try now. But what has worked for me in the past is vitamin E oil. You can find oil in herbal section with pills or if not you can actually break open the vit E pills and put directly into the canal. This was the only thing that worked for me with my shepard after numerous reacurring ear infections. Also i find q tips easy if you wet it with peroxide and/or getting a cloth wet with the vinegar and using the finger that way if your dog wont let u see into the ear you can feel where you are cleaning.

I had the same problem with my Siberian Husky cross with a lab. She had an ear infection that the vet could not get rid of. I found the following recipe and all products can be bought in any pharmacy.

750 ml Rubbing alcohol
4 tablespoons of Boric Acid
8 Drops of Gentian Violet

The Gentian Violet you will need to ask the pharmacist for. Be careful with the gentian Violet as it will stain everything purple.

Clean the dogs ears with a cosmetic pad (this is what I use but a cotton ball will work). Clean every other day for two weeks. Then you can go to every week. Within the first week she stopped scratching and shaking her head.
My dog was great and she smiled every time I did it. This will also take care of ear mites.

Hope this helps!!!

Hello - My dog woke up this morning with an ear infection. She's a 9 year old black lab mutt that hasn't had an ear infection in over 8 years. I'm trying the ACV mixture, but how many times a day do I squirt the mixture in her ears? Thank you!!

my 11 yr old shitzu has an ear infection on and off for 8 months now and have been keeping his ears clean and dry as possible. I will try the 50/50 cider vinegar/water solution but, I'm not sure about feeding it to him daily. As I've seen it's mostly women who have posted here and I think you all know what vinegar does to your bodies. It kills ALL the friendly bacteria not only in your digestive system, but your other parts also. My wife says it causes yeast infections in women. It does the same to men if they ingest alot of vinegar like what happened a few years ago. He ate pickled everything and Italian dressing on his salad daily. So if anyone knows more about the side effects on our pets, please post. I figure I should feed my dog a teaspoon of plain yougurt every few days to help his digestive system.

Ear problems

When my Irish Wolfhound puppy has a waxy smelly ear problem, I use ACV glycerine instead of water. Glycerine is anhydrous and therefore absorbs the water in the ACV and is itself readily absorbed by the skin. This keeps the ear dry and prevents a moist "squishy" ear, which is an ideal environment for bacteria and such. This goes back decades to when my very young son was swimming a lot and got an ear infection. The pediatrician suggested it... Works like a charm!

dog ear solution

it really works!!!! the apple cider vin, work in two days for my pit with his clipped ears ear infections are a normal thing after $$$ at the vet i tried it and he doesn't scratch at his ears or shake his head all the time. plus i use the ear dropper to shoot it down his throat and his winter pains are gone too.. its like having my puppy back... he hates the taste and i put alot in his ears and make him sit there for a half a min at least but its so worth the results and him being happy again!!!

I also meant to ask how much Apple Cider Vinegar to put in a cat's water. We have 4 cats and water bowls all over the house which I change daily. Is this something that takes time for the cats to get used to or is the amount added so small that they don't notice? Thanks again!

We have a long haired 10 year old cat that has had chronic ear infections all her life. Vets have told us that it is a yeast infection, not mites. Same story as everyone else. Many vet visits and much $$$ later, no relief.

I read about Apple Cider Vinegar and tried some in her ear last night. Just a couple of drops of organic ACV. I didn't dilute it with water - didn't read the posts on this site until after I had done it. It was clearly painful for her and I felt terrible so I'm hesitant to try it again. Would diluting it have made a difference in the how much it would sting?

Her ear is red, hot and has some scratches from her constant digging at it. I was wondering if I could use Traumeel Gel for a few days to help with the inflammation and scratches so that if I use the ACV again it won't sting her as much.

Also wondering about witch hazel. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

My Maltese has recently gone completely deaf from an ear infection. I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar but I don't think the ear canal is open enough to receive the medication. Has anyone found a way to open up the ear canal or reduce swelling? I'm considering giving her benadryl to see if it's allergy related.

By the way, I use ACV all the time with my German Shephard/Doberman Mix to cure Urinary Tract Infections. I give her one tablespoons twice a day (she weights 110lbs) for a few days. It is usually gone soon after the first treatment. By the way, I do this for myself and it cures my UTI's too. You gotta love ACV

After coming home to find my cat lethargic and disinterested in food & water, I realized his left ear was causing him extreme amounts of pain. I searched online for advice as I wasn't interested in an expensive vet bill and unnecessary tests. I stumbled upon the posts for Apple Cider Vinegar and tried it on my cat. I mixed one cap of ACV with one cap of tepid water, placed in an infant ear irrigator and squeezed as much as my cat would allow into the ear, massaging the area when possible. He wasn't a fan of the process, however, after one day he was purring and eating again. After 2.5 days, the infection released and drained. After 3 days, he's pretty much back to normal. Thank you!

