Natural Treatments of Chronic Ear Infections in Dogs
Normally your dog’s ears should look and smell clean and they should be free of wax and dry skin. There should be no hair loss or redness in the skin and no pain or discomfort. If any of these signs are present then a check by a Vet is recommended.
The ear canal consists of a long slender tube, which extends downwards & then inwards to the base of the skull where the ear drum is located. The canal is lined with a delicate layer of skin that produces wax. The skin continually migrates to the outside carrying wax and any debris with it. This is the natural cleaning mechanism of the ear.
Ear infections are always near the top of the list of conditions that send dogs and their owners to the vet each year. Ear infections are different than simple ear inflammation. The symptoms are the same except there is almost always a gooey discharge when infection is present.
There are fungal and bacterial ear infections. The most common fungal agent is yeast. Ear infections can be caused by both pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria.
Breed susceptible to Ear Infections: Certain breeds with ears that hang down, like setters, spaniels and retrievers, can be pre-disposed to infections and yeast build-up because these longer ear flaps provide an internal ear environment that’s dark, potentially more moist – and perfect for the growth of yeast and bacteria. Dogs with narrow ear canals e.g. Sharpeis, Chow Chows are also prone too.
Conventional Treatment
The drugs of choice used by Vets are antibiotics, corticosteroids or anti-inflammatories and topical ointments.
Symptoms of an Ear Infection
Typical symptoms of an ear infection include:
• Build-up of waxy or pus like discharge in the ear
• When you clean the discharge it redevelops quickly, i.e. within the next day or two
• Ear sensitivity/pain
• Your dog may turn its head away if you try to touch their ears or may cry in pain at your touch
• Dizziness and/or vomiting
• Holding of the head to one side
• Inflammation of the ear flap and ear canal skin (swelling, redness)
• Scratching at the ear (repeatedly, excessively, persistently)
• Shaking of the head (repeatedly)
• Strong pungent yeasty odour
Persistent scratching and/or head-shaking can lead to a secondary condition called an Aural Hematoma which needs to be looked at by your Vet.
Fungal Ear Infections
Ear infections are either bacterial or fungal.
The most common cause of fungal ear infections in dogs is yeast. Yeast is constantly present on the bodies of animals, but when the immune system isn’t in prime condition, yeast can overgrow and cause an infection.
If the problem seems chronic or there’s a persistent infection that just won’t go away, it’s very likely there’s an underlying immunological cause which must be identified and resolved from the inside out using natural diet, natural herbs and supplements.
Disinfecting Yeasty Paws
In addition to providing an anti-yeast diet and anti-fungal foods, the thing you must do to help your dog overcome a yeast infection is to disinfect yeasty body parts. This is actually an often overlooked, but common sense approach in addressing a yeast overgrowth in pets. Disinfecting the parts of your dog’s body that are yeasty is very important. There’s no pill or cream that can disinfect your pet – you must do that yourself. Yeast thrives in a moist environment and in crevices – between your dog’s foot pads, for example, in armpit and groin creases, and around the vulva and anus. So disinfecting those parts of a yeasty dog is really important.
Since the only body parts that sweat on your dog are his nose and the pads of his feet, during hot humid months when yeast tends to thrive, you’ll need to disinfect those paws.Depending on the size of your dog, you can use a bucket filled with water from a hose, or if your dog is small you can just pop him in the kitchen or bathroom sink. If you have a giant size breed, you can try a can filled with water. The goal is to dunk the feet and then pat them dry.
Spraying or wiping down a dog’s paws won’t get the job done. Yeast lives under the nail beds and in all the creases you can’t get to if the paws aren’t submerged in a foot soak.
A good foot soak solution – take 4 litres of water, a cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 1-4 cups of white vinegar. You can use this solution as many times a day as necessary to keep your dog’s feet clean. ‘Clean and dry’ needs to become your mantra.
After you dip your dog’s feet in the astringent solution of water/hydrogen peroxide/white vinegar, there’s no need to rinse. Just pat the paws dry. Leaving the solution dried on your dog’s paws serves as an antifungal and should also reduce licking and digging at the paws.
