NATURAL EAR INFECTION TREATMENTS, REMEDIES FOR DOGS AND CATS

If you follow my blog you know I have two dogs. One of them has chronic ear infections caused by a suppressed immune system. I have always hated having to use one antibiotic after another.

Photo by Ottawa Valley Dog Whisperer

I ran across this blog by Ottawa Valley Dog Whisperer.  The writer offers several natural, herbal, homeopathic ear infection treatments for dogs and cats. There is even a list of herbs that can be added to food to help avoid infections. I saw a couple of ear flush recipes that I’m going to try.

As always, please consult your vet!

For instructions and recipes click here.

5 Easy Methods to Cure Dog Ear Infection - Curing a Dog Ear Yeast Infection

5 Easy Methods to Cure Dog Ear Infection – Curing a Dog Ear Yeast Infection

A dog can be plagued with any type of infection on any area of the body, but usually yeast infection affects a dog’s ears more than any other part of the body. I guess it is because of how the ear is positioned; it is close to the head and if not properly cleaned can develop an infection.

Dogs that have floppy ears don’t get enough circulation and dogs that do not get enough sunlight are susceptible to dog ear yeast infection. Yeast is developed in areas that are moist and dark. If a dog has had a bath, the area behind the ears needs to be dried properly. Putting the dog out in the sunlight will help to dry behind the ears.

Look for any excessive scratching behind the ear and notice any type of redness, swelling or discharge as well as any unusual odor coming from the animal. These are some of the signs of dog ear yeast infection.

Taking your dog to the vet is the best possible reaction to these symptoms. However, some dog owners have found natural methods that work even faster than anything that the vet may prescribe for the animal.

5 Tips to Cure Dog Ear Infection 

So in cases where the problem still persists, you can opt for natural cure of a dog’s ear yeast infection.

Here are some options you might want to consider to cure dog ear yeast infection:

1.Change your dog’s diet to foods that will help to build up the immune systems. Dogs are pretty much like humans who get sicker when the immune system is low. Do not give your dog only the scraps from your leftovers to eat. There are different types of dog foods that target the immune system. Go to your local pet store to see what you can find. You can also give your dog Vitamin C and anything that will improve the health of your dog. 

2.As discussed before, make sure that your dog’s ear is clean and dry because yeast grows more when it is in a moist area. If you have a dog that has ears that stand up, it is easier to maintain because nature (sunlight) will dry it for you. However, if the dog has droopy ears, then more care needs to be taken to keep it clean and dry. Try to see if your dog will let you put a headband that pulls the ear forward so it can have a chance to dry properly. Do this when the dog is lying down. Trim any excessive hair growth behind the ears. Use diluted vinegar to wipe behind the ears. 

3.Stay away from giving your dog too much antibiotics. Antibiotics are a friend to yeast infection in both humans and animals. The body has a natural flora balance and the antibiotics disrupt the flow to cause yeast to grow. 

4.Use anti-microbial herbs, if possible, which you can get at your local health food store. Pau d’arco is a great natural anti-microbial that you can try. Check with your vet first.

5.Chorhexidine is a good substitute for prescription treatment as well as the ointment known as Cotramizole.

Your dog is depending on you to take care of its dog ear yeast infection.

Cure For Ear Infection In Dogs

Dog ear infection home remedy vinegar comes in handy in the treatment of certain diseases that affect pets a lot more often. This is a compound that carries with it antiseptic qualities which are also very important in killing the bacteria or viruses that could have caused the disease.

Dogs may suffer from bacterial, yeast or even viral infections. The dog ear infection vinegar works by creating a suitable pH so that the ear can then knock out the disease. Usually, you prepare the treatment by mixing with water.

When to use the vinegar home remedy

You may not always use vinegar to treat the diseases that affect dogs. It is therefore very important to know the circumstances when the use of dog ear infection home remedies consisting of vinegar is applicable. You need not use vinegar when the ear drum of the dog seems affected.

When this is the situation, you may do considerable damage to the ears. This may even lead to the dog becoming deaf. There are circumstances when the problem may be solved only through a surgery. When the canal of the dog may not be accessed easily; is blocked, you might need to have the vet organize an operation to alleviate the problem.

The only situation that allows you to make use of this home treatment is when the canal seems open and the ear drum does not look very much affected.

Caution with the use of dog ear infection vinegar

You need to prepare the vinegar solution by diluting with water of an equal part. When you do not observe this, the dog can suffer immense damage to the ears. Also, use warm water to ensure that the dog is comfortable administering treatment.

Tips when applying the vinegar medication

You will need to trim any hairs that could prevent you from applying the medication well. A dropper comes in handy in the application of the solution. It has to be prepared by mixing with water.

Do not insert the dropper into the canal; by carefully positioning the dropper, you can easily apply the solution well. Ensure you do not introduce it to the eyes. Vitamin C as part of your treatment together with vinegar could also be beneficial.

More about dog ear infection home remedies can be found on dogearinfectionhomeremedyinfo.com

What Natural Remedy Can Cure My Dogs Ear Infection?