Apple Cider Vinegar works wonders! I have a 3yr old chocolate lab that suffered from re-occuring ear infections for over a year ! Many trips to the vet ,surgury for cleaning and prescription drugs ( over a $100 a month ) did not rid my girl of her ear aches ! I decided to search the web ! I found your site .Seems daisy is allergic to corn ! I changed her dog food and she gets 1 teasoon of vinegar a day. Its been 2 weeks and I have my girl back . Daisy has done so well that I give 1 teaspoon ACV to my 9 yr old chocolate lab who suffers from arthritis. Red barely limps now . Just Amazing ! My kids ( Red and Daisy ) now have a new lease on life thanks to this site and ACV!

My Golden Retriever has had some persistent ear infections. To treat them, I have to be persistent, too! Undiluted alcohol and vinegar would probably burn your poor dog's ear a LOT. Try a cup of warm water and 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball, twice a day (it is easiest to do one early and one before bedtime). This worked and clear up a really persistent, ongoing infection. The vet just kept wanting to give meds. Go the natural route. It's cheaper and just as effective, but you must be persistent and do not skip days (or the infection will sneak back up).

I've got a yellow lab, now 11 months old. For the first 5-6 months she had several ear infections. I found that since her ears are pretty large a Q-tip or cotton ball wasn't overly helpful. The vet told me to pour the cleaner in her ear, and take a tissue (just 1-2 pieces folded over) and cover my finger, then actually stick my finger in her ear. Just go as far as the ear will allow, don't push it, and wipe gently with your finger. I find that this works so much better than a Q tip and she seems to find my finger much less irritating than the Q-tip as well. Hope this helps!

My dog has ear infections too the vet said to clean them with q-tips because it is not going to hurt his ear because the ear cannal is L-shaped so I would go ahead and use q-tips if I were you.

I used a diluted solution of water and ACV and dropped it into my dog's ears. I've had to do this occasionally for the last few years (maybe 3 times a yr.). It works every single time like a miracle. Even though I know it works, it amazes me each time. Thanks!

When my lab, campbell, got an ear infection, i spent several hundred dollars on vet bills. When there was no change, i switched vets. My new vet gave me specific insturctions on how to flush out his ears with the solution. I used a squeeze bottle with a vinagar solution. I squeezed the solutions into the ear canal until there was enough solution to fill the ear. Make sure you have a hold of your dog, don't let him shake his head yet. place your finger an thumb just below the ear and behind the jaw. You will feel the canal under the skin. Massage the canal, letting the fluid seep into the canal. Do this for AT LEAST 60 SEC. you will know you are doing it right when you hear a squishing sound. Let your dog shake its head. Then wipe out the brown residue that is left in the ear. Do this three times a day, until there is no more brown stuff and no more odor. Its messy, but it worked for us.

to the Vfamily...I have not yet tried ACV myself but getting ready to in the next few days. Your Lab isn't weird but I would change vets. For one thing 2 drops of anything in a dogs ears won't do anything. Find out more on how your dogs' ears are built. The ear canal takes a j-hook whitch is why they are prone to infection in the first place. Yeast are hard to kill. Does your dog have yeast or a bacterial infection? Your vet can tell you that. Do not use a q-tip or cotton swab to clean inside your dogs ears. Again the design of the ear canal makes them kind of useless. I always use a cotton ball. And you can soak your cotton ball in your mixture or solution, then push it into your dogs ear and squish it around so it gets to the areas beyond that curve. My Shadow has major ear probs. Had a little hematoma and her ears were actually swollen so bad that the vet couldn't see into them. It also made it diffacult to get meds into. Originally I did get some antibotic drop to put in there, then I changed vets and learned a whole lot of things, as I have been explaining here. You must be aggressive to beat an ear infection of any kind bacterial or yeast. Don't give up. Does your dog have food allergies? Change to a limited ingredient dog food or feed a raw diet. Does your dog have seasonal allergies? It is a sad fact that some vets will just keep you coming back to them for more meds, costing you more money. What we really need to figure out is the cause and the maintaince proceedures we need to take to prevent this from coming back again and again.I will post the results of my testing of ACV and or anyother remedies that I try. I have been asking other "trusted" dog owners that I know also of any remedies they have had success with. I hope you the best. Read everything you can about ears problems in dogs and about dog foods and vaccinations. Good Luck!!!