Apple Cider Vinegar. A Natural Remedy for Your Dog’s Ear Infection

What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs

Ear infections in dogs are often caused by an excess of moisture, allergies, and excessive hair growth in the ear canal. The anatomy of a dog’s ear canal also makes them prone to infections.

Moisture in the ears creates a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Things like swimming, bathing, excessive head shaking, and ear cleaning can introduce moisture. Dogs with floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels are more susceptible as their ears trap moisture (VCA Hospitals).

Allergies are another common cause of ear infections in dogs. Inhalant allergies, food allergies, and contact allergies can all trigger inflammation and infection. As dogs scratch to relieve itchiness, they further irritate the ear canal.

Excessive hair growth inside the ear canal prevents air circulation and traps debris. Breeds with heavy ear hair like Poodles are prone to infections. Plucking ear hair regularly can help prevent this.

The L-shaped anatomy of a dog’s ear canal makes drainage difficult. Debris, moisture, and irritants get trapped deeper inside the vertical ear canal, creating a breeding ground for infection.

Signs of an Ear Infection

There are several common signs that indicate your dog may have an ear infection. These include:

Head shaking – Dogs will often shake their heads when they have an ear infection. The shaking is an attempt to relieve the irritation and discomfort in their ears.

Scratching or rubbing at their ears – Your dog may scratch or dig at their ears trying to relieve the itchiness caused by an infection. Excessive ear scratching should not be ignored.

Odor – There is usually a foul odor associated with infected ears. A strong yeasty or musty smell from your dog’s ears could signal an infection.

Redness and swelling – Look inside your dog’s ears for redness, inflammation, or swelling. This indicates irritation and infection.

Discharge – Infected ears often produce a dark brown, yellow, or bloody discharge. Any abnormal fluid draining from your dog’s ears requires veterinary attention.

If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, they likely have an ear infection that requires treatment. It’s important not to let the infection go untreated, as prolonged infections can cause permanent damage.

Source: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-ear-infections/

Dangers of Untreated Infections

Ear infections in dogs that go untreated can lead to some serious consequences. Left unchecked, the infection can spread deeper into the ear canal causing significant pain and discomfort. Some potential dangers of leaving ear infections untreated include:

  • Pain – Inflammation and infection in the ear can cause a great deal of pain for dogs. As the infection worsens, dogs may cry, scratch at their ears obsessively, and shy away when their ears are touched.
  • Hearing loss – The inflammation can damage the delicate structures of the ear leading to partial or total deafness [1].
  • Rupture of the ear drum – Severe infections may cause the ear drum to rupture leading to further complications.
  • Facial nerve paralysis – If the infection spreads to the nerves of the face it can cause facial paralysis, an inability to blink, drooping parts of the face, and difficulty eating and drinking.
  • Spread of infection – Bacteria and yeast from an untreated ear infection can spread to other parts of the body leading to more systemic illness [2].

That’s why it’s critical to recognize the signs of an ear infection early and seek prompt veterinary treatment. Allowing an infection to progress can lead to long-term problems for your dog.

When to See the Vet

While mild ear infections can sometimes be treated at home, more severe or chronic infections require veterinary care. According to Pet Assure, you should take your dog to the vet if they have:

  • Severe swelling, redness, or pain in the ears
  • Discharge that is yellow, green, or foul-smelling
  • Intense head shaking or scratching at their ears
  • Loss of balance or other neurological symptoms
  • Changes in behavior such as depression or lethargy

Puppies with ear infections should always see a vet, as their immune systems are still developing. Chronic or recurring ear infections also require veterinary oversight to identify and treat the underlying cause. Left untreated, severe infections can rupture the eardrum or spread to the inner ear and brain.

According to Leo’s Pet Care, you should take your dog into the vet at the first signs of an ear infection. Trying to treat it yourself can lead to worsening or chronic issues down the line. It’s better to have the vet diagnose the cause and prescribe appropriate medication right away.

About Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains acetic acid, which has antibacterial properties that can help fight infections. Research shows ACV is effective at killing common bacteria like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in test tube studies (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7817673/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/).

It’s important to dilute ACV before applying it to your dog’s ears. The acetic acid can be harsh and irritating at full strength. A typical recommendation is to mix 1 part ACV with 1 part water before use.

Additionally, you should only use raw, unfiltered ACV which contains the “mother.” This sediment contains beneficial compounds that contribute to its antibacterial abilities.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be used to help treat and prevent ear infections in dogs in a few different ways:

Cleaning the Ears

Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and lukewarm water. Dip a cotton ball into the solution and gently wipe just inside the ear canal. This will help remove debris, dead skin cells, and excess wax. Be very careful not to push the cotton ball too far into the ear canal and never use q-tips, which can cause injury (1).

