Ear Infection Prevention for Dogs
Dogs and young kids are alike in many ways. They both fill your heart to the point where you think it might burst, they both make loud noises at inconvenient times, and they both get ear infections a LOT.
Your dog’s ear infection can have a few different causes, and discerning the cause is important in choosing the right treatment. Ear infections can be caused by:
- Bacteria
- Hormone changes or imbalances
- Yeast
- Allergies
- Ear mites
- Immune system issues, which can start in the gut
You should visit your holistic vet if your dog is having frequent, recurrent ear infections to find the root cause of the problem. However, there are a few holistic treatments you can try.\
Symptoms of ear infections
Like in people, ear infections can cause a range of symptoms in dogs. The main symptoms are:
- Itchy, irritated ears
- Tilting the head to one side
- Pain when opening the mouth wide
- Hearing loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Walking in circles
These are not the only symptoms of ear infection in dogs, but they are the most common. If your dog is exhibiting behaviors that are unusual, contact your holistic vet.
Holistic treatments for ear infections
If your goal is to treat ear infections without needing a prescription antibiotic, you have a few options.
Colloidal silver is an antibacterial and antifungal which can help not only clean the ears and keep them clean, but can help kill the bacteria causing the ear infections. Colloidal silver can be ingested orally or rubbed into the ears.
Apple cider vinegar also has antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties and can be used to treat ear infections. Like colloidal silver, apple cider vinegar can be ingested by putting a few drops into water, or can be applied topically to the ears by mixing with a 50/50 water solution.
Coconut oil is another great option to treat ear infections because it works as an antifungal. When combined with CBD, which works as an anti-inflammatory, coconut oil can help treat ear infections when ingested. A full spectrum hemp extract CBD oil that contains coconut oil and CBD and can be an effective ear infection treatment when applied topically as well.
How to prevent ear infections in dogs
Preventing ear infections is important, but it may take a bit of experimenting to find the cause. Often, ear infections caused by allergies start with gut health. Highly processed foods, over-vaccination, and chronic stress can impact gut health, which can cause ear infections as well.
As with any new treatment, talk to your holistic vet about the best and safest option for your specific dog’s needs.
Angela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. As a graduate of the inaugural Medical Cannabis for Therapeutic Use program at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.
Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on her website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere.