Apple Cider Vinegar for Ear Infections in Dogs

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cindy (Barry, Texas) on 11/10/2009
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar works wonders! I have a 3yr old chocolate lab that suffered from re-occuring ear infections for over a year ! Many trips to the vet ,surgury for cleaning and prescription drugs ( over a $100 a month ) did not rid my girl of her ear aches ! I decided to search the web ! I found your site .Seems daisy is allergic to corn ! I changed her dog food and she gets 1 teasoon of vinegar a day. Its been 2 weeks and I have my girl back . Daisy has done so well that I give 1 teaspoon ACV to my 9 yr old chocolate lab who suffers from arthritis. Red barely limps now . Just Amazing ! My kids ( Red and Daisy ) now have a new lease on life thanks to this site and ACV!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 07/10/2015

Hey Coree!

DO NOT just add ACV undiluted to a dog with an ear infection; if the dog has been scratching the inside of the ear raw [very common] then the ACV will STING and cause pain.

For a dog with sores in the ear, first start with olive oil infused with raw garlic. Take regular olive oil from the kitchen - 1 cup, and add 2-3 smashed or pressed cloves of raw garlic. Let that sit overnight. Then strain out the garlic and warm up the oil to body temperature, and massage that deep into the ear. Treat the ear with the garlic infused olive oil for a few days to make sure the skin inside the ear is healed before using ACV or rubbing alcohol on it.

Wendy has posted an ear formula made from OTC products from the drug store - it will cost you around $23 bucks or so; I like her forumla because it contains a steroid that will help with inflammation and itching. If you don't have the $23 bucks to spare, for less than 3 dollars - once the ear tissue has healed and there are no open sores or scratched raw skin - you can do equal parts of water, rubbing alcohol and white vinegar/ACV. Warm it up to body temperature and use it to flush out any gunk in the ear. The alcohol is drying, which is many times indicated with a gunky ear. You may need to flush the ears am and pm to fully knock out the infection, and then follow up with regular flushings to keep the ear healthy. This is all individual - your dog may need the ears flushed daily or every three days or weekly for the ears to stay healthy. Also a diet that has grains, corn or potatoes may contribute to yeasty ears to read the label on your kibble and consider a diet upgrade if you find grains and starches high up on the ingredient panel.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Diane (Medicine Hat, Alberta) on 07/15/2015

I thought it is not good to get moisture in the dog's inner ear? Obviously turkey baster flushing is getting right in there?


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wendy (Ohio) on 07/16/2015

To Diane:

Moisture means dampness and/or water that just sits inside the ear breeding bacteria and yeast. It's fine to flush out the ears with an ear cleaning solution (recommended above, e.g., the ACV/distilled water mixture). You flush out the ears, then use a cotton ball to wipe out the excess solution.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 07/16/2015

Hey Diane!

Lake water from swimming that gets deep into the ear can result in an ear infection. Typically a medicated solution - be it from the vet or a combo of vinegar [antifungal] and water - will prevent an infection, not cause it.

Using a liquid solution helps both to deliver medication to where it needs to go, and to flush out debris and the like from the ear; debris, be it a foreign body or ear wax or ear mite gunk, is an irritation and so should be removed/flushed out, to aid in healing an infected ear.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sharon (Townville, Pa.) on 10/29/2015

I put olive oil in my calico cat's ears and now for 24 hours, she is violently shaking her head.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 10/31/2015

Hey Sharon!

You might try cleaning your pet's ears by adding more olive oil and making sure it penetrates deeply; then allow your cat to shake and see if debris is coming loose. You can also follow up by wiping the ear of excess olive oil. If this doesn't do the trick, if your cat is still shaking her head you should consider seeing your veterinarian.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 11/13/2013

Thank you, Fiona!

I did not know about TMG: http://www.arrowheadhealthworks.com/TMG.htm

There is some dosing info if you scroll down.

I admit I was surprised at your giving a coffee enema to your dog; granted, I must admit to having given a douche to MY own dog so I should not be one to raise an eyebrow! :-)

My first thought about gunky black ears was yeast; when I looked up the benefits of coffee enemas I found they can help get a handle on yeast! Too cool!

