Dog Ear Infection Remedy

The symptoms to look for to determine if a dog has an ear infection are:

1. The dog shakes its head or holds it to one side.
2. The dog scratches or rubs its ears or rubs its head against furniture or carpet.
3. There is a yellow, brown or black discharge in one or both ears.
4. The dog's ears smell bad or are tender or red.

Other symptoms to watch out for include head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles or drooping eyes. These are signs of an inner-ear infection and must be treated by a vet.

There are many medications that can be purchased over the counter at pet stores or even at large chain stores and used as a dog ear infection remedy. If you suspect that the dog has ear mites, one of the best ways to stop ear mites is with over-the-counter products containing pyrethrins. Made from chrysanthemums, pyrethrins are natural insecticides that are very safe to use. Just follow the instructions on the label.

There is at least one product that is in most homes that can be used as a dog ear infection remedy…and that product is vinegar. If the dog's ears are filled with brownish-pink wax, there is a good chance that allergies have caused a yeast infection. To clear up yeast infections, clean the ears thoroughly. Veterinarians often recommend using white vinegar (also called acetic acid), because it removes dirt and debris and helps restore a healthy chemical balance in the ears. Diluted vinegar works well. When using a diluted vinegar solution; pour a small amount into the ear canal, massage the area, then gently wipe the inside of the ear with a cotton ball. Do this once or twice a day until the ear is better.

Ear infections can look and smell really awful, but they usually affect only the outer part of the ear and aren't too serious. If you're unable to get to the source of the problem (especially if the dog is still scratching a lot), you should see your veterinarian to find out what is causing the problem.