Table of Contents
Ear Infection Remedies for Pets
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DISCLAIMER
* Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional veterinary prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your veterinarian before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your Veterinarian can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your pet's unique needs or diagnose your pet's particular medical history.
25 YEA
2 NAY
1 WARNING!
3 QUESTIONS
[YEA] 01/05/2008: Tricia from Hamilton, On, canada writes: "A couple of weeks ago I responded re ACV remedy, I was very pleased with the results. I am sending my comments again because when I think of the money I spent at the vet which did not cure the cats ear infection and this simple solution of ACV worked so well. Its a wonderful solution, our cat seems to be completely healed, no more scratching what so ever."
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[YEA] 12/18/2007: Tricia from Hamilton, On, Canada writes: "I have a seven year old indoor siamese, have been having trouble with his ears getting dirty for the last year and a half, vet has treated him with clavamox and prednisone and even though the scratching stops it returns as soon as the meds are finishedl. I recently read the article re apple cider vinegar and the dirt in his ears is basically almost gone and the scratching has stopped, obviously this method is working but I still do not know what is causing the dirt. The vet said it was an infection and the clavamox would cure it but it did not. I have to say I am extremely impressed with the acv remedy. Hopefully in time this will cure him completely."
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[YEA] 11/13/2007: April from Las Vegas, NV writes: "I have a Shitzu (sorry for the spelling) who is constantly getting ear infectoins, I have had to pay twice for surgical cleaning of her ears, and a number of times for meds "clear" her ears I just recently stared using ACV and I am truly amazed at the results. Today is day 4 for ACV and her ears are almost clear again!! She also had one paw that she is constantly chewing I put a 50/50 mixture on her paw and she has cut back on her chewing considerably!! This stuff really works!"
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[WARNING!] 10/24/2007: DogMA from Salem, MA writes: "Hi, My Bernese Mt. Dog has had chronic ear infections for most of her life. (she's 6 years old) I've tried everything that the vet's recommended, including prednisone. Nothing works. I just tried the vinegar/water mixture, and she seems to be very irritated, rubbing her ears, shaking her head. Is this normal, and should I continue to try it again? Help!"
05/29/2008: Aandrea from Ithaca, NY replies: "Your dog may be sensitive to the mix. I talked to my vet and she said that can be the case with some dogs. Her dog in fact has it bother him sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. I wouldn't worry too much."
05/29/2008: Leanne from Rolla, Missouri replies: "In regards to the ACV for yeast infections. My dog has a sensitivity to this also but I put in a tablespoon or so of aloe vera gel (natural) and shake it well. This helps tremendously."
[YEA] 06/02/2008: Terese from Cedar Rapids, Iowa replies: "My dog has to be held down and then I put the mixture in his ears. He shakes, rubs his ears, rubs them all over the floor, rolls around on the floor, etc. Google Jim Zim family cocker website. He has the ear infection remedy on there. Do it exactly as he says. My dog used to get infections all of the time... no more."
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[YEA] 09/21/2007: Debra from Morganton, North Carolina writes: "
Mandy and I just moved into an area where pets are allowed, which in itself is a rarity. Fleas are an issue. Mandy is my only (baby) still at home and she's a 14 yr old schnauzer. She depends on me for everything as it should be. I depend on her for "lovin' and cuddlin'" and she's very good at it. Anyway, I've only recently discovered (lemon) flea killer, however, after using this half and half mixture leaves me to wonder. Did I do this right because this smell is almost unbareable it really smells like wet dirty dog, but not on Mandy only where she's been ie under coffee table, her bed' etc... Can anyone tell me how I messed this up because I don't see how??
Also, I have used the vinegar solution (one (1) part vinegar to two (2) part water) for a yeast build-up in Mandys ears and as of this day I'll swear by how well it works three (3) or four (4) days in a row then weekly treatment, amazing, and no vet bill nor chemicals which is a bonus for us as well as the world. THUMBS UP!!!"
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[YEA] 03/06/2007: Lynn from Wallingford , CT writes: "I was seeking a natural alternative to cure my dog's ear problems, I have used ACV for many things and even drink it daily with warm water and honey, I never thought to use it for my dog. I read some of the comments on treating your dog's ear infection and several of the answers said to try ACV. It really works, I now clean my dog's ears regulary with ACV and water. Regular ACV does not contain the same healing properties as due to the heavy processing. Thanks."