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/jul/09/ask-the-pharmacist-benefits-of-coffee-enemas/

Thanks for the feedback, Fiona, and please keep us posted on if the gunky ear returns!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Fallon (Asheville, Nc) on 10/08/2009

My dog has ear infections too the vet said to clean them with q-tips because it is not going to hurt his ear because the ear cannal is L-shaped so I would go ahead and use q-tips if I were you.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Katie (St. Johns, Newfoundland) on 10/14/2009

I've got a yellow lab, now 11 months old. For the first 5-6 months she had several ear infections. I found that since her ears are pretty large a Q-tip or cotton ball wasn't overly helpful. The vet told me to pour the cleaner in her ear, and take a tissue (just 1-2 pieces folded over) and cover my finger, then actually stick my finger in her ear. Just go as far as the ear will allow, don't push it, and wipe gently with your finger. I find that this works so much better than a Q tip and she seems to find my finger much less irritating than the Q-tip as well. Hope this helps!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pacha (London, UK) on 07/25/2009

Hi,

My cocker spaniel have been suffering from recurring ear infections for months. The last treatment from the vet hasn't helped at all. I've started to use ACV (1/2 ACV with 1/2 water).

I have a few questions: The brown discharge coming out of her ears seemed to increase at first: is it normal?

Also the vet used to tell me to clean her ears with cotton budds and try to go as deep as possible in the ear canal. However I was wondering whether the "rubbing" is making matter worse. Especially that in most of the testimonies I've read, people seem to use a kleenex or cotton ball to wipe the solution, which makes me think that they don't go as deep.

My last questions regard the length of the treatment? When do you know when to stop? How often should you do it to prevent any infection coming back. I did it every day for a week and it seemed to get better so I waited and when I saw my dog starting scratching her ears 5 days later, I used the ACV again. The quantity of brown discharge was considerable. I'm not sure whether I should carry on with it. Please help.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Daniel (Indianapolis, IN) on 07/08/2009

Well let the ear flapping begin. My 4 yr old lab has chronic ear infections and I just cant afford 150.00 vet bill every few months. I just gave him his first dose of 1/2 acv and 1/2 water. I am keeping my fingers crossed.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Aeroplaneflier (Sacramento, CA) on 06/24/2009
★★★★★

My new cat had been suffering on and off from an ear infection for nearly three months. He'd had a dark, crusty buildup in his ears that was so bad I had to clean them twice a day. So of course, I took him to the vet, who prescribed $150 worth of medication on top of the $90 I had to pay for vet visits (initial and the follow-up visit). I treated him with the meds exactly like I was told to do. I switched his food because the vet had suggested he might be allergic to what I was feeding him, and I also started giving him fish oil supplements. While the meds helped enough for the vet to declare that my cat was cured when I brought him in for a follow-up, the infection promptly came back a week later. Frustrated by the idea that I had just thrown so much money at what seemed like such a small problem, I thought there had to be an easier, cheaper way to cure a simple bacterial/yeast infection. This led me to the internet, where I discovered earth clinic and the success that others had had with apple cider vineger. I had some in my kitchen and decided I had nothing to lose, so I started treating him with a solution of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water in a spray bottle. I either sprayed it in (which he doesn't like too much but which seemed to be the most effective way of getting it in) or used cotton balls soaked in it to wipe his ears out, once a day for a couple of weeks. It's gone from one ear completely, and the other ear is almost back to normal. I'll probably keep treating his ears once a week or so on a regular basis. I am SO happy I could get rid of his ear infection without having to throw my money away at the vet's office.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shaun (Portsmouth, UK) on 05/20/2009
★★★★★

What a great site.

I was hurriedly looking for a natural way of treating an infection in my dog's ears, which was getting out of control. I had already spent a small fortune at various vets, and had lost faith in them.
Yes, my eye focused on articles, reference to ACV.
Yes, I had second thoughts.

Well I have given ACV a try,( equal parts ACV and water) and I am amazed at the results in only 3 days. The infection is how under control and I am sure a few more days, it will be gone. Honestly, I would say to others, it's worked for me and my dog.

It's not the fact I have saved on a large vet bill, but most importantly I have a cure that works and it's natural.

Shaun

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jessica (Overlnad Park, Ks) on 10/05/2009

When my lab, campbell, got an ear infection, i spent several hundred dollars on vet bills. When there was no change, i switched vets. My new vet gave me specific insturctions on how to flush out his ears with the solution. I used a squeeze bottle with a vinagar solution. I squeezed the solutions into the ear canal until there was enough solution to fill the ear. Make sure you have a hold of your dog, don't let him shake his head yet. place your finger an thumb just below the ear and behind the jaw. You will feel the canal under the skin. Massage the canal, letting the fluid seep into the canal. Do this for AT LEAST 60 SEC. you will know you are doing it right when you hear a squishing sound. Let your dog shake its head. Then wipe out the brown residue that is left in the ear. Do this three times a day, until there is no more brown stuff and no more odor. Its messy, but it worked for us.

