Ear infections in dogs are common and most dogs suffer from this painful condition sometime in their life. When you suddenly notice your doggy scratching his ear vigorously and frequently, you could be dealing with this notorious condition.

What do dog ear infections look like?

The first sign to ear infection in your dog is tilting and shaking of the head. Look inside the ears to spot the following:

• Odor (often sweet smelling)
• Reddish or brown discharge
• Swelling
• Scabs
• Redness

You might also notice him rubbing his ear against a wall. If he is also walking in circles, showing unusual eye movement, or is having balance problems, check with your vet – he could be having a deeper infection.

What causes dog ear infections?

There are a lot of factors that can contribute to your pooch developing an ear infection. Some common ones include excess hair in the ear canal, earwax buildup, or too much moisture. However, these factors are only contributors.

Typically, dog ear infections are linked to an underlying cause, such as:

• Allergies
• Parasites (like ear mites)
• Foreign bodies
• Hormone imbalances
• Tumors or polyps
• Physical trauma (like deep scratches)

Home remedies for dog ear infections:

Here is a list of home remedies:

A) Mullein

This is a natural plant rich in antibacterial properties. It is known to work well against ear infections. Here is a simple recipe:

• Pack the leaves or flowers in a jar and cover it with olive oil. You could add a garlic clove in it to increase the antibiotic effects.
• Allow the mixture to sit for about 2-3 weeks
• Apply several drops of the mixture in the affected area with a cotton ball

B) Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which is great at removing dirt from your dog’s ears. It can also destroy bacteria and yeast. If you notice soreness or redness in the ears, skip this vinegar because it can be too painful. Put the vinegar in a glass in equal amounts with distilled water. Fill the mixture in a syringe or soak it in a cotton ball and begin to clean the ears.

C) Oregano Oil

This is a highly effective natural antibiotic. Before using it in or on the ear of your dog, be sure to dilute it since it can cause irritation on its own. Add a drop of oregano oil to a ½ OZ of Aloe Vera gel and clean the ears with it using a cotton swab.

D) Coconut Oil

This is anti-fungal and antibacterial natural oil. It is also an antifungal ingredient that can be highly effective in infected ears. Under low heat, mix 2 tbsp. of the coconut oil with fresh garlic cloves. A combination of the two is known to have high antibacterial power. Use the mixture to clean your dog’s ears.

If your dog is constantly dealing with ear infections, it could be potentially an immune system problem. In this case, you will want your vet to rule out a leaky gut. A leaky gut may be caused by drugs and other toxins, poor diet, or over-vaccination. Symptoms of leaky gut include blood in dog’s urine. 

Almost every pet will suffer from an ear infection at some point in their life. Because dogs are the most vulnerable to the condition, ear infections are among the top 3 reasons for vet visits today. They can be uncomfortable, especially if allowed to fester. Fortunately, whatever the cause, there is always a simple natural solution.