pet ear infections
Ouch! What to Do About Your Pet’s Ear Infection
Does your dog or cat suffer from ear infections?
Do you spend time and money at the vet's office trying to get rid of your beloved pet, only to find that another disease has developed over time? If so, you can try some other natural ways to prevent and treat your pet's ear infections.
Cats and dogs have an amazing sense of hearing. To protect their hearing and prevent damage to the eardrum, their ear canals are shaped like an L.. The problem with this design is that it allows the ears to trap parasites, water, debris, and earwax, one of which can also lead to ear infections. Up to 80 percent of ear problems in dogs are related to allergies, and earworms are often the cause of canine infections.
Conventional treatment for an ear infection includes prescribing antibiotics, antifungal medications, or other medications. The problem with this approach is that medications disrupt the natural chemistry in the ear and can turn a mild infection into a long-term problem. It is important to address the underlying allergy and to strengthen the immune system so that it is able to fight off bacteria and other germs before they cause an infection. There are also many natural remedies to clean the ears and prevent infections without using medications.
The following symptoms could indicate an ear infection:
Pet shakes its head or holds it aside.
* Pets scratch, rub their ears, or rub their heads on furniture or carpets.
One or both ears may have a yellow, brown, or black discharge.
Ears smell foul, tender, or red.
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solutions solutions
* Wash Your Ears With Vinegar - If your pet's ears are full of rose-colored wax, there is a good chance that the allergy has caused a yeast infection. To get rid of a yeast infection, clean the ears well. White vinegar, also called acetic acid, is often recommended by veterinarians, as it removes dirt and debris and helps restore a healthy balance of earwax.
Diluted vinegar works well. When using vinegar, pour a small amount through the ear canal, massage the area, and then gently wipe the inside of the ear with a cotton swab. Do this once daily until the ears are healthy.
*Avoid Infections With Arc Palms - The palm herb, which comes from the inner bark of a South American tree, is a natural antibiotic that quickly kills fungi and bacteria. At the first sign of illness, mix equal parts pau d'arco tincture and mineral oil and put several drops in your pet's ears. For a few days, administer the drops two or three times each day.
Reduce Inflammation with Vitamin C - The adrenal glands produce a natural steroid that can help reduce inflammation when the ears are affected. Giving your pet vitamin C can help the adrenal glands function properly. Pets under 15 pounds can take 100 to 250 milligrams of vitamin C per day. Dogs and cats weighing 15 to 50 pounds can take 250 to 500 milligrams per day, and larger dogs can take 500 milligrams two or three times per day. Vitamin C can cause diarrhea, so you may need to reduce the dose until you find the amount your pet can tolerate.
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* DETOX WITH A HEALTHY, ALL NATURAL DIET -
Feeding your pet a healthy homemade diet or high-quality commercial food that is free of corn, additives or preservatives can significantly reduce the amount of these waxy ears, while also helping to strengthen their immune system. immunity.
* Air out of the ears -
Increased air circulation in the ear canal can prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungi. Periodically clip or pluck the hair inside the ears to allow more air to flow.
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* Strengthening the Digestive System -
Supplements such as bromelain and quercetin (along with bromelain) can help prevent an allergic response in the digestive system, making food allergies less of a problem.
* Keep ear mites oily -
When an infection is caused by ear mites, putting a few drops of almond or olive oil in each ear will trap the mites and may allow the infection to heal. Usually, you should continue the lubrication for three to four weeks, putting three to seven drops of the oil into the ear canal daily. To help the treatment work properly, clean the wax and other debris from the ears first
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Use of oil.
Try an over-the-counter remedy - One of the best ways to prevent ear mites is over-the-counter products that contain pyrethrin. Pyrethrins are made from chrysanthemums, which are natural insecticides that are very safe to use. Just follow the instructions on the label.
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When do you call the vet?
Ear infections can look and smell foul, but they usually only affect the outside of the ear and are less severe. If you can't get to the source of the problem (especially if your pet is still barking a lot), you'll need to see your vet to find out what's causing the problem. The intense pressure can rupture the blood vessels inside the ear, causing the entire ear to swell like a balloon. This infection is called a hematoma and must be removed by your vet to prevent permanent damage.
Other symptoms to look for include head tilting, drooling, walking in circles or drooping eyes. These are symptoms of an inner ear infection and should be treated by a vet. Your pet may need antibiotics to treat the infection. Additionally, your vet may need to drain some of the pus and fluid from inside the ear!
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FAQ
How do I treat my dog's ear infection at home?Treating your dog’s ear infection at home should be done with caution, and only for mild cases or as initial care before seeing a vet. First, identify the symptoms: shaking the head, scratching at the ears, redness, discharge, or a foul smell. If these signs are present, start by gently cleaning the ears with a vet-approved ear cleaner—never use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or Q-tips deep in the ear canal, as these can cause damage.
Use a clean cotton ball to wipe away excess debris after applying the cleaner. Some over-the-counter ear infection treatments contain antifungal or antibacterial agents, but you should only use them if you’re sure of the infection type. For comfort, a warm compress placed near the ear can help reduce inflammation.
That said, ear infections often need prescription treatment. If symptoms persist beyond a couple of days, worsen, or if your dog appears to be in pain, see a veterinarian immediately. Ignoring a serious infection can lead to chronic problems or hearing loss.
Home remedies should never replace professional care, especially if it’s your dog’s first ear infection. When in doubt, get expert help to keep your furry friend healthy and pain-free.