Obviously I took it to the vet . A MILLION times..but that doesnt seem to help her. Plus all they do is remove the hair from her ears and give her medicine for me to put in her ears that stings the hell out of her. (I see like her eyes get all watery) : *(
Can some1 PLEASE tell me something I can make that well help her, without it being so harsh?????

Recommended Reading

Dog ear infection treatment

Treating dog ear infections requires correct diagnosis and the correct medications and technique.  Your vet should be involved in the treatment but all but mild dog ear infections.  If not treated correctly dog ear infections can cause serious disease.

Dog ear vet

Read more about how to treat dog ear infections at Dog Ear Infection

Does My Dog Have an Ear Infection?

Yeast and Bacterial Canine Ear Infections Cause Pain, Ear Discharge Jun 4, 2008 Mia Carter

Prevent Dog Ear Infections with Ear Cleanings. - Csuka András Photo

Hearing loss, pain and discomfort can result from a dog’s ear infection, which can cause permanent hearing loss in dogs if untreated.

Ear infections are one of the most common ailments seen in dogs who land in the veterinarian’s office, and prompt treatment of ear ailments can help prevent permanent damage like hearing loss. Recognizing the most common symptoms of an ear infection in a dog – ear discharge, itching, swelling and head shaking – is the first step in managing canine ear infections.

“Ear infections are very common in dogs – the vast majority of dogs will suffer from an ear infection at some point during their life. Dogs with floppy ears and fur on the inner part of their ears are much more prone, but anytime there’s an accumulation of bacteria and moisture, there’s a good chance of a bacterial or fungal infection,” explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM.

There are two common varieties of ear infections in dogs, and each affects the ear in different ways. An infection affecting the outer portion of the ear canal is known as otitis externa. The infection can also advance and spread into the dog’s middle ear. An infection affecting the dog’s middle ear is termed otitis media. The inner ear can also be affected in some very advanced cases. Otitis interna – an infection of the inner ear – can then spread to the central nervous system, leading to systemic infection and ultimately death

A dog’s ear infection can take one of two forms: bacterial infections and fungal infections, and each is treated with a slightly different medication.

Bacterial Ear Infections

Bacterial infections in dogs are typically associated with discharge, redness, swelling and pain. These infections arise when the population of bacteria inside the dog’s ear grows beyond the control of the body’s immune system defenses. In some cases, particularly involving a dog with chronic ear infections, there is a lack of airflow and an accumulation of moisture that sets the stage for infection – often seen in dogs with floppy ears or furry inner ears. Failure to regularly clean a dog’s ears can also lead to bacterial infections.

Antibiotic drops, combined with twice-daily cleanings, are the most common treatment for bacterial ear infections in dogs.

Frequent dog head shaking is another a very common symptom associated with a bacterial ear infection. Excessive head shaking in dogs can lead to additional parallel problems, like the breakage of blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. This results in the formation of an aural hematoma, which is a pocket of blood beneath the skin’s surface that often requires lancing, antibiotic treatment and even surgery.

Read on 

• How to Clean a Dog’s Ears
  


• Diagnosing and Treating Ear Infections in Dogs
  


• Ear Infections in Dogs
  

Fungal Ear Infections

Fungal ear infections in dogs are triggered by a fungus, which can often spread to other parts of the body, including the face and paws. Fungi thrives in locations that are moist, dark and damp, therefore floppy-eared dogs like hounds and spaniels are particularly prone to these infections.

In the case of a yeast infection, which is among the most common types of fungal infection, the yeast is constantly present on the body. The dog’s body typically keeps the yeast in-check, but there are cases where changes in body chemistry, combined with ideal moist conditions, can result in an overgrowth of the yeast – a yeast infection. In other cases, fungi can be transferred to the skin by direct contact, leading to the establishment of the infection.

Fungal infections in dogs are often associated with discharge, redness, swelling, scaling, dryness, oozing and intense itching. When a dog scratches his ears, this not only spreads the infection, but the dog’s nails can break the skin, resulting in a secondary bacterial infection affecting the dog’s outer ear.

Yeast and other fungal infections have a tendency to spread to other body parts. Since frequent itching is common in a dog with a fungal ear infection, the yeast infection is commonly transferred to the feet and face, therefore prompt treatment is key to avoid the spread of a yeast infection.

The most common treatment for a dog’s fungal ear infection involves the use of ant-fungal drops or ointment, in conjunction with twice-daily cleanings of the dog’s ears.

Home Treatment

There is no home treatment that can effectively heal a bacterial or fungal ear infection in a dog.

When a dog develops an ear infection, cleaning the dog’s ears at least twice daily can help reduce the amount of irritation that results from the discharge can relieve some of the discomfort. And in the case of an itchy fungal infection, hydrocortisone cream can temporarily ease some of the itching until the dog can get into the veterinarian’s office. But these measures will not cure a dog’s ear infection at home.

“Its vital that pet owners take ear infections seriously – they won’t go away on their own,” explained Dr. Levine, who concluded, “A severe ear infection can cause intense pain and discomfort, not to mention permanent hearing loss. Cleaning the dog’s ears twice a week will keep the ears in good shape, while also providing the pet owner with an opportunity to catch any problems early on. Early treatment is the key.”

