Apple Cider Vinegar for Ear Infections in Dogs

My dog has a chronic ear infection-the alternative from the vet is to remove her ear canal. I would like to try apple cider vinegar/water but she is with Baytril eardrops. Can I start using the apple cider/water twice a day and continue using Baytril?

Improvement continues 4 or 5 days in I switched to a more soothing formula and dog comes to me to get ears treated. Raw coconut oil. Chop raw garlic. A squirt of polysporine. a squeeze of Cortaid. A squeeze of monostat. a sprinkle of sea salt and turmeric and black pepper and oregano . a drop or two of tea tree and GSE. A good tablespoon of apple cider vineger and raw honey ..warm just barely luke warm squeezed into ear and clean out ear ..he literally lays down for it and gives moans of relief ..his ears are tons better turning pink and healthy all stench is gone..he sleeps through the night...he suffered greatly before .

Hi Arlene What is GSE please ?

EC: GSE or GFSE =  Grapefruit Seed Extract.

Caution with this product - it can burn and cause tremendous pain.

Did you use the dropper to put drops of the mixture inside your dog's ear?

Dear Beverly,

I don't know why it happened.

You could try some coconut oil or olive oil into the ear to soothe it.

Hey I just did the apple cider vineger to my dogs ear and the reaction I just got wasnt very good she made her head stay on the right side thats the side that is sore. She is 12-14months old she has a bad problem with her right ear and gets irration and its like all the time I cant get into a vet and im lost on things to do please can someone help me asap pretty please

Hey Mumma, please consider the Arcane ear treatment: https://www.earthclinic.com/arcane-solution-ear-infection-dogs.html

Be careful with this one. Vinegar and H2O2 combined makes peracetic acid. (Very strong acid)

Hey Tasha!

There are cautions with the product your vet prescribed - there have been cases reported of dogs getting various ear medications and ending up with hearing loss - this in part due to damaged ear drum. You may wish to discuss with your vet before using the product on order. Also, you might consider Zymox Otic hcl - it is not an antibiotic but does have enzymes which digest bacteria and yeast/fungus.

Hello, may I have some advice please!!

my dog has had a yeast infection, problems with her ears being smelly, hunky and itchy, together with itchy smelly paws. I have put her on a raw food diet with excellent results. I have administered 50/50 Apple Cider Vinegar and water into her ears and used cotton wool to clean the outside of the canal. At first it cleared up well and the itching reduced massively . Now however when I clean the ear it becomes very red and more itchy after acv/water. I am still cleaning them as she is still itching on a morning and there is still some gunk coming out. Please could you suggest what I should do?

many thanks, Tania

Hey Tania,

You might consider alkalizing your dog's drinking water, along with Ted's Borax Protocol for dogs- you can do this on a rotating basis and include plain water in the rotation. You might also consider the Arcane ear formula recipe on EC or Zymox Otic that you can purchase online.

Hi Theresa,

I forgot to say that my dog only shakes her head on first waking up on a morning and tries to itch only for a little while. I have put sudocrem on the inside of her ear (not the canal) which has cured the redness and stopped the skin itching there but there is obviously still something bothering her inside on a morning. May I ask how often you can use Apple Cider Vinegar as a flush after you use it daily initially and the ear problem is almost gone? And secondly how often you can use it as a maintenance?

Many thanks

Hi Theresa,

I forgot to say that my dog only shakes her head on first waking up on a morning and tries to itch only for a little while. I have put sudocrem on the inside of her ear (not the canal) which has cured the redness and stopped the skin itching there but there is obviously still something bothering her inside on a morning. The yeasty ear discharge disappears for a few days and them comes back. May I ask how often you can use Apple Cider Vinegar as a flush after you use it daily initially and the ear problem is improving? And secondly how often you can use it as a maintenance? May I also ask, do you know if your give probiotic to your dog for yeast problems, can it initially excel the detoxing of ear and eye discharge?

Many thanks.

