Do you have a dog that suffers from yeasty ears? In this post, I will share an excellent recipe for an ear wash for dogs. It conquers the yeast and keeps your pooch comfortable.
Whenever Marley, our Shepard mix, plays with her step sister Daisy an ear infection begins within just a few hours. It’s the craziest thing.
Marley will be totally fine until the time has come to play. Their wrestling will always net Marley an ear infection. That’s a given.
Over time, the only solution the vet has been able to offer is an antibiotic cream. While yes, this does make the bacterial infection go away, it is only temporary. The next time the dogs play, Marley has another ear infection.
I realized, it was time to get off the merry-go-round and find something holistic and safe for dogs that would actually take care of the problem long term.
I created this lavender ear wash for dogs, and it has been a true lifesaver. Marley will attest to that. It is very easy to make and I suggest keeping some in your doggy first aid kit especially if your dog is prone to ear infections.
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR DOG HAS AN EAR INFECTION
Dog shakes his head more than he normally would
Dog paws at the infected ear
Scratching or rubbing ears
Ear/s can be hot
Ear/s can be very smelly
Black waxy gunk (not ear mites)
Ear/s become painful
Bacteria or yeast overgrowth can get out of balance. This imbalance creates the symptoms outlined earlier. The apple cider vinegar, helps to put the pH in the outer layer of the skin, back into balance. The lavender essential oil reduces inflammation and furthers skin health. The lavender aroma puts the dog as ease.
If your dog isn’t complaining or hasn’t wrestled leave the ears alone. Over cleaning can upset the pH balance, cause skin irritation and inflammation. However, wax in the ear is normal.
By using this ear wash, the pH in the outer layer of the skin is put back into balance. Symptoms go away, the dog feels better and homeostasis is achieved.
Homemade Ear Wash for Dogs
To Make Lavender Infused Apple Cider Vinegar
Dried lavender flowers
Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar
Glass Jar with lid
Instructions:
Add lavender flowers to a glass jar and cover with Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar.
Let sit for 2 to 3 weeks while giving the jar a gentle shake every few days to thoroughly combine mixture.
Strain mixture, discarding flowers.
To Make Lavender Ear Wash
1 oz infused apple cider vinegar
2 drops lavender essential oil
1 oz spring or filtered water
2 oz glass spray bottle or small glass bottle of choice
Instructions:
Pour 1 oz of lavender infused apple cider vinegar into a 2 oz glass bottle. I like to use a spray bottle like this one. And, here is the fine mist top that will fit.
Add 2 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
Add 1 oz spring or filtered water.
Shake before use. Apply on cotton ball or pad and wipe out the ear.
You can also spray once into the ear and gently rub at the base of the dog’s ear. This will work solution deeper into the ear. If you aren’t using a spray bottle a few drops of the ear wash is all that is needed.
Using this gentle ear wash immediately after playing has circumvented the ear infection from taking hold. Overuse of this solution will dry the skin, create inflammation and disrupt the normal pH level.
Please consult your holistic veterinarian if you have any concerns.
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like my Homemade Dog Biscuits.