Looking for tips for cleaning a dog’s ears? Check out How to Clean a Dog’s Ears for advice and step-by-step directions on how to clean a dog’s ears properly and without a struggle!

Copyright Mia Carter. 

Does your Goldendoodle have an ear infection?

Does your Goldendoodle have an ear infection?

The Goldendoodle is a wonderful, low shedding, low dander hybrid who is terrific with children of all ages. They do, however, have their issues. With all that cuteness comes the long, low hanging ears with lots of hairs covering them. Because the hairs are long and thick surrounding the ears, infections can occur.

Since 1999, we have come to know that the Goldendoodle hybrid comes in three coat types:

Shaggy. Curly. Smooth.

Among the three coat types of the Goldendoodle dog, the curly coat doodle seems to have more issues with their ears. The simple reason? Hair growing deep within the ear canal traps moisture and can cause bacteria to grow. Most Goldendoodles also enjoy swimming. Whether at the lake, swimming pool or the beach, water can become your Goldendoodle’s enemy. The design of the ear itself, for the Goldendoodle dog, can be one of the problems they suffer these issues.

The fact that the Goldendoodle has multiple hairs covering the ear flap, is the perfect environment for creating ear infections! Bacteria thrives on moisture, especially in warm, dark, enclosed areas. Bacterial ear infections can cause your Goldendoodle tremendous pain and suffering.

Because the Goldendoodle has such thick, long, hairs over the tops of the ears, the ear itself has a difficult time drying out. It doesn’t help matters much if hairs are also growing from deep within the ear canal. The curly coat Goldendoodle seems to have more issues with hairs growing deep within the ear, which is very similar to the Poodle. The shaggy coat and the smooth coat Goldendoodle do not seem to have these issues, although they can still suffer from ear infections should moisture build up or a yeast infection occur. Another reason Goldendoodles can have ear infections is due to what is called, “ear mites”. These are pesky little bugs that leave brown matter within your doodle’s ears and can leave a very foul smell. Although ear mites can easily be killed with medicated drops, you will want your vet to ensure this is what is causing the problem before treating.

If we look at the design of the canine ear itself, you will see that the canal begins right at the opening of the Goldendoodle’s ear and there is almost an immediate drop followed by a slight angle going straight down to the ear drum itself. It doesn’t take much for moisture to build up within the ear.

What are the signs that your Goldendoodle may have an ear infection?

Your Goldendoodle may paw at his or her ears or shake their head quite a bit. Ear infections are very painful. You may notice that your Goldendoodle is rubbing his head against objects trying to relieve the pain. While your Goldendoodle is unable to directly speak to you, their body lanquage is letting you know something is wrong.

It is also possible to mistake an ear infection for a tooth problem! I once thought one of my dogs had an ear infection but after taking her to the vet, it was discovered that she needed a tooth to be pulled. So its very important to take your lovely hybrid to see your vet if you are witnessing the signs above. Your canine can lose its hearing if an ear infection is left untreated. The ears can become red and swollen. Skin infections can occur from constant scratching.
Sometimes your doodle may tilt his or her head to one side as well. Yeast infections can occur for multiple reasons. Dogs who do a lot of swimming at the lake can suffer from yeast infections within their ears because there is a lot of bacteria within the water itself. Yeast infections can be controlled with medicated ear drops provided to you by your vet.

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above going on with your Goldendoodle, please make sure to schedule a vet visit. Immediate treatment will prevent a simple problem from becoming worse.

*About the author: Dee Gerrish founded Goldendoodle World in 1999. She has written extensively about the Goldendoodle dog through various blogs and articles. Dee is a private, professional, hobby breeder and began with purebred Golden Retrievers in 1996. Dee Gerrish is one of the original founders for the Goldendoodle dog in the southern region of the United States. Dee was the first breeder to register the Goldendoodle dog with a ligit kennel club, Universal Kennel International.

Dog Ear Infection - Yeast Infection Treatment and Advice

You might have heard of using apple cider vinegar for natural remedies in people, but have you heard of using it for your dog‘s health, more importantly did you know it can be used for dog ear infection treatment? Apple cider vinegar helps with gases, as an aid to digestion, for constipation, and many other ailments. It can even be used to deter mosquitoes and other annoying insects! But best of all for your dog ear infection yeast can’t grow in it!

dog harness

Many herbalists recommend the use of apple cider vinegar. It is recommended that you buy vinegar made from cold pressed, organically only grown apples to get the benefit of the naturally occurring enzymes.

Dog

In its most natural form, apple cider vinegar is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. It is even used to treat mange!

There are many other benefits to using apple cider vinegar. It is known to reduce common infections, prevent muscle fatigue after exercise, increase resistance to Illness, and protect against food poisoning. Cider vinegar is very rich in the vitamins, and goodness found in fresh apples, most notably potassium which helps to balance acid levels in the stomach. Most importantly of all for dog ear infection though is Yeasts inability to grow in apple cider vinegar, or anywhere near it for that matter. Dog ear infection treatment can be very effective with apple cider vinegar though as a warning it can sting the dog‘s ears especially in a severe dog ear infection when unfortunately you may need antibiotics to start the healing process. When the dog ear infection is healing you can use the solution below to keep your dogs ears clean and more importantly – Yeast free!