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[YEA] 11/27/2006: Glenda from Coos Bay, OR writes: "Apple Cider Vineger cured lower back pain, acid reflux, haven't had a migraine in awhile either... I also use it in my dogs' water each day. 1 teaspoon per 15 llbs of dog. I also use it as an ear wash for my little pekingese and it has helped her with an ear problem. My big Chow Chow has discoid lupus and was losing all the black on his nose and it started to affect his eyelids. Since I've been using ACV in his water and applying emu oil to his nose, it actually looks like it's getting better and the black is crawling back up! Double Yayyyyy!"
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[YEA] 08/24/2006: Jennifer from South Africa writes: "My tomcat was in a fight and got his ear badly scratched. It started smelling really bad as the puss formed, and the whole scratch was filled with yellow puss. He was in a lot of pain. So to clean the ear i put very warm water in a small bowl and added quite a bit of apple cider vinegar. Then i dunked tissue paper into the water & apple cider mix and squeezed it out into his ear (i had to get another dry tissue to hold into his ear-drum so the water wouldn't run further into his ear and upset him). It cleaned it out very quickly, after a few hours the crust had gone and the puss was dispelling. I repeated this in the morning, and he actually seemed to enjoy the warmth of the water on his painful ear, so he never even flinched when i came close with the apple-cider water. it's worked for him ! It's easy on the skin, not harsh like other medication / antibiotics would be."
[YEA] 10/07/2009: Rebekah from Jax, Fl replies: "I used a diluted solution of water and ACV and dropped it into my dog's ears. I've had to do this occasionally for the last few years (maybe 3 times a yr.). It works every single time like a miracle. Even though I know it works, it amazes me each time. Thanks!"
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, ALOE VERA GEL, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
[YEA] 01/28/2008: Jackie from Grand Rapids, Minn writes: "my cousin's lab puppy's ear was red and hot. there was dried blood and dirt in it too. i have a book of homeopathic remedies for dogs and cats. cleaned ear with acv then mixed 1 tbsp pure aloe vera gel and 1/2 tsp hydrogen peroxide. she's getting over it nicely' at first i used 2 eyedroppersful but got better results with 3 she had a small growth under an eye on the same side as the affected ear and it has disappeared. could it have been a mite? just want to mention,i mixed up the mixture to put in her ear fresh everyday."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, HERBAL EAR WASH
[YEA] 05/05/2008: Stella from C, OH writes: "My dog started shaking his head and scratching at his ear. Last year and the same time of year he was doing this and I took him to the vet who gave him ear drops. So when he started doing it again this year, I looked in his ear and it wasn't red or anything and it was the very beginning stages of what ever was going on with him so I looked on earthclinic under pet ear infection and figured that before I take him to the vet I will give it one or two days trying the ACV/water solution in his ear. I did the ACV 3x in two days and then I went to the pet store and bought Halo brand Herbal Ear Wash. (I was all prepared to take him to the vet if I had to) anyway, I first used the ear wash on myself to make sure it didn't burn then I used it on my dog and the first 2x it seemed like his issue was getting worse but I continued to use it another night and Wa..La -- no more ear issue. I will however continue to use it for the full 14 days and then use it as maintenance prevention. I don't know from experience how well the Herbal wash works for ear mites but I have done some research that suggests people using it for ear mites I also saw it on sale at http://www.swansonvitamins.com "
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BALSAMIC VINEGAR, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
[YEA] 10/14/2009: Bonnie from Southwest Harbor, Me Usa writes: "I read a post about treating dog ear infection with home remedies. I used 1 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar, 2 Tbsp. hydrogen peroxide and 3 Tbsp. water and swabbed ears with this. Two treatments and the irritation and redness was gone. Cleaned ears for three day and she was cured. No doctors visits. This works!!!"
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2 YEA
1 QUESTION
[YEA] 12/30/2007: Pamela from Omaha, Nebraska writes: "My dog who has had constant ear problems for years has been on blue powder solution for 2 days and it is definitely providing relief. My veterinarian is out over the long holidays and it great not to have to pay for emergency care. I am hoping this is a more permanent cure that previous prescription ointments, etc. I have looked around the internet and found that many sites connect chronic ear problems to lack of some nutrients, and am currently going to try feeding my dog 1/2 a sweet potatoe every other day, and see if we can go longer between ear problems."
