How to Clean a Dog's Ear Infection
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Introduction
If your fur-baby has an ear infection, you'll need to clean their ears to help them recover. If you suspect your pup has an ear infection, consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. They will prescribe an ear solution and topical ointment that will help kill any bacteria or fungus causing the infection.
Ensure you clean your dog's ears regularly during the infection and once their ears are healthy again. Regular cleaning will help keep your infections at bay. There are several types of ear infections for dogs, with otitis externa being one of the most common. Ear infections, in general, are pretty common, with 20% of all dogs having some form of ear disease during their lifetime.
Dog's Perspective
Ear infections can be uncomfortable and painful for dogs. Be very careful while handling your dog to apply a solution or topical ointment. Tugging on their ear to open the canal can cause discomfort or pain. Rubbing the back side of their ear to massage the solution into the canal will also likely cause pain.
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The Apple Cider Vinegar Method
The Coconut Oil Method
Caution & Considerations
- Remember to see your veterinarian for medication such as antibiotics as well as an ear cleaning solution that will help your dog's ears heal quickly.
- You can make ear cleaning solutions at home using apple cider vinegar and lukewarm water. Apple cider vinegar will help kill yeast or bacteria. Don't use Q-tips to clean your dog's ears.
- You must use the prescribed solution until your dog’s current ear infection is healed. Ask your vet if you should continue cleaning your dog’s ears after the infection has passed.
- If you do get an ear infection solution from your veterinarian, it will have a long pointed tip in a funnel-shaped top on the bottle. Once you’re done treating your dog’s ears with the solution, thoroughly rinse the bottle and save it for future at-home rinses.
- Remember your fur-baby's ears will be sensitive during an ear infection.
- Try to keep your dog’s paws and claws out of their ears. They will likely dig into their ears with their claws, which may cause additional infection or pain.
- If your dog shakes their head often, their ears are bothering them. You should notice them doing this less often as their infection heals.
Conclusion
An ear infection is uncomfortable for dogs but is relatively routine. Ear infections can reoccur because of allergies, moisture, fungus, and bacteria. Not all dogs need ear cleanings, but your vet can recommend if it’s necessary for your pup. Cleaning a dog’s ear is straightforward but potentially tricky if your dog is uncooperative.
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
I have been dealing with ear problems with her most of her life and have spent ungodly amounts of money at vet to have absolutely nothing work. I am in eed of a natural solution to help her. Something has to fix this..please help!
I did the apple cider vinegar and water for the first time to my dogs ear I live in a village and we don’t have vets here and she had a ear infection and I wanted to help her out and did 6 little drops in to her right ear and she keeps shacking her ear and kinda keeping it low then the other side. I just get very worried about my dog and I wanted to ask an expert if and when I should worry about her ear
My dog shakes his head immediately when putting in the ear cleaning solution. How do I get him not to do that, so that solution can work properly?
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Hello, even though this guide is for administering eye drops, there are excellent tips that you can use. Have a helper, put the ear drops in from behind, and try to have Nelson keep his head on your lap after the cleaning solution is put in. https://wagwalking.com/training/take-eye-drops. Read the entire guide through too see if any of the methods will work for you. I think the cleaning solution will still have some effect, even with the shaking, but try the tips in the article I have mentioned here. You can also ask your vet to give you a demonstration of how they put in the solution; I'm sure they'd be happy to assist. All the best to Nelson!
I don’t understand why you are putting water in the mixture to clean a dogs ears. Water is the worst thing for a dogs ears.
Grooming Success Stories
I tried the apple cider vinegar and water solution last night. My dogs ear immediately turned blood red and looked inflammed and he seemed very uncomfortable. This morning I woke up and the infection was 10x worse in his one ear.
My poor Ginger has been suffering for over a year w ear infections and paw inflammation. After several and I mean several trips to the vets and thousands of dollars I finally found this information on apple cider vinegar and it works 💯 its only been 6 days but her ears are 99% healed and her paws are 80% healed!! I also removed chicken from her diet. So happy my dog is feeling better and not suffering anymore! Thank you!!
I don’t understand why you are putting water in the mixture to clean a dogs ears. Water is the worst thing for a dogs ears.