Apple Cider Vinegar: Home Remedy for Dog Ear Infection

Apple Cider Vinegar: Home Remedy for Dog Ear Infection

Many people are interested in using apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for a dog ear infection.

Apple cider vinegar is quite popular! There is a lot of information online about using vinegar as a household “miracle cleaner.” 

Many people know using vinegar to mix up their own homemade cleaners and furniture polishes is quite popular. 

But, did you know vinegar can also be a “miracle cleaner” for dog ear infections?

Vinegar’s Effects on Ear Infections

Dog Ear InfectionSometimes, bacteria, viruses, and fungi invade and reproduce inside a dog’s ear canal, causing an infection.

Ear infections are most common in dogs with floppy, hanging ears.

The reason is because floppy, hanging ears create a damp, moist environment perfect for bacterial growth.

Yes, vinegar is an excellent home remedy for dog ear infections!

Vinegar treats dog ear infections in several ways:

  • Antibiotic – Vinegar kills bacteria
  • Antiviral – Vinegar kills viruses
  • Antifungal – Vinegar kills fungi
  • pH Restorative – Vinegar restores the ear canal’s proper pH balance.

However, vinegar is quite strong and you must dilute it properly to use on your dogs ears.

How to Treat Dog Ear Infections with Vinegar

First and most importantly, you must make sure your dog’s eardrum is not perforated.

You should not put any liquids in your dog’s ears if the eardrum is perforated.

Home remedy for dog ear infectionIf the eardrum is perforated, inserting liquids can cause severe problems including head tilt and deafness.

If you know your dog’s eardrum is intact, you can start the vinegar ear treatment:

  1. First, mix half vinegar and half water and place them in a squirt bottle.  We recommend using a squirt bottle rather than a spray bottle.
  2. Next, completely fill your dog’s ear canal with the mixture. Be careful not to let the solution get into your dog’s eyes.
  3. Gently massage the base of our dog’s ear.
  4. After massaging, allow your dog to shake his head. The excess vinegar solution will come out, along with any debris from inside the ear canal.

You don’t need to swab your dog’s ear but might want to wipe debris from the ear flap.

Apple cider vinegar is best. However, apple cider vinegar may stain white or light-colored fur. If your dog has white or light-colored, you may want to use distilled white vinegar instead.

Vinegar Ear Cleaning Schedule

Vinegar Ear Cleaning for dogsTreat both ears (even if only one ear seems infected) twice daily for two weeks. For maintenance, dog ear infections are treated once or twice weekly.

If you don’t see an improvement in your dog’s ear infection within a few days, contact your veterinarian.

Want holistic options for your pet’s health issues? Contact us today! 

Related Posts

Connect with Us:

More Posts

NexGard Feline Combo: Protect Your Feline Friend with Expert Flea and Tick Prevention

We know how much your feline friends mean to you – those purrs, playful pounces, and snuggles are precious moments that light up your day. But amid all the fun, there’s a serious concern: pesky parasites that can make your cat uncomfortable and unwell. That’s where NexGard Combo steps in – your cat’s superhero shield against fleas, ticks, and more. We’re here to tell you all about it in the simplest way possible. So, let’s dive into this conversation about keeping your furball safe and sound! Why NexGard Feline Combo? When it comes to your furry feline friend’s well-being, you

Read More »

Titer Test for Dogs: The #1 Super Defense for Your Pet

Titer testing for dogs is one approach that may reduce the dangers of infectious illnesses and unneeded vaccines.  Titer testing for dogs is a wonderful choice for recently acquired pets whose vaccination or health history is a little murky. Titers also help check immunity to parvovirus, distemper, and adenovirus in adult dogs who already received vaccinations for those conditions.   Find a veterinarian who will help you identify what good veterinary medicine means in terms of vaccinations and pet care options. What is a Titer Test for Dogs?  A titer test for dogs is like a special checkup. It’s like looking

Read More »

Aches and Discomfort in Dogs: 4 Things You Can Do

Dogs are enjoying longer lives because of improved healthcare options. With this longer life span, they are at more risk for aches and discomfort. Hence, aches and discomfort in dogs are pretty common once they enter their senior years. However, there are also instances when your young pooch may suffer.  You just can’t bear to see your faithful pets endure any kind of suffering, especially when they are hurting for unknown reasons.  The symptoms of a dog’s pain might vary widely and aren’t always related to the underlying issue. To learn the signs of aches and discomfort in dogs as

Read More »

Fight Heart Disease in Dogs: The Safest Taurine Supplement

Is your darling pooch panting even without exercising? Does she suddenly collapse or faint? Even worse, is there blood in her urine? Heart disease in dogs usually starts this way. If you answered yes, the main culprit might be that your dog is suffering from taurine deficiency.  Taurine deficiency can cause dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM. This is a heart muscle disease that eventually leads to congestive heart failure. In the worst cases, DCM can cause death.  If your vet diagnoses your dog with a taurine deficiency, he or she is in dire need of taurine supplements.    How Does Taurine

Read More »