Dogs frequently get ear infections, especially those breeds whose ears droop. Were you aware that there is a natural remedy for them? You can create your own ear drops by mixing distilled water and apple cider vinegar. Who knew ACV was for dogs too!
How to Tell if Your Dog Has an Ear Infection
There are a few tell-tale signs that your beloved pet might be
suffering from an ear infection. Here are the red flags to look out for:
- Unpleasant odor coming from ear(s)
- Redness or swelling around the ears
- Constantly scratching at ears
- Shaking or tilting head
Apple Cider Vinegar For Dogs
ACV contains acetic acid, which inhibits the growth of bacteria. Studies show acetic acid can successfully stop the growth of many kinds of pathogenic bacteria found in ear discharge. Apple cider vinegar is also known to be an effective short-term anti-fungal treatment. It can be safely used to treat fungal infections that are a result of wearing dentures. Since ACV is antibacterial and anti-fungal, it can be used to deal with both yeast-based ear infections and bacterial ear infections.
Studies have also shown that vinegar has anti-cancer properties. While it’s not conclusive what it is about vinegar that stops the growth of cancer cells in tumors, research does show that they can be effective in preventing the spread of cancer. Using this home remedy for ear infections will also boost your dog’s protection against cancer.
Dog Ear Infection Remedy
I suggest one batch and storing it in a small air-tight container (like a glass bottle), so you can have some ready if your dog needs it again.
What You’ll Need:
- Small air-tight container (like a glass bottle)
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Distilled Water
- Ear Dropper
Directions:
- Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and distilled water
- Use a dropper to put 10 drops of solution into your dog’s ear, being very careful not to place the dropper into the ear canal
- Massage the ear at the base for 20-30 seconds
- Let your dog shake their head
- Gently wipe their ear surrounding area with a towel
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- ACV can be irritating to some dog’s skin and the small hairs found in their ears; use this treatment sparingly and watch for signs of irritation.
- Recurring ear infections can be a sign of another underlying problem: allergies. If your furry friend seems to have ongoing ear infections, it’s time to consider whether there is something they’re eating or otherwise exposed to that could be causing this constant discomfort.
Sources:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2095&aid=273
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jopr.12207/abstract;jsessionid=06091FA277F2964DC835AB600E464161.f01t01?userIsAuthenticated=false&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage Jung HH, Sho Sd, Yoo CK, Lim HH, Chae SW. Vinegar treatment in the management of granular myringitis. J Laryngol Otol. 2002;116:176–180. [PubMed] Aminifarshidmehr N.
The management of chronic suppurative otitis media with acid media solution. Am J Otol. 1996;17:24–25. [PubMed] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/#R17 http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=1055452&fileId=S0022215100142100