Hey Tania,

I used to have super athletic breeds and we walked in the woods 5 times a week and dogs went into the river at each walk; dogs were bathed after each walk to remove any parasites and ears were cleaned with the ACV/H2O/Isopropyl dilution. I now have lap dogs who specialize in eating and taking up as much room as possible on the couch! They do as your girl does; give a shake when they wake, and it seems the ones susceptible to funky/gunky ears all seem to get it on the ear/side of the head they sleep on. I find that they get the ear discharge for a number of reasons - seasons changing, wind direction changing bringing in new allergens, spring and fall mold blooms, feeding them bad human food. I have no problem with home remedy ear formulas for cleaning healthy ears but prefer Zymox Otic Hcl 1% that I buy online/Amazon for when I see an ear that is starting to turn pink. I use a holistic vet for dosing the acidophillus - some visits we dose PB8, some DDS w/FOS, some brands are from the local co-op. Unless you have a holistic vet [or someone that can help you use applied kinesiology] to determine which probotic is indicated for your particular pet at a particular time, your best bet is to buy one brand and dose that bottle until it is used up, and then buy one with completely different strains of bacteria and use that up and then buy another with completely different strains and so on. You want to rotate with several brands and strains rather than sticking to just one and you want to change it up every 3 weeks or so, not dose the same brand forever. I do know that when the probiotics start digesting the yeast in the GI tract that toxins are produced; supplementing with milk thistle may be indicted or other organ support remedies. I do dose milk thistle when indicated for 3 weeks or so; it is not a long term/forever supplement and using health supplements on a forever basis can cause them to be ineffective/develop resistance. It always seems that once I get the ears all nice and healthy something changes - the weather, they ate the wrong food, they were traumatized emotionally by the vacuum cleaner - and that small change can tip the scales to allow the yeast to once again gain the upper hand. You are never finished with dealing with yeast - it is an ongoing thing. So get the right remedies to have on hand and when you see the ear turn pink, act immediately and do not allow it to get worse by waiting-and-seeing. I do find treating the water helps - when I see not just one but all of them starting to have itchy skin or gunky ears then we all get the baking soda water and then a course of the borax water; I drink it as well as the dogs so I can get the health benefits too.

Hi Theresa,

Thank you so much for your advice. I have ordered the Zymox, I was advised by an English vet not to use a similar product as it kills off the hairs in the ear canal, but I think he meant long term regular use. May I also ask you about making garlic infused oil. I can't find an actual recipe. I read to fill up a small glass gar with garlic then top up with oil and leave for 10-14 days. I gave 10 drops in each ear, twice a day for 3 days. It has helped but I notice that her ears go red after application, she is not bothered by it but I was concerned it was a reaction or it was burning? Or could it be just the blood pumping around after the warmth of it. Can you add too much garlic to the oil? Do you know of a garlic:oil ratio please?

Many thanks again, Tania

Hey Tania,

I use 1 cup of olive oil and press 2-3 good sized cloves of garlic into it and let steep overnight in the fridge. I pour off a small amount that I am going to use, and put the rest back into the fridge to continue steeping; when I run out of oil I toss the lot and make a new batch. I am not aware of a garlic:oil ratio - it sounds as if your approach with the small jar is about the same as mine with 1 cup and 3 cloves :). I make sure I warm the oil up before putting it into the ear, and I make sure it goes deep down by massaging the base of the ear until I hear it squishing around - way more than 10 drops! I think the ears flushing red is normal - blood rushing to the tissue because it is being stimulated. Once the ear begins to heal and the skin is not all scratched and open and raw I might use a water based product or home made solution to flush the gunk out. I like Eoi-otic and PhytoVET ear products that I can buy online. I have no problem using home remedies and they work great especially in a pinch, but for chronic problem ears these veterinary formulations that are now commonly available online are superior particularly in terms of pain control. If pain is not an issue, I like 1/3 cup each water, hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl OR water, white vinegar and isopropyl. When you combine vinegar and hydrogen peroxide you create paracetic acid which is very harsh on the skin, so avoid mixing those two together for use on tender ear skin.

Hello,

You have very kindly been helping me with my dogs ear problems and advised I bought Zymox. I was able to find a supplier in the UK and used it successfully for a week. The gunk went as did the itching, so I stopped after 7 days, but 5 days later, her ears were flakey inside (just like if we use a thin face mask, let it dry and peel it off, the peelings were like that, never had this before) and large lumps of wax, but no itching. I wondered if I should continue he with the Zymox, or if this part of the healing process, old infected skin being shed and deep gunk coming up?

I also wondered with your experience of yeast problems, can a dog continue to show symptoms after initially clearing up. My dog has been on a raw diet now for three months, her smelly paws, itchy bottom and eye gunk went totally. Now her symptoms are occasionally showing up. Can they be so sensitive that a carrot or piece of Apple could cause irritation quickly? She used to be given a lot of raw carrot as treats.

Many thanks for your help,

Kind regards

Tania

Coconut oil and water will soothe the ear.

