Scratching Could Mean an Ear Infection

 

 

Don't Ignore Excessive Scratching

Almost all pets are affected by an ear infection at one time or another during their lifetime.  If the pet is robust enough, the infection might just resolve itself as the immune system of the pet asserts itself.  But unhealthy, weak and otherwise immune system compromised pets may develop chronic ear infections, which they can battle with their entire life - or until a life style change occurs.

 

Common Symptoms

Here are some of the most common symptoms of a pet with an ear infection:

 

• Wax build up
• Smelly ears
• Discharge from the ears. 
• Itchy ears

 

 

 

Causes

There are many reasons why your pet may have developed an ear infection:

 

• Immunity System:  Weakened by poor diet, vaccinations, and/or over exposure to drugs, chemicals, etc...
• Allergies:  Just like us, dogs can be allergic to food, pollen, hay fever, and/or pollution, etc
• Genetics:  Some dogs with floppy ears (Poodle, Spaniels, Retrievers, etc), are especially prone to trapping water and inhibited air circulation, which creates the perfect environment for bacterial growth
• Thyroid:  Hypothyroid dogs often have ear infections and show ear pain, redness, and odor. 

 

 

Solutions

Like dealing with most infections, having a good immune system helps to fight infection.  If your dogs has chronic ear infections, it is time to look at their entire lifestyle in a holistic way.  Their diet, exercise, grooming, and emotional health needs to be evaluated.

 

 

 

 

Diet

One way to approach avoiding ear infection is to adjust the diet:

 

• Add extra Omega-3 Fatty Acids to your pet's diet with a product such as CoatPlus
• Add Probiotics to your dog’s diet see our Digestive Health Area for more information

 

 

Ear Washes

One effective way to deal with an active ear infection is to give your pet an ear wash.  I have included two very easy to make home solutions for your information, along with two of our wonderful natural products (Ear Clear and Otaxium Drops).

 

 

Homemade Flush Solution #1

This flush solution is acidic which help creates acid environment that kills yeast:

 

• One Teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar + 1/2 Cup of distilled water.  
• Flush solution into the ear.
• Hold the solution in the ear for 5 to 10 seconds.
• Let your dog shake out the solution from the ear (this can be messy - do it in the bathroom)
• If necessary, swab the external ear with cotton balls or a soft rag.  
• Be very careful when drying ears, they are very delicate and easily damaged

 

 

 

Homemade Flush Solution #2

This flush solution uses the restorative powers of garlic, rendered to liquid form:

 

• Take an old clove of garlic fro the fridge and pulverise to a paste
• Dilute by half with warm water
• Put a few drops in each ear and massage gently for 5 to 10 seconds
• Let your dog shake out the solution from the ear (this can be messy - do it in the bathroom)
• If necessary, swab the external ear with cotton balls or a soft rag.  
• Be very careful when drying ears, they are very delicate and easily damaged

 

 

Holistic Pet Ear Infection Treatments

We offer the following holistic products to treat ear infections:

 

• Ear Clear: An aromatherapy treatment that uses the power of essential oils to kills bacteria and rebalance ear chemistry.
• Otaxium Drops: A herbal product that is excellent for dealing with persistent ear problems and relieves your dog from ear pain.

 

 

Holistic Pet Ear Infection Prevention

We advise the following to prevent your pet from developing an ear infection:

 

• Boost their general immunity via our wide range of holistic health products, which are designed to boost pet general health, safely and naturally.
• Groom your pet regularly and while doing so check the ears and skin, to help discover and problems as early as possible.