EC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR -- AND WATER. One part ACV to two parts water seems about right.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Brook (Somerdale, NJ) on 02/08/2009
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar got rid of my dog's ear infections:

I took my Lab to the vet because he had a smelly ear infection in both ears. The vet gave me 3 different products for his ears.($$$) He told me it was very severe and it was yeast. When I got home and thought about the situation, I decided to try something natural first. I diluted the apple cider vinegar and washed out his ears the first day and then used a cotton ball soaked in diluted ACV the next couple days and it was gone-no redness, no smell, and he stopped scratching at his ears. I got rid of the products from the vet and now if he goes for a swim I wipe out his ears with the ACV.

EC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR -- AND WATER. One part ACV to two parts water seems about right.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anon (Pennsylvania) on 05/03/2015

This mixture didn't work for my samoyed at ALL! He started flipping out right away and rubbing his ear on the floor. It made it a heck of a lot worse!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Holly (Easton, PA) on 03/08/2009
★★★★★

My poor Cocker Spaniel suffered for about 5 years with chronic ear infections, nothing else helped for the long term until using a mixture of equal parts, white vinegar, water & alcohol, (vinegar kills, water dilutes, and alcohol dries). I always had a bottle on hand to use at bath time, if I smelled that familiar odor or if I noticed him shaking or rubbing his ears on the floor. A little squirt massaged into the ear and the excess moisture wiped out of the ear canal. My dog was not fond of the process, he too would shake his head and rub his ears for a few minutes afterwards, but chronic Ear Infections are far worse. I swear by this stuff. In addition, I kept his ears trimmed to prevent them from retaining moisture, and used a water bowl that kept his ears out of the water.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by CHARLIE (FT. SMITH, AR) on 12/20/2008
★☆☆☆☆

CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP!!

MY DOG HAS A BAD EAR INFECTION. HE HAS BEEN TO THE VET A FEW TIMES ALREADY AND BEEN ON 3 DIFFERENT ANTIBIOTICS.

BETWEEN VET VISITS I TRIED THE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR IN THE EARS, BUT IT DIDN'T HELP. TOLD THE VET ABOUT THE ACV TREATMENT AND HE SAID THAT WOULD ONLY HELP WITH CERTAIN TYPES OF INFECTION. HAVE SPENT A SMALL FORTUNE AND NOTHING HAS HELPED.

I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT PUTTING SOME IODINE DROPS IN THE EARS TO SEE IF THAT WOULD HELP, BUT HAVEN'T YET.

ANYONE EVER TRIED IODINE IN THE EARS BEFORE?

ANY SUGGESTIONS??????????????

THANK YOU..........

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (North Carolina) on 09/08/2015

Trish from Reeseville, Wisconsin

Do you know the amounts of the boric acid, vinegar, and water mixture that ur vet used ??

Namaste'

This was in the comment above you ~~~

750 ml Rubbing alcohol
4 tablespoons of Boric Acid
8 Drops of Gentian Violet


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wendy (Ohio) on 09/10/2015

Note: I found it impossible to find gentian violet at my local CVS. Even the pharmacist didn't have it.

One of the best remedies for healing your pet's bacterial and/or yeast infection is the Healthy Ear Recipe (from Arcane). Do a search on this site for "Arcane", and you'll find it. The ingredients to buy are very inexpensive, and easy to mix. And your pet will love you for it!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 09/10/2015

A side note to Wendy's note: If your pharmacy does not stock Gentian Violet they usually can order it. I was able to order it from my chain drug store - same for boric acid powder.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (NC) on 09/11/2015

I did find the Gentain Violet , , Rite Aid ordered it for me 2oz -$10.. I just am now trying to find the exact amounts of each ... the Gentain, alcohol and the boric acid.

Can any one help with this?

Sure hope so .. Have all products just need to know amounts of each :)


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 09/12/2015

Hey Mary!

The amounts for the 'Blue Power Ear Treatment', developed by a veterinarian, are as follows:

16 oz Rubbing alcohol
4 tablespoons of Boric Acid
16 Drops of Gentian Violet

If the ears are badly infected, sore, raw or painful you might switch out the rubbing alcohol for water OR use raw garlic infused olive oil to heal them. Remember that pouring alcohol or vinegar on badly infected ears *hurts*, so heal the skin inside the ear before using remedies with vinegar or isopropyl.

