Natural remedies for cleaning dog ears – and preventing dog ear infections
Dog ear canals are L-shaped to protect the sharp hearing capabilities of dogs. This unusual shape is nature’s way of protecting the ear drum. But this shape is also the major reason why an ear infection is common in dogs. This is mainly due to the fact that the structure allows the ear mites, moisture, ear wax and debris to accumulate.
When moisture and excessive wax accumulates in the ear, it can lead to severe infection of the ear, especially if there is also a prevalence of dog ear mites. Conventional medications that include antibiotics and antifungal drugs tend to weaken the immune system. Home remedies for dog ear mites, on the other hand, attempt to focus on the underlying cause without harming other functions of the body.
There are steps you can take yourself to lessen the likelihood of your dog suffering from ear infections. There are specific dog ear cleaning methods that will keep your dog’s ears infection-free. And some natural remedies for keeping ear infections under control.
* A yeast infection is indicated by an accumulation of brownish-pink wax. Dilute white acetic acid or vinegar in an equal quantity of water and pour a few drops in the dog’s ears. Massage the area mildly and then remove the loosened wax with a cotton swab. Do not use this remedy if there is an open sore wound in the ear. Vinegar us likely to irritate the dog. Use mineral or almond or olive oil with Vitamin C to loosen the wax so that it can be cleaned.
* Pau d’arco, an herb that comes from the inner bark of a South American tree is a natural antibiotic recommended for dogs. Tincture of pau d’arco with a little bit of mineral oil will go a long way to remove ear infections in dogs.
* The adrenal glands play an important role in containing ear infections in dogs. You can improve the function of the adrenal glands by giving a regulated dose of Vitamin C. Keep a watch on the bowel movements of the dog and manage the dose so that it does not lead to diarrhea.
* A natural healthy homemade diet is highly recommended to avoid harmful effects of commercial diets that use synthetic preservatives and additives. This will help to eliminate toxins, curtail the production of wax and also support the automatic immune responses.
* Dog breeds with long drooping ears are at a greater risk of developing ear mites. You can try tying a hand band to allow free air circulation of air in the ears, at least when the dog is indoors.
* Trim hair regularly during grooming to give an easy passage to air to get in and dry the inner ear thoroughly after a bath.
Cat ear mites are less common than dog ear mites but negligence in grooming can even cause rare conditions like cat ear mites to occur. Ear infections usually affect the outer ear and proper grooming can take care of practically all conditions. However, if your dog is still scratching ears too much, it is time to consult a specialist. Too much scratching can lead to a rupture of a blood vessel and cause a haematoma that may block the ear completely. Head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles or drooping eyes indicates infection of the inner ear that should be attended only by a veterinarian. 
Article courtesy of Pet Alive.
References:
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/go/index.php/419/dog
-ear-infections/
http://natural-pet-care.com/natural-pet-health-blog/dogs
-puppies/dog-ears-antibiotic-cleaner/
http://lowchensaustralia.com/health/eareyes.htm
