Ear infections in dogs are common, but they can be painful and hard to treat. Ear infections can also cause your dog to have a lot of trouble with their hearing, so it’s important to know how to spot the signs and what you can do about them.
Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs
Your dog’s ear infection can have a few different causes, and determining the cause is important in choosing the right treatment. Ear infections occur when an animal has too much wax build-up or debris in its ears. This can lead to an infection due to bacteria or yeast living in this area of their body. Often times it is caused by allergies but it can also be due to an injury or even excessive wax production by a dog’s body. Some breeds are more prone to getting ear infections than others such as Poodles and Cocker Spaniels because they have long hair around their ears that traps dirt and moisture inside.
The following also contribute to ear infections in dogs:
- Bacteria
- Hormone changes or imbalances
- Yeast
- Allergies
- Ear mites
- Immune system issues can start in the gut
You should visit your holistic vet if your dog is having frequent, recurrent ear infections to find the root cause of the problem. In addition to the causes above, there are times when your dog may have something lodged into his or her ear canal whether it’s wax or some type of foreign object.
Signs of Ear Infections in Dogs
Like in people, ear infections can cause a range of symptoms in dogs. The main signs of ear infections in dogs are:
- Itchy, irritated ears
- Tilting the head to one side
- Pain when opening the mouth wide
- Hearing loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Walking in circles
These aren’t the only signs of a dog’s ear infection, but they are the most prevalent. The most common symptoms can be accompanied by pain. That’s why it’s usual to see your dog tilting their head to one side or shaking their head.
You may not be able to tell if the ears are red or swollen inside. But, if the infection is severe you may smell it. If your dog is exhibiting behaviors that are unusual, you should contact your holistic vet. Ear infections aren’t generally a life-threatening issue, but the loss of hearing is a possibility if the infection becomes severe for a period of time.
Can Ear Infections Cause Seizures in Dogs?
Ear infections in dogs, while primarily known to cause discomfort, pain, and behavioral changes, can in rare circumstances be associated with seizures. Deep-seated ear infections, especially those affecting the inner ear, can lead to inflammation and increased pressure on the structures within.
The inner ear is in close proximity to the brain, and severe infections can sometimes result in inflammation of the brain or its surrounding tissues, a condition known as encephalitis. Encephalitis can act as a trigger for seizures in dogs.
Some systemic symptoms of severe ear infections, like high fever, can further contribute to the likelihood of seizures. It’s imperative for dog owners to be observant and seek veterinary care promptly if their pet shows signs of an ear infection, not only to address the immediate discomfort but also to prevent potential complications like seizures.
CBD for Ear Infections in Dogs
When it comes to treating dog ear infections, CBD oil is a natural remedy that can help with inflammation and pain. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s ideal for dogs who are suffering from chronic allergies or inflammation. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which are often associated with ear infections in pets.
With CBD oil, your dog will be able to enjoy better sleep as well as decreased anxiety levels after his vet visit. This means that he’ll be much more comfortable during the healing process.
CBD is a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant that has been shown to have a wide array of health benefits, including helping with pain, inflammation, anxiety, and sleep issues. Research suggests CBD can help with some issues related to ear infections in dogs but you should always consult your vet before giving your dog any supplements.
Ear Infections in Dogs Natural Treatment
If your goal is to treat ear infections without needing a prescription antibiotic, you have a few options including:
- Colloidal silver
- Apple cider vinegar
- CBD
Colloidal silver is antibacterial and antifungal. These characteristics can clean the ears and keep them clean. And, help kill the bacteria causing the ear infections. Colloidal silver can be used orally or rubbed into the ears.
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial characteristics, making it a good choice for treating ear infections. Apple cider vinegar, like colloidal silver, can be consumed by mixing a few drops in water or administered topically to the ears by combining it with a 50/50 water solution.
Coconut oil, which acts as an antifungal, is another excellent treatment for ear infections. Coconut oil, when coupled with CBD, an anti-inflammatory, can help treat ear infections when taken orally. CALM and EASE are the two CBD oils recommended when it comes to CBD for dogs (and they’re both combined with coconut oil).
Preventing Ear Infections in Dogs
Preventing ear infections is critical, but determining the cause may need some trial and error. Ear infections caused by allergies frequently begin with poor gut health. Gut health can be impacted by highly processed meals, over-vaccination, and persistent stress, which can lead to ear infections. It’s also crucial that you clean your dog’s ears on a regular basis. Your veterinarian, or potentially your groomer, could explain how to properly clean your dog’s ears. Generally, your dog’s ears must be cleaned once or twice per week.
You shouldn’t remove any fur from your dog’s ears unless instructed by your veterinarian because it could lead to inflammation. If the hair isn’t causing an issue, it must be removed properly by a professional.
As with any new treatment, talk to your holistic vet about the best option for your specific dog’s needs.
Read more:
What is Holistic Veterinary Medicine? – AHVMA
What are the signs of ear infections in dogs? | New Ulm Vet.
Merck Vet Manual-Ear Disorders of Dogs
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