Now you know the way things are. If you dog has pointed ears then they’re less likely to get a yeast dog ear infection but more likely to get infections caused by debris, and if he or she has floppy ears then it’s vice versa. Typical. Some dogs have hairy ears which are very susceptible to yeast dog ear infection and other types of dog ear infection. Dogs that swim a lot and lead an active outdoor life will be in danger. What’s more the yeast is ever present in the dog‘s body and is ready for action on any number of triggers. Dogs like humans have ups and downs and it’s often the downs when the yeast monster strikes.

Now if your dog has a dog ear infection and it’s yeast it’s going to be pretty obvious, not only will he or she let you know, but the smell will confirm any doubts. With Canines the dog ear infection comes on fast. Some vets will prescribe ear drops, others will give you antibiotics as dog ear infection treatment. Antibiotics kill the bad as well as any of the good bacteria reducing your pets resistance to future attacks. It’s for this reason I’ve included the three best tips I’ve used to treat my dogs for over three years now.

Other treatments you can use now are as follows:

1. To actually kill off the yeast infection you need to purchase some apple cider vinegar and make a solution of 25/75 vinegar and water, that’s 1x vinegar to 3x water. This needs to be put in a container so it can be “dropped” into the pet’s ears. You know the thing, an ear drop device! 5 drops each ear twice to three times a day. If you get ear drops from the vets, it’s basically the same thing but without chemicals.

2. A second method I’ve found very useful for dog ear infection is crushed garlic in organic olive oil. I get one clove, crush it and chop it up then put it in two tablespoons of and let it rest for and hour or two or until all the garlic has sunk to the bottom. Put a few drops in your ear dropper and into the dogs ears as gently as you can. Its important to make fresh batches of this every time. Garlic can be harmful to dogs if it’s allowed to remain in the oil for more than a day.

3. Another solution to help sooth the ears during a dog ear infection is to buy organic, natural, probiotic yogurt, it must be all of these and must state on the tub that it contains active strains of bacteria. Apply a small amount to your dog‘s ears and rub in well. This contains natural bacteria to kill the yeast and is soothing for your pets ears.

I’ve used these three methods to maintain an environment where a yeast infection simply can’t settle in. Maintaining healthy ears on your dog is sadly people neglect to do until it’s too late. Dog yeast infections is painful for your dog so always be careful when using these methods.

Dog Ear Infection – Yeast Infection Treatment and Advice

If you would like more information on the correct natural treatment for dog ear yeast infections as well as food suggestions and other helpful tips just visit http://www.dogyeast.com.

Dog

REVIEW Dog Yeast Ears - Yeast Infection No More : Candida Yeast Infection Cure

[Yeast Infection No More : Candida Yeast Infection Cure] Dog Yeast Ears What Is a Yeast An infection A yeast infection is a fungus that most normally happens in the vagina, frequently the kind of yeast an infection discovered in the is Candida Albican. Yeast is standard and healthier to locate in moist regions like the vagina or mouth which is in which they commonly take place. Dog Yeast Ears How to Prevent Yeast Infections? Yeast bacterial infections are popular in both equally men and gals. The ratio of these bacterial infections in women of all ages is increased than gentlemen. There are some efficient preventive strategies that can be made use of to avert these bacterial infections. Dog Yeast Ears Listening to Examination – Do By yourself a Favor and Get Your Ears Checked One particular of the best techniques to care for oneself is to have a listening to check each and every calendar year. This examination can support to continue to keep your ears healthful and prevent the enhancement of some serious situations. Dog Yeast Ears

More on Yeast Infection No More

• Dog With Yeast Infection


• Dog With Yeast Infection On Skin


• Dog Yeast Ear Infection


• Dog Yeast Ear


• Dog Yeast


• Dog Yeast Ear Infection Treatment


• Dog With Yeast Infection In Ear

Treating a Dog"s Ear Infection using a Home Remedy

Does your dog’s ears smell?

Treating your dog’s ear infection using a home remedy method can be a good starting place to ease the discomfort and that nasty smell. A chronic buildup of wax and debris in the ears, combined with incessant head shaking, scratching and other signs of discomfort, may be the result of a food allergy. Eating grains is one of the most common contributors to long term ear infections. Switching over to an All-natural pet food like Flint River Ranch or Life’s Abundance is the first thing you should do. Giving your pet a supplement such as NuVet Plus will also do the trick, and it’s a lot less expensive than going off to the vet’s office every time your dog has icky ears.A good home remedy is to make a topical solution of apple cider vinegar and equal part of warm water. Using a cotton ball, gently wipe the ears clean. This solution will help to acidify the ear, inhibiting bacterial growth. Never pour anything into your pet’s ears; do not push the cotton in too far and never use a Q-tip or other object that can cause severe long term damage to the delicate, sensitive ear canal, this is best done by a professional.Changing your dog’s diet can help to keep the ears healthy long term and a good cleaning every month may be all that is required to keep the ears smelling and feeling terrific.

Dog Health: Ear Infection

Recently, I’ve noticed a lot of wounds in Oreo’s ear. At times it would disappear and after awhile, it comes back again. I observe it for a month or so and realize that it was some kind of allergy that cause it. So I stop giving him something that would trigger his allergies and start treating his wounds. Anyways, I thought I might share a little information I’ve learned about this one.

