SUPPLIES
- White vinegar
- Water
- Cotton balls
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Boric acid powder
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Gentian Violet solution
Overview
Yeast, bacteria, moisture, wax, and long ears that don't allow air to circulate can all lead to canine ear infections. Some natural remedies have succeeded at treating ear infections when antibiotics have failed. You'll know when your dog has an infection. She might tip her head, scratch at her ear, or rub her head along the floor for relief. Curing ear infections in dogs is often a matter of trial and error. Because one solution is sometimes more effective than another, three homemade cures for ear infections are included here in two steps each.
How to Cure Dog Ear Infections
Step 1
Mix a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts water. Apply a few drops to the ear canal.
Step 2
Massage the ear and dry it with a cotton ball. Do this once a day until the dog experiences some relief. If this doesn't help, try the next two-step treatment.
Step 3
Place two peeled garlic cloves in a bottle of olive oil. Let them sit for a week.
Step 4
Strain the garlic after a week. Put several drops of oil in the infected ear. Massage the outer ear and blot it dry with a cotton ball. Do this twice a day until the ear improves. If this doesn't help, go on to the next two-step treatment.
Step 5
Combine ten ounces of isopropyl alcohol, four tablespoons of boric acid powder, and sixteen drops of Gentian Violet solution. Mix the ingredients well. Warm the bottle and shake the contents to keep them from settling.
Step 6
Apply the mixture either with a syringe or a cotton ball. When the inflammation lets up, squirt a small amount into the ear, massage it, and blot it dry. Repeat the dosage and let the dog shake it out. Do this twice a day for a week or longer.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Improve air circulation in long ears by trimming hair. After a bath or swim, dry the ears thoroughly. Don't use vinegar on open cuts. Warm compresses applied several times a day can ease the pain of inflammation. Gel from an aloe vera plant is healing while it soothes. A tepid bag of green tea also brings relief. Apple cider vinegar in the water dish twice weekly improves infections. Once the infection is under control, regular care will help prevent future infections. Before starting any treatment, see your vet for a diagnosis. Because of the risk of hearing loss, persistent ear infections require a vet visit.
