Can You Prevent Ear Infections In Dogs
As with most diseases, prevention is always best. Excess moisture is a common cause of ear infections, so be sure to thoroughly dry your dogs ears after swimming and bathing. If your dog is prone to chronic or recurrent ear infections, identifying and managing any underlying causes such as allergies can help prevent new infections from occurring.
Cleaning your dogs ears at home can also help prevent ear infections. Jeff Grognet, DVM, a columnist for AKC Family Dog, advises the following steps for ear cleaning: First, fill the canal with a dog ear cleaning solution and massage the vertical ear canal from the outside. Wipe out the canal with absorbent gauze. Dont use paper towels or cotton because these may leave fibers behind, and those could cause irritation. Cotton swabs may also be useful for cleaning your dogs pinnae but avoid using them in the ear canal, which may inadvertently push debris deeper into the canal.
Ear infections are a common and often recurrent problem in many dogs, but, with your veterinarians help, you can keep your dogs ears clean and comfortable. If your dog is showing signs of an ear infection, seek treatment right away to ensure the problem does not become serious.
Runner Up: Adams Medication For Ear Mites For Dogs & Cats
This ear mite remedy is similar to the previous product but contains lanolin as an additional soothing ingredient. While pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide tackle the ear mite infestation, aloe and lanolin address your cats itchy ears and help start the healing process.
Because this product contains an insecticide, it kills ear mites on contact. Adams recommends applying 4 to 5 drops per ear, per day and repeating the treatment for 7 to 10 days. If your cats ear mite infestation returns, it is safe to repeat the treatment cycle two weeks after the first.
In addition to killing ear mites and addressing itching, this treatment helps remove the wax buildup that often accompanies an infestation. Plus, it is safe for use in both cats and dogs.
Natural Ear Cleaner For Dogs
First, we need to clean the ears. There are quite a few natural homemade dog ear cleaner options that we can use ranging from apple cider vinegar, aloe vera juice, and even witch hazel.
One of my favorite homemade natural ear cleaning remedies is to take:
- 2 cups brewed green tea
- 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar with the mother
- 5 drops calendula tincture
Put them all together and mix then use a syringe to put 1-3 mls into your pets vertical ear canal. Massage the base of the ear. Youll want to hear the liquid making a squishing noise.
Let your pet shake their head and wipe out any remaining debris with a soft cloth or cotton balls. Continue cleaning until there is no waxy debris left.
If you prefer over the counter options, these are other high quality, natural ear cleaners:
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Best Dog Ear Cleaner For Multiple Symptoms
Cleaning your dogs ears doesnt require any special supplies, but not all ear cleaners are created the same. Liquid ear cleaners are better at dislodging waxy junk deep in a dogs ear so she can then shake it out. Instead of reaching for multiple ear cleaners to target ear wax, odor, and itchiness, use a safe, effective, all-in-one canine ear cleaner. Great Ears Multisymptom Dog Ear Cleaner wont deplete the skins natural lipid barrier while conditioning and moisturizing the ears. Best of all, its safe for use on adult dogs and puppies over 12 weeks.
Highlights
- Dogs with excessive waxy build-up may require a second application
- Suggest maintenance cleaning is one to two times per week
- Ensure your dogs ears do not require medical treatment before using an ear cleaner
Dietary Supplements For Dog Ear Infections

First, if your dog is on an ultra-processed food, like kibble, transition them to a grain-free freeze-dried or raw diet over the next two weeks. You want a less processed diet that has less chemicals that are most likely leading to leaky gut, or increased inflammation in your pets body thats manifesting as an ear infection.
Next, you want to use supplements that support and optimize gut health. Make sure to learn more about leaky gut here.
Have you heard the following quote?
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Using Distilled Water And Vinegar
The first step is to create a mixture that contains a diluted solution of distilled water and apple cider vinegar at a 1:1 ratio. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture, and use it to clean the ear.
However, if it is a bacterial infection, dont use this method because vinegar will sting the dog, making him uncomfortable. Its critical to identify the cause of the infection before treating it at home or you may cause more pain for your dog.
How To Treat A Dog Ear Infection Without Vet Help
First, a word about topical dog ear infection treatment. As youll see later, over-cleaning your dogs ears can lead to ear infections. So its best not to put anything in your dogs ears even if she has an ear infection. If that happens, you know its a sign of deeper issues so getting to the root of the problem is key.
But sometimes ear infections are just too uncomfortable for your dog and you need get her comfortable while you work on the root cause.
Topical ReliefThese are some soothing remedies you can use to provide relief. Theyll soothe the itching and discomfort. Then there are other steps to follow if you want to control your dogs ear infections long-term.
Green TeaBoil 8 oz of water and add two green tea bags. Let the tea steep for a few minutes and cool to lukewarm temperature. Sponge or syringe some of the solution into the ear canal.
Calendula TinctureCalendula can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It also has antimicrobial properties to help prevent infection. To use calendula, buy herbal calendula in tincture form.Add 5 to 10 drops of calendula tincture to 1 cup of lukewarm filtered water. Then use a dropper or sponge to place some into the ears.