Source: http://itsfortheanimals.com/Adobe/Blue Power Ear Treatment.pdf


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Asalia (New Jersey) on 01/15/2016

What are the doses how much of everything should I mix together & how many times do I use it on him..do I put the mixture in his ear with a dropper how many drops


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jim (Dallas, Tx) on 02/07/2016

Also, I've read changing the mix to 1/2 ACV and 1/2 Witch Hazel (to stop itching). Also, found a product on Amazon called Zymox with hydrocortisone - it has over 4000 5 star reviews. I just ordered it!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carrigan (Monticello, MN) on 11/20/2008
★★★★★

I have a 7 year old Wiemaraner who has always had bad build up in his ears. Recently he had a flare up and I decided to try cleaning his ears with the 1 part ACV and 2 parts water. I cleaned it every day for 4 days straight, and by day 2 the smell had already went away. After the 4th day it has returned to normal!!! I'm so glad we didn't have to waste $$ at the Vet but the best part is using a natural remedy. Also, this year I tried using ACV for his summer/fall skin allergies but was not successful. Thank you so much for this great site and all the people who take time to post!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ginny (Canton, NC) on 04/06/2009
★★★★★

Our German Shepherd has chronic ear infections with his allergies. Apple Cider Vinegar does work. Please note that Summer/Fall allergic reactions can be caused by the dust mites in your ductwork. They come out of the ductwork when you turn the A/C on in the summer and the heat on in the fall. Double up on cleaning and bathing for about a week and things should settle down. Hope this helps!

EC: Yes, agreed! Our dogs were getting a goopy discharge from their eyes from dust in the air ducts every summer (a/c) and winter (heater). Issues disappeared when we got the air ducts professionally cleaned.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jazmyn (Ontario) on 03/05/2015

Hey I have a valley bulldog who has a severe ear infection to the point that her canal is swollen shut. Do you think the ACVMETHOD will help it. I wanted to start trying it but I'm not sure if it will help the swelling


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 03/05/2015

Hey Jazmyn!

I replied to your post under ACV; my only advice re: swelling is again the vet visit, and barring that OTC women's vaginal yeast cream [watered down so it can be worked into the swollen ear canal] or Zymox enzymatic ear solution. Ted's anti-fungal-anti-staph solution is also one remedy to try.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cheryl (Ottawa, Canada) on 08/27/2008
★★★★★

So the ACV seems to be working already. I have administered 2 doses so far. The barking has stopped! Acv is definitely my Cure-All, I've even added it to my cats' water just to clean their systems. Couldn't hurt!

EC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR – MUST BE DILUTED

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Stella (C, OH) on 05/05/2008
★★★★★

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

EC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR -- AND WATER. One part ACV to two parts water seems about right.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Harry (Montreal, Canada) on 03/27/2008
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar. IT REALLY WORKS!!! Thanks to all who have posted about using ACV for curing dog ear infection. I used 2 parts water to 1 part ACV as per some post, mixed in squeeze bottle, and applied once a day. This is day four, and my pooch has started to stop shaking her head or scratch her ears. I know its working because there is no longer any rancid smell coming out from her ears. Love this natural way of healing, instead of the chemiacl soup I have tried.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marie (Walnut Creek, California) on 02/21/2008
★★★★★

I wasn't sure if it would work, but I had already spent $165 over 3 months on medications from my vet to cure my dog's itchy ear problems. Nothing seemed to work and his ears kept getting worse. He kept scratching them open until they bled. I used 1 part ACV to 2 parts water applied daily, and within 4 days his ears were all healed. Amazing results!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kathleen (San Antonio, Tx.) on 02/06/2008
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar is wonderful to clean out my German Shepherd's ears, when his ears are bothering him. He will shake his head, and I just put an apple cider and water solution on a cotton ball, and clean out his ears, and in ten minutes he stops fussing and lays down and finally can rest. My husband takes white vinegar and soaks his feet in it, and no more athelets foot! It is wonderful for killing any kind of fungus or bacterial infections. Thanks so much for the advice!

EC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR – MUST BE DILUTED


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tricia (Hamilton, On, canada) on 01/05/2008
★★★★★

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.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Aandrea (Ithaca, NY) on 05/29/2008

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.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Leanne (Rolla, Missouri) on 05/29/2008

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.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Glenda (Coos Bay, OR) on 11/27/2006
★★★★★

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!

EC: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR – MUST BE DILUTED


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