 Dogs can commonly acquire ear infections or wounds. There are a lot of different causes, and the treatment varies from dog to dog. If you can identify what causes your dog’s ear wound, then it will be a lot easier for you to treat him.

Signs that your dog might have ear infection: 

• constant scratching and rubbing of the ear



• foul odor coming from the ear



• changes in behavior: tirediness, lack of appetite, and irritability



• redness of  the inner ear

Causes:

• Allergy– Your dog may have food allergies you didn’t know. Observe what he eats, by then you’ll know what food he’ll get allergies from. 



• Parasite– Check your dog’s ear for ear mites or any parasite. Usually dog can acquire them especially if their ears are big and touches the floor. 



• Trauma– There are certain accidents that can cause trauma. It might also be caused by fighting with cats that left wounds untreated. 

Treatment: 

• If your dog’s ear infection is caused by a food allergy, then restrain him from eating that kind of food. 



• If its parasite, clean your dog’s ear and apply medication. Apply medication that your veterinarian prescribed you. There are also shampoos available in the market that you can use. REMEMBER: Always consult your vet before giving or applying any medication to your dog. 



• If your dogs have ear wounds that left untreated, treat it regularly. You can apply betadine. Its fine to use this medication on your dog. 

Hope this gives you an idea how to deal with that ear infection or wound on your dog. Oreo has been doing great and I started restraining him from eating food that can trigger his allergies. His wounds have been healing , and I’m happy it did. 

Your Dog’s Ear Infection

Dogs are prone to ear infections because of the anatomy of their ears. They have a horizontal and a vertical component to them, so it is hard for anything in to drain out.

Signs of an ear infection include excessive head shaking, yellow to brown oozing in the ears, or a yeast-like smell. Additional signs of ear infections include redness and swelling.

There are several causes of ear infections. The most common cause of ear infections are due to allergies. Some dogs are more prone to allergies than others; therefore they get more ear infections.

If your dog does have an ear infection it is important to properly clean your dog’s ears before applying any medication.

To clean your dog’s ears, start by placing a few drops of an ear cleanser into the ear and massage the ear to help loosen any debris that is in there. Then use a cloth or cotton gauze to wipe the dirt out.

After your dog’s ears are thoroughly clean, you can then apply your medication. Follow your veterinarian’s advice about how much medication to apply to the ear, usually a few drops.

The treatment your veterinarian will prescribe will vary depending on the cause of the ear infection. For yeast infections, they might prescribe anti-fungal medication. For bacterial infections they will probably prescribe antibiotics. Normally, treatment is applied directly into the ears, but in severe cases systemic treatment may be needed. This usually means having to give your dog pills orally. .

Some breeds of dogs that are prone to ear infections include breeds with large ears that flap over the ear canal, and breeds of dogs that have a very small canal. These dogs need their ears checked often.

By knowing what to look for, you can detect ear infections early.

How to Tell if Your Dog Has an Ear Infection - PetLvr Blog for Pet Lovers

Ear infections are common in dogs, particularly those that eat a low-quality diet with too many sources of carbohydrates and too little digestible protein. Mild ear infections are easily treated with medicated ear drops, but if left untreated can worsen to the point of permanently damaging the dog’s hearing and sense of balance. If you suspect that your dog may have an ear infection, see a veterinarian. Your vet can diagnose an ear infection definitively and prescribe treatment. To help you determine whether or not your dog should be seen for a possible ear infection, check this list of common symptoms.

Headshaking

Frequent headshaking in dogs is one ear infection symptom. Headshaking may also be caused by a foreign body in the ear, so be very careful if you attempt to look into the ear canal. Never insert objects like tweezers into the ear, even if you can see something lodged in the ear canal. A veterinarian should remove any foreign objects from the ear.

Headshaking may also occur simply because the ears are dirty or improperly groomed. If your vet says your dog’s ears are not infected but are itchy because they’re unclean, consider paying a reputable groomer to teach you to properly clean your dog’s ears and remove ear hair.

Unusual Smell

Infected ears often smell foul and yeasty.  A waxy discharge may be visible in and around the ear. If you notice an unusual scent coming from your dog’s ears, an infection is likely. Clean the outside of the ear and the underside of the ear leather with a chemical-free baby wipe and schedule a vet’s appointment.

Balance Problems

Severe ear infections, particularly in puppies, may cause balance problems. If  your dog or young puppy wobbles or walks in circles, an ear infection should be suspected. Schedule a veterinary appointment immediately, as balance problems can also be  a symptom of very serious neurological problems that need rapid treatment.

Head Tilt

If your dog continually holds his head tilted to one side, he may have an ear infection. A persistent head tilt can also be a symptom of other serious health problems including certain tumors, so don’t assume it’s an ear infection–have a vet diagnose your dog.

Redness and Irritation

 Red, irritated ears are often infected. A healthy ear should be pale pink with no hair in the ear canal and a minimum of wax and/or dirt buildup. If your dog’s ears are red and seem tender to the touch, an infection is possible.

» Inline Ad Purchase:  Intext Link

How To Cure Your Dog Ear Infection?