[QUESTION] 01/21/2009: Christina from South Lake Tahoe, Ca replies: "hi. I wanted to know more about blue Powder solution. My dog has suffered from severe ear infections and constant licking at rear and feet. There is no evidence of yeast, but she has a poor immune system. We have all but given up hope. Does any of this sound like what your dog experienced? Any advise encouraged. Thanks.... Chris"
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[YEA] 09/19/2007: renee from tully, new york writes: "The remedy is called Blue Power Solution and can be found on any search engine. My Bernese Mtn dog, Gunther had very serious infection in both ears and we tried clearing it up with prescription meds for 2 years. I found the solution by doing my own search for a natural treatment. After two years he was cleared of infection in about 2 weeks. I now only use it once a month. The vet was amazed!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 12/07/2008: Deb from Granby, Quebec Canada writes: "With regard to the smelly/itchy ear problem that I've seen in a couple of posts, we have used the Blue Power Ear Treatment from here: http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/Adobe/Blue Power Ear Treatment.pdf -- It gets you out of using antibiotics for your fur-kids. I'll be giving our two dogs small amounts of garlic with their meal once or twice a week. Too much of anything can cause problems."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 07/28/2009: Tom from S.Salem, NY writes: "I have a rescue pit bull which has had chronic ear infections since she was about 5 months old. Since the first infection I have administered nothing but pure white vinegar. This always works and usually in a short time. I lay the dog down using voice commands (For this routine she is very reluctant but obedient, ALWAYS offering the good ear and I have to flip her). From here I almost fill the ear canal w/the vinegar (Which is warmed in hot tap water). I then massage the ear for up to 2 minutes(Listening for the gurgling in the canal to know I'm getting it all), drain, wipe it out with cotton balls cleaning all of the ear.Thoroughly dry when finished. I then put a very light coating of olive oil or bag balm on the skin (Administered w/fingertip). I have spoken to vets who agree this is a good remedy because the vinegar will balance the ear's atmosphere and the oil may kill bacteria. I never heard of using any water mix with the vinegar. My concern is that the water or a moist atmosphere (Like in humans) is what causes a lot of infections. I also never heard of using ACV just white. I like the idea of adding rubbing alcohol to help dry the ear but this will also burn the skin that is often damaged from scratching or rubbing."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 11/04/2008: Jan from Niwot, CO writes: "I have 4 cocker spaniels. Anyone who has had cockers knows they have ear problems. Also they are prone to skin conditions. I had 2 previous cockers one that skin condition so bad at 8 years old.........she got so sick and died. The other I spent a fortune on medications again and lived to 7. I bought a very healthy male and female at 6 weeks old. Waited to make sure they had no skin or health problems. Of course they were on otomax every other month That's the ear thing. We breed them and had a litter of pups. We kept 2 of them. One of them has severe ear and skin problems. All of a sudden the Mom started the skin problem. Again vet bills on medications. I have changed food so many times figuring allergy. I finally went to a no-grain dog food. The ears and skin cleared up , but it kept reacurring every couple months. I finally did 2 days of searching on the internet. They are still on the no grain dog food........but, I am adding a teaspoon of chopped garlic packed in water to their dinner meal. Also a few squirts of flaxseed oil, and a little powdered Acidophilis. We keep treating a condition and not getting to the root!!! After 4 days.and a bath 2x a week with Selsum blue shampoo. my baby that has had problems all her life (3 years) does not scratch any more. great skin and coat. and no more bad ears!!!! The other three have had same diet and they are amazingly more happy and active. They don't scratch anymore either!!! I know it's the garlic!!! It is the best natural medication there is!!!! They all weight about 20 pounds each..........and for 3 weeks now.no side effects except i can sleep with out my bed shaking from dogs scratching , licking feet and shaking their heads!"
