To soothe your dog's itchy ears at home, gently clean the outer ear with a cooled chamomile or green tea solution or a mix of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar (ACV) on a cotton ball, massaging the base of the ear to help loosen debris and fight yeast. You can also try dabbing a bit of coconut oil or aloe vera gel for moisture. Crucially, if you notice discharge, bad odor, severe swelling, or if scratching persists, see a vet immediately, as these could be signs of a serious infection or mites needing professional treatment, warn Wag!, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, PetHonesty.
Head shaking and ear scratching in dogs typically indicate ear irritation, often from infections or allergies. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and discomfort without discharge or odor. Treatment involves cleaning the ear with vet-approved solutions and possibly prescribing antibiotics or antifungal medications.
"Treating" your doggo with a home remedy for the wrong thing won't help and can even lead to other problems. If your pet has a ruptured ear drum, there's a very real risk of causing pain, balance problems, and hearing loss. Never put anything in your dog's ear without veterinary instruction.
Home treatments for dog ear infections
Commonly prescribed anti-itching medications include glucocorticoids, and essential fatty acids, cyclosporine, and oclacitinib. Treating itchiness with antihistamines is common, but their success in treating itching is highly variable.
You might notice these physical symptoms as well: swelling, reddish ear wax, and redness. These symptoms are similar to yeast infections, but a significant difference is the dark granules in your dog's ears that resemble coffee grounds. These granules are ear mite discharge.
We do not recommend the use of alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog's ears. These products can cause inflammation of the ear canal and further exacerbate infections. Your veterinarian can provide recommendations on the best products to use.
Consider supplementing your dog's diet with antioxidants such as vitamins A and E, Coenzyme Q-10, or any number of the culinary herbs, including rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and oregano (Origanum vulgare).
Does your dog get itchy skin, sore ears, or lick their paws constantly? They may have allergic skin disease. Spring and early summer tend to be the worst time for allergic skin disease in dogs as there are high pollen levels in the air.
No, it is not recommended to use human ear drops on dogs, as they can contain ingredients that may be harmful to dogs or ineffective in treating their ear problems.
While there are no effective home remedies for dog ear infections, an over-the-counter medicated ear cleanser can help a mild infection. Veterinary treatment and prescription medication is often required to restore a healthy ear canal and treat a significant ear infection.
Coconut oil is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an excellent remedy for dog ear mites. Warm a small amount of coconut oil and apply it to the inside of your dog's ears using a cotton ball. This will help suffocate the mites and relieve itching.
Ears—Dog ear yeast infections—also referred to as yeast otitis—cause a thick, brown discharge and strong odor in the ear canal. Affected dogs repeatedly scratch their ears to try to relieve the discomfort. They may also shake their heads and develop a head tilt. Ear infections are commonly related to food allergies.
Breeds Prone to Ear Infections and Signs to Watch For
Here are five effective home remedies for itchy pet skin.
Yes, eggs can help dogs with itchy skin, as they are rich in protein, essential fatty acids, and vitamins that promote overall skin health. Eggs also contain biotin (a B-vitamin) and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to help reduce inflammation and improve skin conditions.