Ear infection can be a painful and annoying experience for your dog. It can happen unexpectedly. The common causes of ear problems in dogs are bacterial infection, food allergies, fungi, and improper hygiene.
A few of the known symptoms of dog ear infections are the following:

•  Redness inside or around your dog’s ears


•  Inflammation


•  Foul-smelling ear wax discharges

To help cure your dog’s ear infection, please check out the home remedies for dog ear problems.

Dog Ear Infection Medication

Dog ear infection medication can help alleviate pain and cure this disease, which can potentially be caused by a varied number of reasons. These infections can be caused by fleas to tumors inside their ears. So, proper treatment and medication is the order of the day.

These are some treatments for dog ear infections.

Sample Dog Ear Infection Medication

· This is a natural dog ear infection treatment and usually works great. Firstly, the ears have to be washed thoroughly with some hydrogen peroxide. The next step would be to fill the ear canal with nu-stock and a proper massage be given to the ears. It is highly recommended that this is done outside the house as dogs tend to shake their heads wildly after this. For people wondering as to what and where one can get nu-stock, it is freely available at all feed, farm, tractor supply stores.

· This is another home-made solution to use as a substitute for dog ear infection medication. First, clean the infected ears with water and vinegar solution. Secondly, apply garlic olive oil inside the ears. If there is any inflammation one can lessen it using Calendula salve.

· Another home-made remedy is Listerine. It is nothing but mouth wash. All you have to do is to soak a cotton ball in the Listerine and put it down their ears and massage it a bit. They might feel a burning sensation and they might twitch a bit.

· If the dog ear infections are visible from outside and if its symptoms are irritation, redness and inflammation, then apply warm compress on the affected area.

· Another home-made remedy would be to apply drops of cod liver oil or Vitamin E oil. Also, apple cider, vinegar mixed with water can be used.

· If the infection is very mild, garlic soaked in olive oil can be used as a remedy.

· There are also various herbal anti-flee or anti-mites powder that can be sprinkled if the infection is caused by flees or mites.

· If there is inflammation of ears due to infection, then Vitamin C can help to reduce the inflammation. Care should be taken in the amount of Vitamin C administered, as over dose can lead to diarrhea.

· Increasing air circulation inside the ears can reduce the growth of bacteria which is the sole reason for infection. So regular trimming of hairs will help counter infections and reduce the need for dog ear infection medication.

How to reduce the need for dog ear infection medication

· High quality commercial dog food which does not contain any preservative or additives can help reduce wax accumulation inside the ears. This would help in prevention of infections.

· If the dog is taken to a vet, he/she may administer Panalog into the ear. This is done to counter the irritation inside the ear. This would be usually followed up by an antibiotic injection. Sometimes even oral antibiotics may be used.

· If the vet feels the infection is severe, then there may be a need for a surgery. This is done to open up the ear canal. Once it is opened, it is cleaned thoroughly and cleansed of all infections.

· Also if the infection is chronic the vet may take a culture of the fluid from the dog’s ears to diagnose the issue.

Byron"s ear infection a.k.a. liver disease

I think it’s vitally important to explain how the conclusion was made that Byron had liver disease. And unfortunately, this story is a bit of a long one. I hope to raise the issues of an unknown vet treating your dog as well.

Back in August 2011, Byron had a sore ear. You could tell it’s sore by his constant head shaking, scratching and holding it like someone had stuck it on the side of his head rather than the top. There aren’t many dog owners out there who haven’t had a dog with an ear infection. It’s one of those standard niggly issues that we’d rather do without and try to avoid but occasionally they happen. Some dogs, like Alpha, are prone to them. I actually had the two medicines the vet had prescribed Alpha a couple of years before, some Canaural drops and CleanAural drops but they’d both run out of date so off to the vets I went with Byron.

Byron was 11 years old at this point so no spring chicken but he was in very good general health. The first problem with the vet surgery I was using was that you never saw the same vet twice. So unsurprisingly Byron was put in front of a locum vet called ‘Lynsay’. She prodded and poked his ears and made the diagnosis of an ear infection (yep, who’d have guessed) and said that she’d prescribe some tablets and some drops. Tablets? Well this is a new one on me, perhaps things had changed since Alpha’s ear infection. So I was given a little bottle of Canaural drops (no surprise there), some Prednicare tablets and a follow up appointment for 7 days later.

The Prednicare tablets were 5mg each. Byron was to take two tablets twice a day for three days (20mg per day), then two tablets once a day for three days (10mg per day) then two tablets every other day until he’d run out. The sticker on the bottle said ‘may increase appetite and thirst’.

So off we went. I was filling Byron up with tablets and drops. He panted and drank and peed. Panted, drank, peed. Panted, drank, peed. All through the day and all through the night. I was getting up three times each night to see to him. The dogs all share a 3 litre water bowl and Byron was clearing the lot. ‘May increase appetite and thirst’ the sticker said but this is madness. I can’t comment on the appetite side of things because all my dogs act hungry when there’s really no need but the thirst was through the roof.