Melt the coconut oil 1/2 oil 1/2 water and put a few drops in the ear. Small dog a teaspoon. A large dog a table spoon. This will help your baby

Can please someone help?

About one and a half week ago my dog started walking around in circles (he was making pretty huge circles. He has an anal gland issues and I thought it's because of that). But few days ago he started making much smaller circles, basically spinning around. I put some garlic oil into his ears for two days and yesterday decided to flush his ears with the 50 acv/50 water and I already saw an improvement - he started walking a lot more straight, he started sniffing around (I think his nose is a bit blocked too). But it only lasted for a few minutes. Then, few hours ago, after a nap, he even tried to walk the opposite way. But again, it didn't last for too long (about half an hour maybe). I flushed his ears again but this time I didn't see any progress, I think it even worsened. He's still circling today.

I gave him hepar sulfur for his anal gland and now he's taking silicea. I know it's supposed to help push out stuff from the body so maybe it will also help for his ears?

He's too old to have anesthesia and proper cleaning. So I'm scared to take him to the vet.

Hey Olivia!

Walking in circles could mean an inner ear infection - these are typically very painful and you would see other signs of discomfort such as scratching the ear raw and a smelly ear full of gunk. It could also be neurological in nature, either from genetics [as seen in Bull Terriers] or from a brain tumor. Many times animals with a neurological issue cannot tell if their feet are positioned properly; try picking your pet's foot up and folding it under and placing it down again - so the paw is facing the ceiling: your dog should be able to figure out its paw is placed wrong and re-position it so the pads is on the ground. Dogs that cannot sense their paws are not placed properly often have neurological issues.

If you cannot bring your dog to the vet, and if the ear flushing is helping I would continue flushing the ears daily if not twice a day to see if there is any improvement. If there is no improvement you may want to consider seeing a vet.

Re: Circling... usually this is not an ear infection causing an off equilibrium... it's more like vestibular disease. It's like a drunk human who can't tell how they're walking and they feel dizzy and sick all the time. There is no cure for this but after years of study across the world to find something for my dog who had suffered with this, I found, through the University of Miami who is working on the problem, that it is probably caused by a vitamin deficiency.

I started my Dusty on different multi-vitamins and after 2 weeks of the vitamins and calm environment and helping her to walk using a material brace, it went away but came back 6 months later. I, again, doused her with vitamins and it went away and never came back.

Hey Susan!

It sounds like the ears are sore and painful. At this stage I would NOT do the vinegar rinse as it could cause your dog pain.

If this were my dog I would either do Wendy's healthy ear recipe [will post below] that costs about $20.00 to assemble, or Ted's Antifungal/Anti-staph remedy.

Make a small batch, warm and use directly in the ears:

• 1-1/2 cups of 1% hydrogen peroxide
• 1 tbsp MOM (Milk of Magnesia)
• 1 tbsp Epsom salts
• 1 tbsp Borax

Also consider Wendy from Columbus OH ear remedy:

1 tube Monistat (generic is fine)
1 tube Polysporin (use the real deal - it's inexpensive)
1 tube Cortaid (generic works here as well)

Use tubes of similar size. Mix all three together in a container that can be closed well. It takes a bit to incorporate because the Polysporin is a bit like Vaseline. Once incorporated, it stays mixed.

If ears are gunky, inflamed or smell bad, start with using a pea sized dollop twice a day. Use your finger to gently push it into the ear. Rub. Dogs will only shake their heads once or twice! It's a creamy, very soothing mixture. Once you have the ears under control, lessen how often you use it till you're only using it once a week. Once a week, it keeps ears from getting bad again.

If your pockets are to let and you do not have the funds to the above remedies, you can crush 1 clove of garlic into half a cup of cooking oil and let steep over night, and then warm and use in the ear. Use this to clean out the ears twice a day for 3-5 days and when the ears are healed up from the scratching then proceed with the vinegar rinse.

Hi, I read your post online about the apple cider vinegar and I would love to try it on my dog. I'm a little confused of how much vinegar and water I should use, could you help me? I have a 77lbs Rottweiler.

Erika (Arizona) ---

A better way would be warm olive oil or sesame oil with mascerated garlic clove. It is used by natural doctors for children and very effective. Be aware that olive oil can be "pure" when it is not.

Ear inflammation is also caused by parasites.

Namaste, Om

How many times a day to use in ear ? And how much to put in dropper ?

Can I use this on a 18day old puppy?

