Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dog owners seek veterinary care.

They can also cause major discomfort, from itching and redness to painful swelling and discharge. For some dogs, these infections seem to recur no matter what treatments are tried.

The good news is that many dog ear infections can be managed and even prevented with natural remedies. These approaches not only alleviate symptoms but also address underlying causes, reducing the likelihood of recurring problems.

Let's take a closer look at how to recognize ear infection symptoms, understand the different types of infections, and use effective treatments to help your dog feel better.

Ear Infections In Dogs Symptoms

Ear infections in dogs often start with subtle signs that can easily be overlooked:

• You might notice your dog shaking her head more frequently or scratching at her ears
• Other telltale signs include smelly ears, a waxy discharge, or red and irritated ear flaps
• If you touch your dog’s ears and they feel warm or your dog reacts as though it’s painful, these could also be indicators of an infection
• Visible symptoms may include crusty or scabby skin inside the ear, swelling, or a noticeable buildup of debris.

Paying close attention to these early signs can help catch an infection before it worsens.

In more advanced cases, ear infections can lead to serious health issues.

Dogs with severe infections may lose their balance, tilt their head, or appear disoriented. You might observe quick side-to-side eye movements (nystagmus) or even facial paralysis, such as drooping eyelids or difficulty eating.

These symptoms suggest the infection has spread beyond the outer ear to deeper parts, potentially impacting your dog’s nervous system. If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately for professional care.

Types Of Dog Ear Infections

Not all dog ear infections are the same. Different types of infections affect different parts of the ear, and can result in different symptoms.

Here are the major ones to look out for:

Otitis Externa

Otitis externa is the most common type of ear infection in dogs, affecting the outer ear canal. This is the part of the ear you can see and touch. It’s often caused by trapped moisture (like after swimming), excess wax buildup, or irritation from allergens. Dogs with floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds, are particularly prone to this type of infection due to the lack of airflow in their ear canals.

Otitis Media

If left untreated, otitis externa can progress to otitis media, which affects the middle ear. This happens when bacteria, yeast, or even foreign objects like grass seeds penetrate deeper into the ear canal. Otitis media can cause more significant discomfort and may lead to partial hearing loss if not addressed promptly.

Otitis Interna

Otitis interna is a severe infection of the inner ear that often stems from untreated otitis media. This type of infection can disrupt your dog’s sense of balance, cause deafness, and lead to symptoms like circling or head tilting. Otitis interna is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary intervention to prevent long-term complications.

How To Treat Dog Ear Infection Without Vet

If your pup has one of the more severe infections or symptoms above, it's best to seek out your holistic vet immediately.

But in milder cases, you may be able to provide relief at home.

Here are some simple, natural treatments you can use at home.

Soothing Topicals

• Green Tea - Green tea is known for its gentle anti-inflammatory properties, making it a soothing remedy for irritated ears. To use, steep two green tea bags in 8 ounces of boiling water and let the tea cool to a lukewarm temperature. Using a clean sponge or syringe, gently apply the solution to your dog’s ear canal to reduce redness and discomfort.
• Calendula Tincture - Calendula is a natural antimicrobial that can help reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Mix 5 to 10 drops of calendula tincture with one cup of lukewarm filtered water. Apply the mixture to your dog’s ears with a dropper or cotton ball, focusing on soothing inflamed areas.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar can help reduce itchiness and dissolve visible waxy buildup. Mix equal parts vinegar and filtered water, then use a cotton ball soaked in the solution to clean the outer parts of your dog’s ears. Avoid using this remedy if your dog’s ears are raw or excessively inflamed, as the vinegar may sting.

Other Options

• Mullein Drops - Mullein is a versatile herb often used to treat ear infections due to its soothing and antimicrobial properties. You can buy pre-made mullein-garlic oil drops or make your own by steeping mullein leaves and flowers in olive oil for 2-3 weeks. Gently warm the oil before applying a few drops to your dog’s ear canal daily.
• Oil of Oregano and Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) - Both oil of oregano and GSE are potent natural antibacterials. Mix one drop of oil of oregano with half an ounce of aloe vera juice, or combine 10 drops of GSE with half an ounce of water or aloe vera juice. Apply the mixture to the outer ear with a cotton ball or use a dropper for the ear canal, ensuring a safe and soothing application.

