DogExpress
If you are a pet parent, the issues of their ear infections must have bothered you a lot!
Ear infections can be painful. When moisture and debris get clogged, especially in floppy ears of dogs like Doberman, Basset Hound, Beagle, etc., it can cause infections.
Even dogs with hairy inner ear canals like Cavalier, Poodles, and Cockapoo, particularly those living in India, are more prone to it. Their ear canal remains too moist, causing bacteria and yeast to cause infections.
But remember –
All breeds of dogs face the risk of ear infections, irrespective of their shape and size.
Therefore, look out for the symptoms of ear infections like
- Shaking their heads
- Itching at their ears
- Head tilting
- Crying when you touch the ears
- Dark-colored discharge or bleeding from ears
- Odor coming from ears
- Disruption in the balance
Six Home Remedies to Treat or Prevent Your Dog’s Ear Infection
Apple Cider Vinegar
It works well on yeast infections in the ears and skin of dogs. Dilute 1-part of apple cider vinegar with 1-part of the water to make a cleaning solution. Dip a cotton ball in it and clean the infected ear of your pet.
Coconut Oil
It can treat or prevent dog ear infections. Put some drops of coconut oil at the entrance to their ear canal and massage it down to the bottom of their ear. It kills ear mites and also promotes healthy skin in your dog.
Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
Use it to clean the debris from the ears of your pet. Mix 1-part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with 1-part warm water and with a bulb ear syringe, flush their ears to dislodge any debris.
If you have a floppy ear breed dog-like Cocker Spaniel, Doberman, Bloodhound, etc., ask them to shake and tilt their heads to dislodge debris. Avoid it if your pet has open sores or wounds in the ears; it slows the healing process.
Melaleuca – A proponent of Tea Tree Oil
Instead of tea tree oil, which is toxic for dogs and cats, use melaleuca in diluted form to treat ear infections in your pets.
Witch Hazel
To remove the moisture left in your dog’s ears, use 5-10 drops of witch hazel. It’s known for its drying properties. Apply a few drops of coconut oil later, to protect ears from over-drying. Avoid using it if the ear is already red, painful, or has broken skin.
Aloe Vera Gel
Its soothing properties can help your dog recover from painful ear infections. Use the gel on a cotton ball and rub it on their outer ear areas. You can also put a few drops in their ear canal and massage it to comfort them.
Conclusion
An ear infections issue may never go away on its own, especially in hairy dogs like Shih Tzu, Havanese, Maltese, or cockapoo in India. But you can take care of and protect them from suffering permanent damage to their ears.
In the case of a painful, serious ailment, get veterinary attention immediately. For more information on dog ear infection care, feel free to post your questions and comments below.
in Chandigarh, India. 