When it comes to treating a dog’s ear infection, the right medicine depends on the cause—bacterial, yeast, or mites. The most effective and safe option is usually a veterinarian-prescribed ear medication tailored to your dog’s specific condition. Common prescription options include:
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Otomax – a combo of antifungal, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory agents.
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Mometamax – treats bacterial and fungal infections and reduces inflammation.
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Zymox Otic – a popular enzymatic treatment, often available without a prescription for mild infections.
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Tresaderm – used for bacterial, fungal, or mite-related infections.
These medications are usually in drop form, and your vet will show you how to apply them properly. Treatment typically lasts 7–14 days, depending on severity.
Never use human medications like Neosporin or antibiotic ear drops unless specifically advised by your vet—they can be toxic to dogs or make the issue worse.
If you're in a pinch and can't get to the vet right away, Zymox Otic with hydrocortisone is a trusted OTC option, but it's not a cure-all. It’s always best to get a diagnosis first to avoid treating the wrong issue. An accurate diagnosis ensures faster healing and keeps your dog safe and comfortable.
Preventing ear infections in dogs starts with regular ear care and hygiene, especially if your dog has floppy ears, allergies, or enjoys swimming. Moisture, wax buildup, and trapped debris are common culprits, so keeping the ears clean and dry is key.
Start by checking your dog’s ears weekly. Look for signs of redness, odor, or discharge. If the ears look dirty, gently clean them using a vet-approved ear cleaner. Apply the solution, massage the base of the ear, and then wipe away debris with a cotton ball—never insert anything deep into the ear canal.
After baths or swimming, be sure to dry your dog’s ears thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to yeast or bacterial growth.
If your dog has allergies (a common trigger for infections), work with your vet to manage them through diet or medications. Keeping your dog on a balanced diet and avoiding allergens can make a big difference.
Also, avoid over-cleaning—this can irritate the ears and disrupt their natural defenses. Routine vet checkups will help catch early signs before they become full-blown infections.
By staying proactive and consistent, you can dramatically reduce your dog’s risk of painful, recurring ear infections and keep their ears healthy and happy.
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🌿 BestNest Deals: My Favorite Secret for Outdoor Living & Birding Bliss
Discover How I Save Big on Bird Feeders, Outdoor Decor, and More
I’ll be honest—I’m obsessed with making my backyard a peaceful, nature-filled paradise. Whether it’s watching hummingbirds zip through the trees or tending to my planters on a sunny weekend morning, there's just something magical about outdoor living.
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🛒 What is BestNest? (And Why I’m Hooked)
A Quick Overview for First-Time Shoppers
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🐦 A massive selection of birding gear (feeders, baths, houses, seed)
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🔥 Trending BestNest Deals You Need to Know About
If you're anything like me, you love a good deal. And BestNest delivers with discounts that rotate throughout the year. Here are the trending BestNest promos and sales I always watch for:
🏷️ Ongoing Deals & Discounts
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10% Off Your First Order when you sign up for their email list
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Free Shipping on orders over $75 (which is super easy to hit)
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Clearance Section with up to 70% off select items
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Bulk pricing on birdseed, houses, and some planters
🐦 Seasonal Sales (Mark Your Calendar!)
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Spring Migration Sale – Perfect time to grab hummingbird feeders and birdhouses
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Backyard Essentials Week – Deep discounts on outdoor lighting, benches, and patio gear
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Holiday Deals – Great for gifting (or gifting yourself) wildlife-themed items
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Fall Cleanup Event – Tools, composters, and yard care marked way down
🐝 My Favorite BestNest Products (And the Deals I Scored!)
Over the years, I’ve tried dozens of their products—and these are the ones I keep recommending to fellow nature lovers.
🦉 Squirrel Buster Plus Feeder
This feeder is legendary for a reason. Squirrels can't crack it, and birds love it. It’s durable, easy to clean, and worth every penny.
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🌸 Achla Designs Planters
These planters add a touch of charm to my patio and garden beds. They're metal, sturdy, and oh-so-pretty.
💡 Deal Tip: Watch the clearance section—these often pop up at 30–40% off.
🐝 Woodlink Bat House & Bee Habitat
Yes, I’m one of those people who thinks bat houses are cool—and you’d be amazed how much they help with mosquitos. My bee hotel is a pollinator paradise too.
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One of my favorite parts of BestNest is their outdoor living section. It’s not just functional—it’s stylish too.
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Solar-powered garden lights
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🧡 Why I Trust BestNest for My Outdoor Living Needs
There’s a reason I keep coming back to BestNest. Here’s what keeps me loyal:
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Top-notch customer service – Helpful, fast, and knowledgeable
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Products that last – I’ve had some birdhouses for 5+ years and they still look new
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Fast shipping – I usually get my orders within a week
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Subscribe to the BestNest newsletter for exclusive deals and first dibs on sales
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Use coupon codes on top of clearance items (when available)
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Bundle your purchases to qualify for free shipping
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Shop seasonally – Certain products go on deep discount based on time of year
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Follow BestNest on social media – They sometimes drop surprise codes in their posts
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🎁 Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog is based on my personal experiences and preferences as an outdoor living enthusiast and birding hobbyist. Prices, promotions, and product availability may change at any time. Please visit BestNest’s website for the most up-to-date information and consult their customer service for help with specific products.
Would you like me to continue and build out additional sections like:
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🪺 How to Choose the Right Bird Feeder
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🌼 BestNest’s Top Wildlife Care Products
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🧤 Gardening Tips for Beginners
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🛋️ How to Design a Cozy Outdoor Living Space
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🙋♀️ BestNest FAQ (Shipping, Returns, Product Quality)
Just say the word and I’ll keep writing!