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HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 01/25/2009: Gloria from Hagerstown, Maryland writes: "ear infection: I read that you take equal amts of water, perioxide and apple cider vinegar and warm a little to put in my 11 year old Shin Tzu badly infected ears, there is puss just oozing from both of them and the prescriptions and wash from the vet does no good. Her immune system is shot because of antibiotics.Please let me know if this is to be done daily or twice. We just started yesterday and she isn't shaking her head as much. Any more suggestions I would certainly take. She also is on precription dog food called CD for re-accuring bladder stones which she has had 2 surgerys and 3 prescriptions which include an antibiotic for her skin which is smelly and nasty- 2 baths a week at home. Appreciate any feedback. The vet costs are huge."
01/26/2009: Anh from Sewell, NJ replies: "To Gloria from Hagerstown - You need to get your dog off all the antibiotics and meds. Find a homeopathic vet in your area. A good raw diet with supplements will make the difference. Contact the homeopath post-haste!"
05/09/2009: Looola from Falmouth, Cornwall England replies: "we have a retired greyhound who had bladder stones when we got her, hundreds of pounds later she had to be fed CD for 4 months. our fantastic vet suggested cranberry tablets, one a day with her supper. we have not had any problems with her since! hope this helps"
07/23/2009: Frances from Lincoln, Nebraska replies: "I have a mix breed hound that has had skin problems for several years. After alot of vet bills I have found that a rice and raw veg. diet has worked wonders. I mix it with a dog food that I have found that is additive free (no colors, additives). It has made the biggest difference. A friend who had not seen my dog in over 6 monthes came to visit an ask what happened to the old dog I use to have. I was so happy to point and say "There she is!' She has now switched her dogs to the food I use and makes her food as well. My friend is a breeder and shows; and the food is called ____ Choice and is affordable and was developed by a vet."
08/12/2009: Susan from Calgary, Alberta replies: "I have read several of the comments and remedies about dog ear smell. My spaniel has very bad ear odor and stuff in it. i have had medication over yrs and its just last for awhile and ear cleaners.I noticed it said Hydrogen peroxide and apple cidar vinegar. Would that work well? what is the portions for each? water, H Peroxide, ACV equal amounts or how? Is the peroxide, vinegar safe for the ears.
LET ME KNOW ASAP HOW TO MIX THIS AND HOW TO USE IT - DETAILS
I WOULD LIKE TO TRY IT RIGHT AWAY.
SPEND TOO MUCH ON VET MEDICATION.
Also what is good for her skin odor?"
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[YEA] 07/22/2007: Rita from Hammond, USA writes: "Thank you for the remedy about using the peroxide in the cats water. I believe it cured his ear infection and saved his life. My cat was running diarrhea,vomitting and would not eat for two days. I used an ear dropper with the water peroxide solution, gave him Pedialyte so he would not dehydrate. I also, rubbed apple cider vinegar on him until I could get him to the vet. He started drinking on his on even before I got him to the vet. He is back to his old self. Also for now, I'm not gaving him water from the sink. I'm also letting him eat a little raw chicken, which he loves. I freeze it first. He's doing great."
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HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, COCONUT OIL
[YEA] 09/18/2007: Tim from Magnolia Springs, Alabama writes: "We have a poodle Bridgett who gets infections after grooming. My wife takes 1/2 peroxide and water and cleanse her ears and then takes virgin coconut oil and rubs her ears and it works great no scratching and rubbing until the next grooming."
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HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, VINEGAR, RUBBING ALCOHOL
[YEA] 02/16/2009: Dawn from Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada writes: "I have a 4 year old pug who usually only got ear infections in the summer due to her love of swimming (she has a lab big brother what can I say.) this winter she has had two ear infections, both cured with home remedy. (I have a solution from the vet seemed to only clean it but not kill it.) So I tried equal parts vinegar, rubbing alcohol and peroxide. It worked, period. The smell, ooze, scratching, all stopped after 1st treatment. Cleaned and repeated 3 timnes a day until cleared and continued to clean with vet solution. I dont know what the vet will say when we get her in but it has worked twice now...I'll update if I get in trouble!"