Hi,

Do yourself a favor ck out Pet Health and Nutrition out of Conn. (http://www.pethealthandnutritioncenter.com )888-683-3339 Phil and Maria are master herbalist. Their products are amazing. After 11 vets( both Regular and Intergrative holistic) from 8 months of age until 3yrs. miserable, numerous holistic things. Antibiotics that as soon as we were done the skin condition would be back. Digestive problems, thyroid, immune issues. We were labeled with allergies. We finally got relief. Started our Golden on their products at 3 yr - now 6yrs. and life is nice! They will talk with you and figure out what will help. Can't say enough Good things about them and their products. You won't be sorry.

Can u use any kind of cooking oil? Such as vegetable oil?

If you are trying to kill mites in ear, I use a few drops of olive oil then massage ear.

Hello

About the gland condition, I did some research and run across ( Glandex ) for dogs and cats anal sac issues. Its over the counter at your vets office, or you can check online at vet source or amazon. I paid $26.00 so worth it for preventive care. My dog has had issues with her anal glands but after using this every morning in her food which is grain free, she is like a new dog, her coat is so shiny now not dull. She is so happy. I will be using this from now on for her on going preventive care.

If your dog had frequent diarrhea, please look into slippery elm powder - it stops the diarrhea and coats the intestinal tract to help it heal.

For anal gland infections(which happened at the vet clinic) gave my dog Sulphur 10M every 3rd day (IF YOU START ON MONDAY GIVE THE NEXT DOSE ON THURSDAY)for 3 doses(one dose a day 4 PELLETS). Never went to the vet to express his glands again.

Day 2 and second round of treatment with the Apple Cider Vinegar mix, going well. Odor almost completely gone. Still got some build up deep in the canal but it's working its way out.

Has ear infections. How do I give my boxer vinegar? In ear or oral?

Hey Tina!

You can do both. Use white vinegar for the ears, and you want to only use the organic raw apple cider vinegar for taking internally.

Our pit bull has an ear infection at the moment, we were just curious as to what we should use right now. We are in Ireland so a lot of the suggested remedies are not readily available here. The dog is just really down with this infraction.

All suggestions will be appreciated.

Hello Rialc!

Fellow pit bull lover here :) A very simple remedy is garlic infused oil. I typically crush a couple of cloves and let it steep over night, but you could also run a few cloves through a garlic press or mince them very finely and then let them sit 10 minutes; then add to the oil - I use olive oil as it is usually handy - and allow the juices to blend with the oil. Strain the bits of garlic out and warm to body temperature before adding to the ear. Use a liberal amount - you want to be sure it reaches deeply into the ear. Massage the base and listen for squishy sounds to ensure the oil has penetrated deeply. Fresh garlic is a strong antimicrobial agent and you need to let it sit for 10 minutes to fully activate it.

If your pockets are not to let other considerations would be a trip to the local drug store for these products:

1 tube Monistat (women's vaginal yeast infection product, generic is fine - the active ingredient you want is Miconazole Nitrate)

1 tube Polysporin (Bacitracin and Polymyxin B are the active ingredients you want, so any similar antibiotic cream with those active ingredients would suit)

1 tube Cortaid (The active ingredient is Hydrocortisone which helps with swelling and inflamation and itching)

Contributor Wendy originally posted this with directions - you may have to scroll down for it:

https://www.earthclinic.com/pets/ear_infection.html

I also highly recommend Zymox Otic with hydrocortisone which you should be able to order online - IMHO this is a must have in your doggie ear care toolbox; not only does it have the hydrocortisone but it also has enzymes which help digest yeast and bacteria and you do not need to clean the ear with this product which suits dogs with very painful ears.

Good luck and report back please!

Rialc (Ireland) ---

The best treatment is pure olive oil and a clove of garlic steeped in the warmed oil for about two to three days. Apply the warmed oil in a few drops in each ear morning and night, gently massaging the oil also in the outer ear and dabbing with a tissue.

This is used by natural doctors for children and in my experience it works. Just make sure you get pure olive oil as a label cannot be trusted anymore. Pure sesame oil (not roasted) will also work.

Namaste, Om

My beagle is suffering from a bad ear please, please help me. He is my baby and I'm very funny about anything that is used on him. Will this work.

One of the best remedies for healing your pet's bacterial and/or yeast infection is the Healthy Ear Recipe (from Arcane). Do a search on this site for "Arcane", and you'll find it. The ingredients to buy are very inexpensive, and easy to mix. And your pet will love you for it!