Grapefruit Seed ExtractGrapefruit seed extract is a powerful natural antioxidant. Its also antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. To use it topically, mix 10 drops of GSE with ½ oz of pure aloe vera juice. Use it to clean the ears.
To use it internally, add 3 to 5 drops of GSE to your dogs food.
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How To Mix The Monistat Cream With Hydrocortisone Cream For Use
You should use the same amount of both creams. The reason you want to add Hydrocortisone cream to the Monistat cream is that it will help relieve your dogs excessive itchiness.
When mixing, use the same amount of Monistat & Hydrocortisone Cream
After combining the two creams, you will notice it has a thick consistency. Add several drops of water to the blend of these two creams to make it slightly thinner, add it to a dropper, and then carefully squirt the mixture into your dogs ears
Use this home remedy treatment for a week to get rid of the yeast infection for good. If the problem does not subside despite the constant use of Monistat /hydrocortisone cream combo, youll need to bring your dog to the veterinarians office.
Do make sure you are using Monistat when selecting an over-the-counter cream to treat your dogs yeast infection. Do not mistake this product for another product on the market, such as Vagisil. While Vagisil relieves itching, it is not formulated to eliminate fungus , so its not at all useful for your dogs yeast infection.
What Causes Yeast In Dogs Ears
Causes of Yeast Ear Infection in Dogs There are numerous reasons why the delicate environment within your pups ear can be thrown off and lead to a yeast infection, some of the most common include: Trapped moisture particularly in dogs with long floppy ears. Antibiotics. Immunodeficiency.
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You Can Manage A Yeast Infection From Happening In The First Place With Food And Supplements That Support The Immune System Skin And Coat Health
Yeast infections are usually a symptom of an underlying problem, like allergies or an immune system issue. If you take away the factors that allow yeast to grow out of control, the infection may clear up on its own.
There are three things you can do to help prevent yeast infections from happening in the first place:
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Make sure your dog is fed a healthy diet with plenty of high-quality protein and omega fatty acids.
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Feed a low-carbohydrate food without grains or potatoes.
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Supplement his or her diet with digestive enzymes and probiotics to support healthy gut flora.
Dog Ear Cleaning Tips
Ear cleaning is an important part of the grooming process, but that doesn’t mean that your dog will like it. like other invasive grooming methods, ear cleaning takes some practice to help you both get used to the process. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Choose the Right Position
The angle that you approach dog ear cleaning for will depend on the shape and size of your dog, as well as both of your levels of comfort. Having your dog lay on his side gives you a really easy angle and keeps their ear turned up. It’s great for small dogs and dogs that have a limited range of motion in their neck, like a pug.
Bigger dogs may be more comfortable sitting, but you’ll need to keep their head tilted to the side so that their ear is facing upwards. For floppy-eared dogs, fold the ear back so that it’s out of your way.
Have a Distraction Handy
If your dog is less than cooperative, have a chew or toy handy that can give them something to focus on while you groom them. We love Sodapup Licking Mats because they give you more time to fuss with our dog’s ear while they clean up every last inch of the mat.
Tag Team
A second set of hands can be great for keeping your dog in the right position and calm while you work. Choose someone your dog is comfortable with and ask them to hold or pet your dog while you clean their ear out.
Take Breaks in Between Ears
Be Prepared for a Mess
Swaddle Little Dogs
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Natural Ear Cleaner For Dogs Cats Kitten Puppy Gentle Cleansing Ear Wash Solution Mite Infection & Yeast Treatment For Pets Drying Healing Medicinal Ear Cleaning Drops Made In Usa
Features :
- PET EAR CLEANING SOLUTION: Best pet ear drops for dogs, cats, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters & other small animals. Performs as an unclogging solution, healing ointment, drying liquid & infection treatment.
- REMEDIES EAR MITES & YEAST: Our ear cleaner drops not only loosen up ear wax & remove debris from the ear canal, they also help prevent ear yeast & mite infections in dogs, cats, kitties & puppies.
- ITCH RELIEF + ODOR CONTROL: Your pet will enjoy instant relief from itching, irritation & scratching. Our ear wash for dogs & cats stops head shaking, scratching & smelly ear odors without medication.
- FRESH, WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: 100% Phthalate-Free, Sulfate-Free, Gluten-Free, Paraben-Free, Formaldehyde-Free, GMO-Free & Cruelty-Free. Earache remedy made out of pure fair trade certified organic ingredients.
- SAFE, GENTLE & EASY TO USE: Administering the ear drops to dry out ears, clean them & prevent infection is extremely easy. Dispense drops directly in ear canal. Gently massage in & wipe off excess. Thats it.
Which Dogs Fall Prey To Yeast

Healthy dogs that are fed a nutritious diet don’t usually succumb to yeast infections. However, any dog can be affected by yeast overpopulation. The ones that are vulnerable are those that have existing health issues, are on antibiotics, or have been on steroids for a prolonged period.
