Explained: How to Treat My Dog's Ear Infection Without a Vet

by Jaron Lukas May 5, 2022

Why do dogs get ear infections?

Dogs are more prone to ear infections than humans because of the design and shape of their ears, which trap microorganisms and moisture. In addition, dogs have much more hair and wax in their ears, which can harbor bacteria. The food dogs eat can also contribute to ear infections.

There are other factors that may make your dog more susceptible to ear infections: certain breeds have a greater risk than others, as do dogs with allergies or suppressed immune systems. Dogs who like swimming or playing outdoors are at greater risk of developing an infection.

What are the symptoms of a dog ear infection?

An ear infection in dogs can cause several symptoms, including:

Itchy ears
Head shaking
Smelly ears
Ear discharge, which may be bloody or pus-like
Scratching at the ear area
Ear rubbing on surfaces such as furniture or the ground, which may be an attempt to relieve pain or itchiness
Pawing at the ear area with a foot
Redness of the ear canal

What is the best dog ear infection treatment?

When it comes to treating your dog’s ear infection, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your dog’s breed, age and the severity of the infection are just a few of the factors that will affect your treatment options.

Be sure to treat both the symptoms and the cause of your dog’s infection. If your dog has an ear infection, there is no doubt that he/she is experiencing some level of itching as well as inflammation and redness in their ears. The best way to treat these symptoms is with a product containing hydrocortisone, which helps reduce inflammation and itchiness while also killing germs that are causing problems in your dog’s ear. Anti-itch products with hydrocortisone can be found at most pet stores and pharmacies nationwide.

The length of treatment will depend on several factors: how much product you use (determining how quickly it passes through your body), how often you use it (daily maintenance may take longer), how long you have had it (chronic infections may require more frequent treatments), what type of medication you are using (some products work faster than others)

How to treat a dog ear infection at home.

Before you even think about treating the ear infection, clean out the ear.

Apply a warm compress to the outside of the ear for 15-20 minutes to soften any wax buildup and make it easier to remove.
Pick up an eyedropper from your nearest pharmacy (or just grab a turkey baster). Fill it with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, or isopropyl alcohol if you don't have vinegar. (You can also use over-the-counter solutions like Debrox Earwax Removal Kit.)
Lay your dog down so they're lying on their side, and squeeze two or three drops into their ear canal. Immediately massage your dog's outer ear gently but firmly in circular motions for 30 seconds so the solution works its way into the wax. Your dog might shake their head or scratch at it; that's all right! We want them to do that—it helps move the solution throughout their ear canal, removing wax and debris along with some of that nasty itch-causing bacteria until it comes out. Repeat this process on each infected ear once daily until your dog seems better (usually one or two weeks' time).

If you have olive oil handy, put a few drops in each infected ear at bedtime as well. This will help loosen any remaining wax buildup, keep things nice and moisturized, soothe irritation, and prevent further infections from happening anytime soon. Plus it smells good enough that even if you stumble upon your dog with his ears buried deep in his favorite chew toy while he snores away on your living room rug at 4am again...well, who could be upset?

When to see your vet.

You can’t get rid of your dog’s ear infection at home if the dog is in pain. If this is the case, it's best to go see a vet to attempt to relieve your pet's discomfort as much as possible.
Head shaking is often a symptom of an ear infection. If you notice your dog shaking their head more than usual, consider it a sign that there may be an issue with their ears and have them checked out by a veterinarian.
Ear mites are one potential cause for an ear infection, and they can be treated at home without having to visit the vet. However, there are other conditions that can look like ear mites but require professional evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment, so visit the doctor if you suspect you're dealing with something other than mites.
A ruptured eardrum requires veterinary attention because continuing to clean or touch it may make things worse or cause serious complications (such as lifelong deafness). The same goes for discharging pus—it's important to determine what's causing this discharge before taking any actions with regard to cleaning it. Your vet will be able to help with both issues.
Finally, if your dog has a high fever (anything above 104 degrees F) along with symptoms such as loss of appetite, excessive panting, or fatigue—it's time for them to see a doctor right away!

Home remedies will only work sometimes, so be careful.

Home remedies are not for every situation. It's always best to consult a veterinarian if your dog is exhibiting symptoms of an ear infection. They will be able to assess the situation, diagnose the problem, and prescribe medication or treatment as needed. While home remedies can work in some cases and help prevent more serious infections from developing, it's also important to note that using these therapies often could make an existing condition worse—or even possibly lead to death. The quality of ingredients and methodology used when making home remedies is not regulated, so you’ll have no way of knowing what you’re putting into your dog’s system. One study found that 23% of dogs who had been treated with home remedies died compared to only 2% who were prescribed antibiotics by their vet.