A week after the first appointment we went back to the vets, and surprise, surprise saw another vet who was obviously on their hop-on-hop-off merry-go-round at this veterinary group. I told ‘Penny’ that his ear was much better now but I really was quite concerned about the thirst and drinking. She assured me it’s fine and normal – he’ll stop soon.

15 days later I was back at the vets with Byron to have a full blood screen. In those 15 days the pant/drink/pee routine hadn’t given up. I was barely sleeping, Byron was barely sleeping, the water bowl was constantly needing refilling and the Prednicare tablets were well and truly out of his system by now. I saw another vet (again, no surprise) and ‘Kimberley’ did a full haematology, full biochemistry health screen and thyroid function tests. I also had to collect some urine from B so they could do a urine-specific gravity test and urine biochemistry. Something was wrong here but no one could explain to me why this had suddenly happened.

The results came back the next day and they weren’t good. Byron’s thyroid was fine but his liver wasn’t good. He was booked in to have a full ultrasound examination, a blood sample, followed by some good fatty food (they used two 470g cans of Royal Canin Sensitivity Control), then another blood sample so they could see how the liver was processing the food.

The worst part of this was that still no one told me what was going on. I handed the receptionist my insurance claim form as it was getting pretty damn expensive by this point and under the heading ‘condition’ I naively wrote: ‘liver condition’ thinking that this was just a condition. For some reason I told the receptionist I would come and collect the completed claim form once they had filled in their section rather than them sending it off directly. I don’t know why, I just wanted a copy. Some people might call it instinct.

Within 5 days, one of the numerous vets rang me and told me that Byron would do well to go on a liver supplement called Hepatosyl Plus. It’s self explanatory – it’ll supplement his liver. So I agreed and went to the vets to pick up this expensive supplement (£96.04 in 2011 for a pot of 90 x 100mg) and at the same time I picked up the claim form that I’d left with them. When I got in my car, I remember having a flick through the paperwork that they’d attached and under the same section where the form asks for the ‘condition’, they had written: LIVER DISEASE. And no one had bothered to tell me this. My gorgeous, old dog had liver disease, something which is very serious and no one, not a single person had the decency to share this information. I had to find out through what was written on the claim form.

I then went mad – I got home and hit the roof. I was going to ring them and go mad but instead I took to the internet. How did all this start? The symptoms of increased thirst and subsequent peeing were right up there with the top symptoms of liver disease. And then I searched on Prednicare. I found out it was a steroid. So the locum vet ‘Lynsay’ thought it was a good idea to prescribe an 11 year old dog some steroids for a simple ear infection. The expression of cracking a nut with a sledgehammer comes to mind. Steroids are known for causing irreversible liver damage and it’s even more likely when given to an elderly being. Whilst I’m not concluding that the Prednicare tablets are fully to blame, I just find the whole thing far too convenient. Interestingly, when my current vet saw the notes on Byron’s case, she was gobsmacked that he was prescribed steroids at all for an ear infection – they are usually only brought out for a relentless infection which has been hard work to shake off, not as an immediate treatment.

I never went back to that vet group again. I moved to another veterinary surgery nearby where we see the same vet each time unless she happens to be on holiday then we happily let one of the other vets take a look at Byron.

 

Cure For Dogs Ear Infection?

Some ear infections are caused by food allergies, especially to corn. I don’t have any short term solutions, but if you haven’t already, try switching him to a premium dog food – one with no corn, wheat or meat by products. Something like Wellness, Innova, Natural Balance, California Natural etc Avoid Iams, Pro Plan Science Diet or Eukanuba and definitely no supermarket brands.

Dog ear yeast infection

Dog ear infections are often caused by a yeast called MMalassezia Pachydermatitis.  Malasezzia yeasts live on normal dog skin, but some dogs get overgrowths of the yeast on their skin which causes symptoms such as thickening, scaliness, redness and itchiness of the skin.

Malasezzia infections are usually secondary to other problems such as injury, infection, poor hygeine, and environmental factors like the skin or ear being wet for long periods, humidity, and high temperature.  In many dogs yeast infections are secondary to allergies or other infections.

Dog ear vet

Read more about dog ear infections below:

Malassezia Yeast Infections in Dogs and Cats

Oct 9, 2010 Lorie Huston

Yeast Can Infect the Skin of Dogs - Chris Harriot

Malassezia yeast can infect the skin and/or ears of dogs and sometimes cats that have other types of skin disease. Infection is itchy and uncomfortable.

Yeast are, by definition, a spore-like form of fungi. Malassezia is a yeast organism that frequently populates the skin of the dog and cat. In fact, Malassezia are present even on the skin of healthy dogs and cats. However, when the skin becomes damaged, the changes in the skin give the yeast the opportunity to reproduce and infect the skin in higher numbers. The yeast organisms can infect the ears of the dog and cat as well.

Malassezia Yeast Infections in Dogs and Cats

Yeast infections involving Malassezia rarely occur in either dogs or cats without an underlying form of skin disease. Though the organisms are capable of causing disease in damaged skin, they are not particularly virulent in the absence of pathology.

Yeast infections due to Malassezia occur frequently in dogs and can occur in cats but are less common in the feline species.