Also, certain breeds are more likely to suffer from a yeast infection than any others, these include:
- American Cocker Spaniels
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Reduce The Amount Of Heavy Metals Your Dog Consumes
Yeast has a high affinity for most heavy metals, especially mercury. These metals generate free radicals that can cause severe health problems.
Since the body cannot remove them on its own, these metals tend to accumulate over time. And a large amount of some heavy metals like mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic can be quite toxic to your dog.
Yeast tends to bind to heavy metals and stop them from getting into the dogs system, which is good news. However, heavy metals are toxic to competing bacteria. The heavy metals can reduce the population of the competing bacteria resulting in the outgrowth of yeast. Therefore, if you want to stop a yeast infection in dogs, you must reduce the number of heavy metals it consumes. So you can reduce the heavy metals by doing the following:
- Avoid feeding your dog low-quality fish oil or fish-based diets.
- Stop giving your pet fluoridated water.
- Feed him organic food.
How Do You Treat A Yeast Infection In A Dogs Ear
The most common dog ear yeast infection treatment is a veterinary prescribed ear ointment. These dog-specific ear ointments are safe for dogs and usually contain an antifungal medicine to treat the infection and a steroid to reduce the itching and inflammation in the ear. In addition to dog ear infection medications like ear ointments, your veterinarian may wish for you to clean out your dogs ear. is one of my favorite ear cleaners for dog ear yeast infections. If you have never cleaned out a dogs ear before, check out this article on how to clean a dogs ears. After ear cleaning or administering ear medication, dont forget to give your pup a tasty treat!
If the yeast infections are recurring, your veterinarian will likely wish to determine the underlying cause of the ear infections. Because many yeast infections in dogs are caused by allergies, your vet may want to try a special allergy diet that is made for dogs with food allergies. Your vet may wish to prescribe allergy medications including Apoquel, Cytopoint, steroids, or antihistamines. Another option that may improve itching associated with allergies is to try a fatty acid supplement. While these medications wont cure ear yeast infections, they may help to reduce some of the symptoms associated with allergies. To learn more about allergy medication use in dogs, check out this complete guide to dog allergy medication.
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What If Your Dog Has Chronic Ear Infections
Chronic ear infections can be time-consuming and frustrating for the pet, the owner, and even the veterinarian.
Certain breeds of dogs are known to more commonly experience recurring ear infection issues, according to the Veterinary Information Network.3 This can be partly due to genetics, ear shape, or ear confirmation. Over time, proliferative ear tissue can form, making treatment more difficult.
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Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels commonly get chronic infections due to long, floppy ears and a high numbers of ceruminous glands .
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Shar-Peis have small ear canals that can trap and hide debris.
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Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are prone to allergies and underlying sensitivities leading to chronic or recurrent ear infection.
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Schnauzers and Poodles often have excess hair deep in the ear canal.
Chronic dog ear infections require closely working with your veterinarian to treat. It is important that your vet does testing to choose the appropriate medication. Chronic infections can require medication consistently for 6 to 8 weeks.
After treatment, testing is needed again to ensure that all the infection has cleared. If we stop medicating too soon or do not treat underlying problems, it is easy for the infection to return, sometimes even becoming resistant to many medications.
Natural Remedies For Dog Ear Infections
Did you know that there are many natural homemade remedies for your dogs ear infection?
You may be feeling frustrated with going back and forth to the vet clinic for the same problem and the infection keeps coming back?
Unfortunately, ear infections are too common for our dogs and cats, but especially dogs.
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How Did My Dog Get A Yeast Infection
Allergens such as pollens, mold, dust, cigarette smoke, cleaning products, and even certain foods, especially if they’re high in sugar and carbs, can also lead to yeast infections. For some dogs, yeast problems are seasonal, and when the temperature and humidity are high, problems with yeast can occur.
Dogs With Allergies Are Prone To Yeasty Ears
Dogs with allergies are also prone to developing a yeast infection in their ears. This is a secondary symptom of the allergy, and it can cause added discomfort for your pup. Allergies cause the production of histamines, which are chemicals that lead to inflammation in the body. As they irritate the ear canal, it can become itchy and sore. The inflamed skin is more hospitable to yeast growth, making ear infections more likely. These infections tend to be painful for dogs and can cause them to scratch at their ears or shake their heads repeatedly.
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What Are The Risks Of Brewers Yeast For Dogs
In large dogs, the amount of brewers yeast needed to have an effect may cause stomach and intestinal upset. Gas is the most commonly reported side effect in all dogs. Brewers yeast can interact with some types of anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications. It should not be given if your dog is immunocompromised, prone to yeast infections, or has yeast allergies. It is also inadvisable for dogs with colitis and other types of bowel disease. Beyond these specific factors, there is little controversy about brewers yeast in small doses for healthy adult dogs.
Brewers yeast is also high in calories, at about 80 kilocalories per ounce , so its important to factor the calorie count in your dogs daily intake. Be sure to read the label carefully for added ingredients that your dog may be sensitive to.