Natural Ear Cleaners for Dogs
Ear problems in dogs can be painful and irritating, and if left untreated, can lead to more serious health problems. Unfortunately, an expensive trip to the vet is often necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment. Natural ear cleaners for dogs can help to keep your dog’s ears clean and free from infection. There are other steps you can take at home to help you keep your dog’s ear clean and free from infection without having to go to the vet.
Identify the Symptoms of Ear Problems
The first step is to identify the symptoms of ear problems in dogs. Common signs of an ear infection include excessive scratching or pawing at the ears, head shaking, redness or swelling of the ears, discharge from the ears that may be yellowish or bloody, and a bad odour coming from the ears. If you notice any of these signs in your dog’s ears, it is important to take action as soon as possible.
Underlying Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs
As many as 20% of dogs have some form of ear disease. Underlying causes can be a build-up of moisture that promotes the growth of yeast and bacteria, underlying skin allergies, food intolerances, endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases, a build-up of wax, foreign bodies, or damage to the ear canal.
Atopic Dermatitis and Food Intolerances
Ears are obviously covered by the skin so itchy skin, which is called Atopic dermatitis with secondary infection caused by skin allergies or food intolerances accounts for more than 60% of ear infections. To help prevent or help a skin allergy and food intolerance I always advise feeding a raw food diet of a protein source that your dog has not eaten before for 2-3 weeks and then trying another one. Your dog cannot have a food intolerance to a protein source that he has not eaten before.
It is so important to give a fibre supplement for dogs that contains probiotics, prebiotics, and bentonite clay. This will help the gut microbiome which will stimulate the immune system, help the Gut-Brain Axis, and help with skin allergies and diarrhoea. Bentonite clay can absorb intestinal toxins and water thus helping with diarrhoea.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements for dogs help to reduce inflammation in the body, skin, and ears. This decreases itchiness of the skin and ears and helps to stop your dog from scratching his ears which leads to secondary bacterial and yeast infections. This then causes even more itchiness and scratching, thus making the problem worse.
Clean Your Dog’s Ears Regularly
Regularly cleaning your dog’s ears can help prevent ear infections from occurring in the first place. You should use a gentle natural ear cleaner for dogs that is specifically designed for dogs and never use cotton swabs or other objects that could damage your dog’s delicate ear canal. Place the tip of the ear cleaner into the ear canal. Flood the ear canal with the solution and massage the base of the ear. Use a cotton ball to remove any excess solution. This will help to keep your dog’s ears nice and clean.
Use Natural Remedies
There are several natural remedies that can be used to help keep your dog’s ears clean and free from infection. One option is apple cider vinegar, which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that can help reduce inflammation and fight off infection-causing bacteria. You can mix equal parts apple cider vinegar with warm water and use a cotton ball or soft cloth to gently clean your dog’s ears once per day until symptoms improve. Another natural remedy is garlic oil, which has antiseptic properties that can help reduce inflammation and fight off bacteria. To make garlic oil for your dog’s ear infection, mix two tablespoons of olive oil with one clove of minced garlic and let it sit overnight before using it on your pet's ears once per day until symptoms improve.
Seek Veterinary Care When Necessary
If you have tried home remedies but there is still notice no improvement in your dog's condition after several days, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics or other medications depending on what type of infection is present in your dog's ear canal. It is also important for you to follow all instructions given by your Veterinary Surgeon regarding treatment so that you can ensure a speedy recovery for your beloved dog!
JP's Natural Pet Supplements supplies our own unique range of natural pet supplements and a natural ear cleaner for dogs and cats and a natural toothpaste for dogs and cats. Visit our website for more information.
Leave a comment (all fields required)