When To See The Vet

If your dog’s symptoms persist or get worse despite using natural remedies, it may be time to consult a vet.

Continued head shaking, ear discharge, or a foul odor that doesn’t improve could indicate a deeper or resistant infection requiring professional care.

Certain signs warrant immediate veterinary attention. These include: difficulty eating, facial drooping, vestibular symptoms like loss of balance or rapid eye movements, or severe swelling.

These symptoms could point to advanced inner ear infections or other serious conditions requiring medical intervention.

What Causes Dog Ear Infections?

The best thing you can do for your pup is help her avoid ear infections in the first place.

But in order to prevent ear infections in dogs, you need to know causes them.

These are the major culprits.

Yeast Overgrowth

Yeast is naturally present in a dog’s ears, but an imbalance can lead to overgrowth, resulting in itchy, yeasty-smelling ears with a dark brown discharge. Yeast infections are often triggered by moisture or a diet high in starches, which feed yeast.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections typically produce a yellowish or greenish discharge accompanied by a strong odor. These infections can arise from environmental factors or as a secondary issue following an untreated yeast infection.

Foreign Bodies

Environmental irritants like grass seeds, foxtails, dirt, or even water from swimming can find their way into a dog’s ears, causing irritation and infection. Dogs may shake their heads excessively or paw at their ears in an attempt to dislodge the debris.

Other Factors

Additional causes of ear infections include ear mites, which leave a coffee-ground-like discharge and are common in puppies, and aural hematomas, where excessive scratching or shaking leads to pooled blood between ear layers. Chronic health conditions like hypothyroidism can also make dogs more prone to recurring ear infections.

Preventing Future Ear Infections

To prevent future ear infections in dogs, there are a few things you can do.

Reducing starchy foods, such as kibble, can prevent yeast overgrowth, which often leads to ear infections. Incorporating fresh, raw, and organic foods ensures your dog gets essential nutrients for a strong immune system and balanced gut health.

Probiotics and prebiotics play a crucial role in supporting your dog’s gut health, which is directly tied to their immune system. Adding these supplements to your dog’s diet helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria, reducing the likelihood of recurring ear infections.

Reducing your dog’s exposure to environmental chemicals, such as harsh cleaning agents and lawn pesticides, can protect their overall health. Avoid unnecessary medications and vaccines, as these can disrupt your dog’s immune system and make them more prone to infections.

Finally, ealthy ears generally don’t require cleaning, but if cleaning is necessary, avoid harsh solutions. Opt for gentle options like organic witch hazel, and never over-clean, as this can disrupt the ear’s natural balance and lead to irritation.

More Natural Remedies For Chronic Ear Issues In Dogs

In addition to the strategies above, homeopathic remedies can offer targeted support for chronic ear infections. Remedies like Belladonna soothe inflamed and hot ears, Pulsatilla addresses sensitive ears with yellowish discharge, and Hepar Sulphuris helps with irritated ears that are painful to the touch.

Addressing root causes like food intolerances or environmental allergies is essential to long-term ear health. Strengthening the immune system through a clean diet, natural supplements, and reduced exposure to irritants supports your dog’s ability to heal.

A healthy gut is the foundation of your dog’s immune system, and poor gut health often correlates with recurring ear infections. So start by managing gut health with probiotics, prebiotics, and a nutrient-dense diet.

FAQ

How can I get rid of my dog's ear infection without going to the vet? You can use natural ear infection remedies like apple cider vinegar, calendula tincture, or mullein drops to soothe and clean your dog’s ears. These treatments are effective for mild dog ear infections, but always monitor for worsening symptoms that might require veterinary attention.

What is a natural antibiotic for dogs ears? Options like oil of oregano, grapefruit seed extract, and apple cider vinegar have natural antibacterial properties that can help with a dog's ear infection. These remedies are safe and effective for addressing mild ear infections when applied properly.

Can I give my dog anything for an ear infection? Yes, you can use natural ear infection remedies like green tea or mullein oil to treat dog ear infections safely at home. However, for persistent or severe ear infections, consult your vet to rule out serious underlying issues in the ear canal or inner ear infections.

Can I use Monistat on my dog's ears? While some pet owners use Monistat to manage yeast in a dog's ear, it’s best to stick to natural remedies like calendula or apple cider vinegar for safer results. For chronic ear infections, focus on addressing root causes like diet and immune health rather than over-the-counter products.