{"id":46,"date":"2024-08-02T09:44:51","date_gmt":"2024-08-02T09:44:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/2020\/11\/15\/5-diy-ear-solutions-for-dog-ear-infections\/"},"modified":"2020-11-15T16:00:00","modified_gmt":"2020-11-15T16:00:00","slug":"5-diy-ear-solutions-for-dog-ear-infections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/2024\/08\/02\/5-diy-ear-solutions-for-dog-ear-infections\/","title":{"rendered":"5 DIY Ear Solutions For Dog Ear Infections"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many dogs suffer from painful and unpleasant ear conditions for years on end. That\u2019s because owners struggle to find a long-term solution.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In fact, ear infections are one of the top reasons why dogs visit the vet. But taking a holistic approach to the problem could help stop the problems sooner. It considers your dog\u2019s environment, food and lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ear problems often go hand in hand with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">allergies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and sensitivities. In fact, dogs who are prone to itchy skin and hot spots frequently have ear issues as well. As with most skin conditions, ear problems are often a sign of other issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Certain types of bacteria and yeast are naturally present throughout the body \u2026 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">including the ears<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. They\u2019re part of the balance of life. But when the balance gets disrupted, they can grow out of control and cause an ear infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A conventional approach uses antibiotics as well as steroids and other medications. These can provide some immediate relief but they aren\u2019t an ideal solution. That\u2019s because these products work by <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">suppressing the symptoms and the immune system<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. This often makes them a temporary fix. They don\u2019t actually offer a true, long-term cure.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ear issues are often caused by autoimmune disorders. So drugs that suppress the immune system will appear to work. The inflammation and redness will disappear for a short while. But the logic of suppressing the immune system may not be the best approach. That\u2019s because it leaves your dog susceptible to \u2026&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bacteria<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Viruses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">More sinister illnesses<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">5 Ways To Achieve And Maintain Healthy Ears<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To help resolve your dog\u2019s ear problems and keep them away long term, there are a few areas you should focus on.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. Avoid Regular Cleaning<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Most dogs\u2019 ears don\u2019t need regular cleaning. In fact, it\u2019s better to leave normal, healthy ears alone and not attempt to clean them for the sake of it. Cleaning can disrupt the delicate pH balance and environment in already healthy ears.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some dogs with chronic issues need occasional cleaning to remove debris. Others may need special drying products to remove excess moisture after a swim.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Minor amounts of debris are easily removed with a clean, dry cotton pad alone. If you have to, use a little organic witch hazel. This is the best way to maintain ears that don\u2019t have a deep-seated problem of any kind. Never try to clean beyond the areas of the ears that you can actually see.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. Adjust Your Dog\u2019s Diet<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A grain-free diet is almost always helpful in combating chronic yeast infections. Grains and other starchy foods contain natural sugars that yeasts can feed on, which causes the yeast to multiply. In most mild cases, eliminating grains and cleaning built up debris will set your dog up for success.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">raw or natural, minimally processed diet<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> can be very helpful in combating ear problems. This kind of diet will provide nutrition the immune system needs to function well. The goal is to remove \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Toxic chemical preservatives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Excessive gluten<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Byproducts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fillers&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Doing this can have a marvelous effect on most of the body, including the ears.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. Manage Infections<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Altering the pH of the ear is an important step in combating yeast and bacterial infections. Many natural products are available but you can also make ear cleaner at home. It will work double duty to correct the pH and kill any contaminants.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Ear Recipe&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mix 1 cup of lukewarm water and 2 tablespoons of one or more of the following:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hydrogen peroxide<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Apple cider vinegar&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">White vinegar<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Plantain tincture&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use this mixture to wipe out excess debris from visible areas of the ear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can use topical care routinely, or just as needed. Apply the product to a cotton ball and very gently wipe out excess wax and buildup.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Caution:<\/b> <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s essential not to push anything into the ear canal beyond the visible outer folds of the ear. This can cause extreme and very painful damage to the delicate internal workings of the ear. You also don\u2019t want to pour large amounts of topical solutions in the ears. A small amount on a cotton ball is usually enough. Don\u2019t use Q-tips!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h3>4. Herbal Remedies<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are a few different herbs you can use topically to try and give your dog added relief.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Calendula or comfrey <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">lotions are nice products for topical use. They have wonderful healing properties.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Products containing <\/span><b>tea tree oil<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> are helpful. But tea tree oil can be toxic for some dogs. So consider products with tea tree\u2019s slightly less intense cousin, <\/span><b>Niaouli<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Gentian violet<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is a purple dye that\u2019s used as a stain for microscopy. It\u2019s also used medically as a bactericide, fungicide, and anthelmintic. Gentian is superb for cleaning the ears. (Though it will turn your dog\u2019s ears purple!)&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Mullein oil<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is also an excellent ear product. Many holistic veterinarians recommend it for basic ear infections.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>5. Homeopathic Remedies<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are also several homeopathic remedies that can help relieve ear infections. Pick the remedy that best fits your dog\u2019s symptoms from the list below.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can buy homeopathic remedies at a local health food store or you can order online. You\u2019ll need a 30C or 200C potency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To work properly, homeopathic remedies have to dissolve on your dog\u2019s gums. You can place 2-3pellets inside your dog\u2019s cheek or you can give them is as a liquid:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Add 2 or 3 pellets or a few granules to a small glass of filtered or spring water<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Try to avoid touching the pellets with your hands.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Stir for about 20 minutes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u2026 the pellets may not dissolve completely.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use a dropper and <\/span><b>put some of the liquid on your dog\u2019s gums<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Store in a dark place<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. It will keep for 2 or 3 days. (Don\u2019t put it in the fridge)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stir the water again before every dose.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How Often To Dose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">First, be careful not to touch the pellets with your hands, as that can negate the remedy. Also, give the remedies at least \u00bd hour away from food.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Start by giving 2-3 doses at half-hour intervals. Then wait to see if your dog improves. If he feels better, don\u2019t redose unless you see him plateau or backslide. Then redose once.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If there\u2019s no change after a few hours (up to a day), then it\u2019s time to try a different remedy. Choose the next best remedy that matches your dog\u2019s symptoms.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Remedies For Ear Infections<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b><i>Pulsatilla<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is helpful for acute flare-ups with sensitivity, redness and a yellowish discharge. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pulsatilla<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> animals like to sit near open windows, hate getting their paws wet and won\u2019t go out in the rain. They also tend to have a very sweet (and slightly needy) disposition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Hepar sulph<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is useful for irritable animals who don\u2019t like to have their inflamed ears touched.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Sulphur<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is often recommended for long term, stubborn skin conditions. It also has some success in ear infection treatment. Excessive scratching or pawing at the ears may be an indicator for<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Sulphur<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Silica<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is worth considering to help \u2018push out\u2019 a foxtail or other foreign object form the ears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Phosphorus<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is a good option for those dogs who suffer with cuts or hemotomas to the pinna. It\u2019s an excellent remedy for many types of bleeding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Tellurium<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is helpful for animals that have a discharge that causes hair loss around and under the ears. The ears are extremely sensitive in <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tellurium<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> patients, and the discharge may smell fishy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Treating ear problems can be a very frustrating exercise \u2026 especially when they are stubborn and persistent. Deep seated infections can take a very long time to truly and permanently resolve. Natural remedies and a holistic approach that considers diet and lifestyle can be pivotal in achieving a lasting cure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many dogs suffer from painful and unpleasant ear conditions for years on end. That\u2019s because owners struggle to find a long-term solution.&nbsp; In fact, ear infections are one of the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":47,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-natural-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.duuvk.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}