Any type of skin disease can predispose a dog or cat to a Malassezia yeast infection. Some of the more common predisposing causes are:

• flea allergies


• food allergies


• inhalant allergies (also known as atopy)


• seborrhea

Other diseases that affect the skin can sometimes be responsible for causing Malassezia yeast infections also. These diseases include demodectic mange, autoimmune skin disease and other types of skin disease.

Symptoms of Canine and Feline Malassezia Yeast Infections

The most common and easily recognizable symptom of yeast infection in dogs and cats is intense itchiness.

Read on 

• Skin Allergies in Dogs
  


• Ear Mites in Dogs and Cats
  


• Diagnosing and Treating Ear Infections in Dogs
  

Malassezia can infect both the skin and the ears of the canine and feline. In dogs, yeast infection with Malassezia is an extremely common secondary infection. Yeast infection is less often diagnosed in cats but in either species, infection can be problematic. Without treatment of the yeast infection, the underlying disease is unlikely to respond well.

Commonly seen symptoms are those seen with many other skin diseases and include reddened or inflamed skin, open sores, scabs, hair loss and, in more chronic cases, thickened skin. Yeast infections often cause a foul skin odor as well.

In the ears, Malassezia yeast infection causes similar symptoms. The dog may shake his head, scratch at his ears or tilt his head. The ears may have a black to brown colored waxy discharge and may also have an odor.

Treatment of Malassezia Yeast Infections in Dogs and Cats

Yeast infection with Malassezia is treated in several different ways. Shampoos are frequently used although they may not be totally effective in and of themselves. Commonly used shampoos include benzoyl peroxide shampoos and those containing chlorhexidine. In addition, shampoos containing anti-fungal medications such as miconazole and ketoconazole may be used as well.

Topical medications used to treat small lesions include those containing acetic acid. A mixture of vinegar and water is often used to treat small areas of yeast infection also.

Antifungal medications such as ketoconazole given orally are usually the most effective means of treatment.

Any time a dog or cat develops a skin disease, secondary infection with Malassezia yeast is a possibility. When this occurs, your dog or cat may not improve until the yeast infection is controlled. Your veterinarian can perform simple skin tests to determine if your pet has a yeast infection.

Dog Ear Infection, Symtoms, Causes, Prevention

                                                              www.nipgroup.com
The Dog Ear infection is among the common diseases that can attack your dog. The dog’s ear is exposed frequently of this disease . that can cause changes in the behavior of your dog. All breeds of dog’s can be infected, but Some breeds such as Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Poodles are most likely the infection.  these disease can worsen in the absence of regular maintenance for the dog

The components atrial :

http://www.dog-health-handbook.com/

1. Pinna 


2. Vertical Canal


3. Horizontal Canal


4. Tympanic Membrane 


5. Middle Ear cavity


6. tympanic bulla


7. auditory tube


8. cochlea


9. auditory assicles


10. temporaly muscle

 Infection Symptoms

The infected ear in dog’s is very painful, you’ll notice that your dog disobeys orders and agitated, Some breeds  do not like to touch their ears. Every dog ​​has his own way of expressing pain.

                                                              http://www.petdig.com/
The Principal  Symptoms

- Swelling and redness in the inner ear flap or canal
– Scratching and rubbing
– Read Shaking or Head Tilt
– Abnormal odor from the ear
– Hair loss around the ear
– Unusual eye movements
– Hearing loss
– Crusted or scabby skin on the  flap
– Wiping the ear area on the floor or furniture
– loss of balance
– Walking in circles
– The blach or yellow discharge from the ears, somtimes contains blood
– Abnormal movements to soothe sore ear

When you see any of these symptoms, you should see a veterinarian to take a sample of the infected dog’s  ear, for analysis and know what the causative organism in this affection

Causes

The most  infections are caused by bacteria and yeast, the moisture caused by swimming, frequent bathing and incorrect cleaning methods fosters the growth of microorganisms in
the ear canal.
The pet are especially susceptible to infection atrial, because the release of water must take a vertical way, this is due to the form of the ear, the canal has a shape of “L” Which first descends vertically and forms a right angle.

                                                            http://dobrohrumvane.com/
there are  some breeds  are more susceptible to ear infected, such as cocker spaniel and miniature poodles because of their floppy ears. the Ear flap permanently covers the orifice of the canal, and aggravates the problems of maceration to facilitate the development of germs,there are also breeds that have a lot of hair in the canal, which will be a cause of maceration or trap dirt and earwax

Principal  causes
– Swiming
– incorrect cleaning
– Frrequent bathing
– climat change
– exposure to bacteria and parasites
– Use of contaminated food and water
– Mites
– Accumulation of earwax

Prevention

We must protect your canine against disease, for it should not wait for symptoms of disease. must check the health of your dog at least one liver per week.

Verification :
– The ears should be perfectly smooth, checked if they are red or have a strange odor.
Cleaning :
The cleaning is very important to prevent your pet, it must accustom your pet to cleaning sessions, stroking it gently and try to clean the ear gently.
Do not get into cleaning deep into the ear canal, it is the job of the veterinarian.
– As it was said that the main causes of infections are moisture, try to dry your dog’s ears after each swiming
– If the ear has a lot of hair inside, he should be removed carefully with scissors and comb, to allow air to enter the ear.