There are several dog ear infection treatment options that pet owners can choose from. While some treatments rely on the use of antibiotic ear drops and tablets, others involve the use of herbal formulas, natural remedies and home remedies. The use of hydrogen peroxide in the treatment of ear infections is one such home remedy. Although it works effectively on some pets, it may not benefit others.
Dog Ear Infections
The dog’s ear canal is L-shaped. This ear canal often becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast infections. If your pet’s ear canal is not cleaned regularly, he will suffer from outer ear infections that will travel down the canal if left untreated. Inner ear infections are not only difficult to treat but they’re also likely to cause damage to your pet’s ears. To prevent this from happening you must clean your dog’s ears frequently and in the right manner.
Apart from bacteria and yeast, the pet may also suffer from ear infections that are caused by ear mites. These mites survive on the fluids that are present in your dog’s ears. Since they cause a lot of itchiness, your pet will frequently scratch his ears and this will cause lesions and inflammation.
Treating the Ears with Hydrogen Peroxide
If you want to get rid of an active ear infection you will have to first conduct a vet check to find out the type and severity of the infection present. If the infection is mild in nature you could discuss the use of home remedies with the vet. If it’s safe to use home remedies to clean your pet’s ears make a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3 percent) and 1 part water. You will have to flush the pet’s ears with this solution with the help of a bulb ear syringe. This will help you to get rid of ear wax and any dirt that’s lodged in the ear canal.
Although this remedy is effective, you will have to seek vet help if the ear infection doesn’t subside or gets worse in time. Ear infections can cause severe ear ache and can also lead to loss of hearing. You should therefore never neglect any symptoms of ear infections and initiate treatment at the earliest.
Other Home Remedies
Instead of using hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ears you could also use a mixture of water and white vinegar to clean the ears. These home remedies benefit a lot of animals. They can also be used as an alternative to commercially available ear cleansing solutions. However, if your dog has visible wax buildup you should consider using a commercial ear cleansing formula as it will help you to get rid of ear wax and debris and prevent the occurrence of an ear infection.
Commercially Available Ear Cleansing Solutions Include:
- Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser
- Oti Clens Cleaning Solution
- Nolvasan Otic
- 1-800-PetMeds Ear Cleansing Solution
If your dog suffers from frequent ear infections, you will have to clean his ears regularly and trim the hair that’s present in the ear canal. Also make sure you dry your pet’s ears after he swims and take measures to get rid of ear mite infections as soon as they occur.