Tammy Quinn McKillip is a writer living in New York City. Since graduating from Columbia University in 1999, she has written extensively about pets, parenting, theatre, design, health and environmentalism. She is the publisher and editor of Macaroni Kid--an events newsletter and website for parents on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Overview
You may notice your dog constantly shaking his head, scratching his ear, holding his head to one side or rubbing it on something. Perhaps you notice a foul-smelling odor or dark discharge coming from his ears. He may have an ear infection caused by yeast, mites or fungi. Before making an expensive trip to the veterinarian, try one of these natural home remedies to safely flush your dog's ears.
Home Remedy
Mix 1 part white vinegar with 5 parts warm water in a clean, sterile container and use a turkey baster to flush your dog's ears once a week if they are smelly or have a brown discharge. Squirt the mixture into the ear, rub the base of the ear, then suction the excess fluid out with the clean baster. Be sure that you do not force the baster or any object into your dog's ear canal.
Herbal Cure
Mix mineral oil and a tincture of pau d'arco in equal parts to create a natural remedy for fungi and bacteria. Administer several drops into each ear two times a day if your dog appears to have an ear infection. Use a child's nose suction device or medicine dropper to administer the drops, then gently wipe the ear clean with a cotton ball.
Oil
Administer three drops of almond or mineral oil into each ear twice a day for 3 to 4 weeks to treat ear mites. Use a cotton swab to carefully remove debris and wax from the outer part of the year before putting the drops inside the ear canal. Never put the cotton swab or any object inside the ear canal. Aside from the danger of puncture, you could push dirt deeper inside and cause an infection.
Tea Tree Oil
Mix equal parts of tea tree oil and vinegar or water to create a gentle astringent for your dog's ears. Use a medicine dropper or turkey baster to administer the drops, then suction them out again after gently massaging the base of your dog's ears.
Clean and Cleanse
Flush your dog's ears with hydrogen peroxide once a week to prevent waxy buildup. Follow the flush with a half and half solution of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol once every two weeks or if you notice an odor. Do not use this flush if your dog has open sores or extreme ear irritation due to scratching.
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