Essential Oils for Dog Ear Infection. An ear infection refers to a medical condition known as acute otitis media which results in bacterial infestation in the middle of the ear, right behind the ear drum. This further causes a stabbing pain in your ear and lowers the quality of hearing ability.
Moreover, the ear infection could also cause nausea and on and off fever. An ear infection comes into existence when a fluid is stuck behind the ear drum which then causes it to swell. This further causes either a sudden sharp or a dull but constant ear ache. You will feel your ear blocking or full.
Pets are such a blessing to us human beings. They bring so much joy in our life that it gets hard to not accept them into our lives as our family members despite knowing that they are indeed expensive. So, your dog has an ear infection and you cannot afford a vet?
And now you are wondering if there is a home remedy for treating dog ear infection? Well, much to your delight, essential oils are an effective dog ear infection treatment.
You may have heard of them but do you actually know what are essential oils? Well, essential oils are amalgams extracted from various plants and are used for aromatherapy or alternative practice of medicine. These essential oils are known for providing effective remedies for various mental and physical ailments.
How? To answer your question in simple terms, the essential oil contains antibacterial and disinfectant also known as antimicrobial properties that eliminate germs and hence, treating infections.
These miracle oils are typically applied to the skin and sometimes massaged for a healthy recovery without any harmful side effects. Moreover, you can also dilute them in water and spray them around your surroundings through a diffuser. However, it is strictly recommended against swallowing or ingesting them in any way or form.
So, what essential oils will help cure my dog’s ear infection?
Coconut oil and tea tree oil for dog ear infection are commonly known among households. But, let’s dive in detail.
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Tea Tree Oil
The tea tree oil contains a substance known as terpinen-4-ol which contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This was confirmed by a study conducted in 2006 which explored these properties of tea tree oil also known as melaleuca alternifolia and how it effectively reduces the symptoms of infections.
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Basil Essential Oil
The basil oil is also medically referred to as Ocimum basilicum and is a probable solution for curing ear infections in dogs.
This notion is confirmed by a study conducted in 2005 by Hannes Peterson and others which was based on finding whether the application of fluids like essential oils on the ear canal would prove as an effective treatment of acute otitis media i.e. ear infections.
The hypothesis of this study was supported by conducting experiments on rats suffering from various infections including the ear infection. It was hence found that the basil essential oil has the capability of showing significant positive results in treating ear infections.
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Oregano Essential Oil
The Mexican variant of oregano oil also known as lippia graveolens is a good enough treatment for ear infections in dogs. However, no strong studies have proven guaranteed a hundred per cent ( 100 % ) effectiveness rate when pitted against a brutal ear infection.
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Coconut Essential Oil
The coconut essential oil is known for effectively and efficiently killing the bacteria that causes ear infections especially in dogs. All you have to do is drop lukewarm coconut essential oil in your furry little pal’s infected ear every two ( 02 ) to three ( 03 ) hours.
Once your dog’s ear infection is treated; you can use the same technique in every two ( 02 ) weeks to ensure that your dog’s ear is clean and devoid of any such bacteria.
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Jojoba Essential Oil
The jojoba essential oil is great for gently cleaning your dog’s infected ear. Not only does it clean all the bacteria but also is effective for cleaning the wax from your dog’s ear.
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Olive Oil
Warm olive oil diluted with a small portion of apple cider vinegar is an excellent natural treatment for ear infection in dogs. However, it is very important to make sure that there are no open wounds otherwise this solution could cause irritability in your dog’s ear.
To apply this awesome solution, you can apply a few drops onto a cotton ball and massage the base of your dog’s infected ear.
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Garlic Oil
Garlic oil is another essential oil that works well in cleaning out the bacteria from your dog’s infected ear. However, it is a rather strong compound and can cause a burning sensation hence, it should be diluted any other essential oil. Coconut oil works best with garlic oil but, any other carrier oil will work effectively as well.
So, now you know which essential oils are effective in treating ear infection in dogs and how to use them. Now you need to focus on what NOT to do while using or applying them.
What not to do?
When your dog is suffering from an ear infection it is best to protect your dog’s ear from water. This is because bacterial and / or yeast infections best thrive in moist and warm surroundings. Hence, the best you can do here is to keep your dog’s infected ear dry and clean.
Moreover, it is very important that DO NOT USE Q TIPS for cleaning as they will most likely push the bacteria or the yeast and dirt further into the ear canal and hence cause bigger problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion we would like to recommend you to not delay in treating your dog’s ear infection. Get on with the cleaning right as soon as you find your dog suffering from any of the symptoms of an ear infection. However, the first step in this scenario should be taking your dog to the vet and consult the treatment prior.
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