After cleaning with the ACV mix, you can follow up with a dry cotton ball to absorb any remaining moisture.

Topical Application

Apple cider vinegar can also be applied directly into the infected ear. Use an eye dropper or ear dropper bottle to apply 2-3 drops. Massage the base of the ear to work the liquid down into the ear canal. Allow your dog to shake their head naturally to spread the ACV throughout the infected area (2).

This can be done 1-2 times per day. The acetic acid in ACV has antimicrobial properties to combat infection while also drying out the ear canal.

Oral Dosage

Some owners have found success mixing apple cider vinegar into their dog’s food or water to help prevent chronic ear infections. Start with 1 teaspoon per 25 lbs of body weight mixed into a meal. Monitor your dog’s reaction, as some dogs dislike the strong taste (3).

The acetic acid may help create an acidic environment that makes it harder for yeast and bacteria to thrive.

As always, consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement, especially if your dog has underlying health conditions.

Cleaning the Ears

Before using apple cider vinegar as a home remedy, it’s important to clean your dog’s ears to remove any debris or discharge. This allows the apple cider vinegar to work directly on the infection.

To clean your dog’s ears:

  • Wet a cotton ball with ear cleaning solution (see sources below for homemade options).
  • Gently wipe out and around the outer ear.
  • Use a gentle wiping motion and avoid going too deep into the ear canal. Be very careful not to push any debris further down.
  • Never use a cotton swab or q-tip, as this can damage the delicate skin of the ear canal.
  • Repeat wipes with fresh cotton balls until no more debris appears on the cotton ball.
  • Be sure to reward your dog with praise and treats for cooperating!

It’s crucial to be very gentle during this process to avoid causing your dog discomfort or pain. Stop immediately if your dog cries out or struggles. See sources below for tips on cleaning infected ears safely and effectively.

Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/instructions-for-ear-cleaning-in-dogs
https://www.banfield.com/en/Wellness-at-banfield/Ear-Care/How-to-medicate-dog-ears

Aftercare

After using ACV as a home remedy for your dog’s ear infection, it’s important to continue monitoring their symptoms. Keep a close eye on any discharge, redness, swelling, head shaking or signs of irritation over the next few days. If their condition seems to worsen or not improve within a couple days, follow up with your vet for a recheck.

Your vet may want to prescribe oral or topical antibiotics if the infection persists. It’s also critical to keep your dog’s ears dry while healing. Protect the ears from water when bathing and use a drying solution after swimming. Refrain from using ear cleaners or inserting anything in the ear canal unless explicitly recommended by your veterinarian. Allowing the ears to stay dry helps prevent recurrent or worsening infections.

Follow all of your vet’s at-home care instructions closely during recovery. Proper aftercare and monitoring is key to ensuring your dog makes a full recovery after an ear infection.

Preventing Future Infections

There are several steps you can take to help prevent your dog from getting recurring ear infections:

Regular grooming and ear cleaning are important preventative measures. Gently wipe out your dog’s ears weekly with a soft cloth or cotton ball dampened with a veterinarian-approved cleanser. This helps remove dirt, debris, and wax that can lead to infection (How to Help Prevent Dog Ear Infections – AKC).

Pay attention to your dog’s diet. Food allergies may contribute to chronic ear issues. Speak to your vet about transitioning to a hypoallergenic dog food trial for several weeks to see if your dog’s ear health improves (How to Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs – Tier1vet).

Limit exposure to environmental allergens like pollen by wiping your dog’s ears and coat after going outside. Keep grass trimmed and regularly vacuum and dust your home.

When ACV May Not Work

While apple cider vinegar can be an effective home remedy for minor ear infections in dogs, it may not be the right solution in all cases. Here are some situations where ACV is not recommended:

Chronic or severe infections – If your dog has had an ear infection that keeps recurring or does not seem to fully clear up, ACV likely will not resolve the problem. Chronic ear infections can be caused by underlying conditions like allergies, growths, or structural abnormalities in the ear. These cases require a vet exam and prescription medication.

Presence of other conditions – Diseases like hypothyroidism, allergies, or autoimmune disorders can make dogs prone to ear infections. ACV cannot treat these underlying problems. A vet needs to diagnose and properly manage any condition making ear infections worse.

No relief within a week – If your dog’s ear infection does not seem any better after diligently using ACV for about a week, that’s a sign the remedy is not working. A vet exam is recommended to determine if a secondary infection or other issue requires different treatment.

Severe symptoms – Dogs with symptoms like head shaking, loss of balance, or swelling/discharge from both ears likely have an advanced infection unsuitable for home treatment. Seek prompt vet care, as aggressive infections left untreated can spread or cause permanent damage.

Overall, while ACV can help mild cases, anything severe or persistent needs a vet’s oversight. They can determine if other medications or therapies are required to fully treat the infection and prevent it from returning.

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