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How To Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs Naturally
Don't Overclean Your Dog's Ears
Ear infections in dogs are very common and can be long lasting. While they are very difficult to cure, there are different natural ways that you can try to prevent ear infections. An ear infection that has already developed should always be looked at by your veterinarian.
However, there are some ways that you can try to prevent your pups ear infections from occurring naturally.
Symptoms of external ear infections include the following:
· head shaking
· crying
· scratching the ears.
· the inner ears might even have a gooey brown to black discharge.
It’s important to first see your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis
Your vet will examine your dog’s ear canal and take a swab to identify the primary infections involved and the severity of the disease. You can also discuss natural, holistic treatments with your vet.
Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly can be counterproductive
Most dogs’ ears don’t need regular cleaning and can mostly be left alone. Normal, healthy ears should not be cleaned because the process itself can rid the delicate pH balance and natural atmosphere in your dogs’ ears. Some dogs need occasional cleaning to remove dirt or to help eliminate excess moisture from the ears after swimming.
Minor amounts of debris can be removed with a clean, dry cotton pad which is the best solution for maintaining ears that don’t have a deep-seated problem or infection. Never to clean beyond the areas of the ears that you can actually see.
You can easily make your own cleansing solution that can help correct the pH balance and kill any contaminants in your dogs’ ears:
Try mixing a solution of a cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of apple cider or white vinegar, and plantain tincture (a healthy herbal remedy you can find online) as a cleanser to wipe out excess debris from visible areas of the ear.
A healthy diet can also help ear infections
A grain-free diet is always helpful in combating chronic yeast infections (as well as many other benefits). If antibiotics are prescribed for a persistent or stubborn ear infection, you might consider supplementing the diet with a good probiotic supplement containing acidophilus to help maintain the good bacteria in the dog’s system. Live-culture plain yogurt with lactobacillus and acidophilus can also help to offset the side-effects of antibiotic therapy.
Topical Treatments that are natural can be used to clean on an as-need basis:
You can use natural topical treatments as needed to clean your dog’s ears. There are many effective natural commercial treatments available to combat yeast and bacterial infections.
All you have to do is apply the solution of your choice onto a piece of cotton and gently wipe away the excess wax and buildup. It is very important that you don’t insert anything into the ear canal, as this can cause severe and painful damage to the inner ear.
Always take measures to avoid pushing cotton, Q-Tips, or any objects into the ear canal, and refrain from squirting or pouring large amounts of topical applications into the ears; a small amount on a cotton ball is enough to get the job done.
After getting an ear infection under control, consider these homeopathic treatments:
Calendula Lotion is a great topical product known for its healing properties.
Products with Tea Tree Oil can be beneficial.
Mullein Oil is an excellent choice recommended by holistic veterinarians for basic ear infections.
Colloidal Silver can be applied into the ears daily for about seven to ten days for relief.
Hepar Sulph can help with irritable dogs who dislike having their inflamed ears touched.
Sulphur is a good choice for dogs that have stubborn skin conditions and can be effective for ear infections, especially if there's excessive pawing or scratching of the ears.
Silica can aid in removing excess debris or foreign objects from the ears.
Phosphorus is a good choice for dogs with cuts or hematomas and is known for its effectiveness in treating bleeding.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is an excellent astringent that reduces swelling in the ear canal and alleviates pain.
Whether you choose a natural treatment or any over-the counter treatment for your dog, the best way to prevent your dog from having ear infection is to keep their ears clean and dry. Make sure to check them readily, but do your best not to over-clean them.