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1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 09/27/2009: Chris from Hobbs, Nm writes: "hi.to make along story short once i went to the feed store and saw some occular ointment for pigs i think, like a salve in alittle tube and simalar stuff with anti infection in a tube from rugular store in my bulldogs ear. it must have worked. ive put acv mixed with everthing else and salve in my labs ear he dont like it so i dont do it so often. its helped some. and i found some homeopathic human ear drops in a little bottle i thinh it helped. i spray acv to wash out his ears first they are dirty and he dont like it. i been thinking about trying oil of oregano after reading here about garlic oil. both are famous for infections. also ive been giving cottage cheese to eat for their bacteria humans have to have some kind of yogurt for yeast and good health also i make biskits with 1 or 2 lbs old fashiond oatmeal 1lb white cornmeal its not supposed to be genetetically modified yet maybe half lb organic flour non aluminum baking podwer salt eggs can milk olive oil they love them. i believe oats are super food and sardine and eggs and good dog food and some ground flax"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 02/27/2009: Marie from Auckland, New Zealand writes: "I tried the Vinegar solution but it only caused more redness in my dogs ears. But I have had great success with the Olive Oil and milk remedy. 2tbs oil to 1 tbsp of milk, warmed up. Soak a piece cotton wool in the mixture and rub on the inside of the ears making sure only a little goes into the ear cavity. It is really helping, the redness and smell is nearly gone. It will need to be kept up once a day a least to keep it at bay for now though."
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05/28/2009: Lisa from Lilburn, GA writes: "I tried most of the remedies except the blue power.The apple cider vinegar works great to clean my dog's ear and if I use it regularly it prevents the ear infection from returning. After some time of neglecting to clean my dog's ear, the ear infection always returns. After the last ear infection, we had a culture and sensitivity test done to confirm the presence of an antibiotic resistant staph bacteria. The vet prescribed a powerful antibiotic that would have to be administered for over a month and possibly longer. I refused the antibiotics from my "naturopathic" vet and received a horrible scolding after I said I wanted to try something else first. I tried the milk and olive oil and saw some improvement but not enough. Needed something stronger, quicker because the ears were oozing puss. After researching I found a commercial product called Zymox which got the ear infection under control within 2 days. I have now been using it for about 5 days and the ears look normal, but I will continue for the full 14 days to completely kill the bacteria. Ingredients include natural milk enzymes lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin that work by digesting bacteria. It comes with or without hydrocortisone. Other ingredients include: glycerin, deionized water, dydroxy propyl cellulose, benzol alcohol, potassium iodide, dextrose, propyl glycol, glucose oxidase."
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04/20/2009: Terri from Pittsburgh, PA writes: "I have been reading the comments regarding ear infections. the problem i need help with is i have a 12 yr old german shephard. he has had an on going ear problem since January. He has had blood in his ear. it is painfull. he is on his 3rd round of antibiotics with no change. the vet started him on steroid yesterday. the vet is not able to see that far down into his ear to tell what maybe causing the bleeding. has anyone come across this and are there any solutions? there is no bad smell coming from his ear."
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RUBBING ALCOHOL AND WHITE VINEGAR
[YEA] 02/05/2007: Vince from Philadelphia writes: "My guys both had an ear problem, that wasn't mites. I had heard about using rubbing alcohol and white vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide and something else that I couldn't remember. I tried the alcohol and vin, which I tested on my elbow pits and eyelids, with no irritation. They shook for 20min, probably being a watery liquid it was different than mineral oil, and went deeper. They had been scratching themselves silly before, but they didn't scratch after treating them."
12/03/2008: Dan from Quiet Town, Maine replies: "I came across this site trying to find an easy and less expensive way to handle my cats ear infection. I am reading about the 50% white vinegar, 50%water and I believe it was a tsp. of alcohol but am still unsure whether to try it or not.
My cat had an ear infection but it seemed to handle go away on its own but all of a sudden he smells again and has oozing bloody looking stuff draining from his ears. He doesn't seem to be bothered by it and is'nt doing any of the shaking and scratching I've read about.
Has anyone tried this on cats? How much do I insert in his ear?
Thanks for any replies!"
09/26/2009: G. G. from Nyc, Ny replies: "I believe that equal parts of Apple Cider Vinegar, water, and Alcohol should be applied with a soaked cotton ball.I have a Siamese cat who belongs to my nephew who has been seen by two vets at a huge cost, and we were snookered into buying some antibiotics [that I thankfully hesitated to use]. Both vets were not helpful and their lack of knowledge regarding healthy, natural medicine choices was both pathetic and disappointing.
However, thanks to this web site I believe that this pretty Siamese will be well again."
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