Anti-Yeast Baths and Rinses
If your dog has yeast overgrowth on their skin, disinfect the entire body with a natural, anti-fungal shampoo. And yes, you can do this as often as necessary.
Since carbohydrates and grains ultimately feed yeast overgrowth, it’s not recommended you use oatmeal-based shampoos. Oatmeal is a grain which provides a food source for that yeast on your dog’s skin. Use an anti-fungal shampoo such as tea tree oil or an herbal blend. These will help control the amount of yeast growing on your pet.
Anti-fungal rinses are also recommended during the summer months, from one to three times per week after shampooing. Take 4 litres of water with a cup of vinegar or a cup of lemon juice. You can also use 20 drops of peppermint oil. All three will make your pooch smell nice. After shampooing with tea tree shampoo and rinsing thoroughly, follow with one of these natural anti-fungal astringent rinses to knock down the amount of yeast.
You should never pour these rinses over your dog’s head or into her eyes. Pour from the collar, back and rub it into her coat and skin, focusing on body parts that tend to grow yeast — armpits, feet, groin area and around the tail. Then towel dry without rinsing. Your dog will not only feel better, the yeast won’t replicate as quickly.If using both lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide: they can bleach a black dog’s fur. If you have a black coated dog, you should go with vinegar to avoid a lightening effect.
Bacterial Infections
More common than fungal infections of the ear are bacterial infections. Bacteria are classified as either pathogenic or non-pathogenic.
Pathogenic bacteria are abnormal inhabitants of your pet’s body, picked up from an outside source, for example, contaminated pond water. It is recommended that you thoroughly wash and dry your dog afterwards.
Non-pathogenic bacteria are typically staph bacteria that are normal inhabitants of your dog’s body. Occasionally these bacteria can overgrow and take over the ear canal. Any sort of normal, helpful bacteria can grow out of control and cause an infection in a pet with a compromised immune system in which case again the problem can be successfully resolved using natural diet, natural herbs and supplements.
“The Alarm Bells”
Most people see ear infections as a problem that relates only to the ears themselves. However, the reality is that the ears only signal that the body is out of balance, toxic and in distress. An infection in the ears is like the bodies ‘alarm bells’ that something is not right on the systemic level.
Why are ear problems so challenging to treat?
Most people have a pre-conceived idea what ear problems are about. Bacteria, too much water in the ear, not enough cleaning etc…
The first step to addressing your dog’s ears successfully is to open your mind to the likely possibility that your dog’s ear problems are systemic and that the local treatment is unlikely to help without causing more damage systemically. As a metaphor, it can be compared to “covering a moldly wall by painting over it, instead of washing down walls first and opening room up to ventilation”. Of course it will work for a short time but then the black spots will appear in no time because the problem wasn’t really fixed in the first place.
This is a simple metaphor to what really happens when a dog is taken to the Vet when conventional medicines are prescribed.
The biggest myth about Ears….
The biggest myth about ears is that when they get waxy or infected, cleaning will help. In fact, the only time to clean at the beginning of treatment and then wait and see what happens and clean less frequently if you need to not daily.
Frequent ear cleaning often disturbs the ears and also introduces more resistant pathogenic bacteria such as proteus or pseudomonas to the ears which are very difficult to get rid of.The discharge or wax that you clean out usually builds up again quickly and if you try to clean it out over and over again, your dog will slide in a vicious cycle of never ending ear problems possibly ending up like this.
When your dog’s ears are sore, focus on good nutrition the foundation of health in all living creatures. Release the toxic overload from the liver & skin, repairing the gut and gut flora, boosting the immune system and of course the ears will follow back to health and balance again.
Healthy ears have an amazing self-cleaning ability. The skin of the ear canal actually grows out in a similar way as nails. It carries all the impurities and dirt out and the self-cleaning mechanism can be compared to a very slow moving conveyer belt.
However, repeated cleaning disturbs the “self cleaning conveyer belt” of the ears. Ear cleaning solutions are often irritating and they bring more moisture in the ear which leads to bacterial infections and growth of aggressive antibiotic resistant bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus or Proteus.
Excessive ear cleaning makes the inflammation worse and therefore is pointless. It can be compared to washing your car to try to fix oil leaking engine.
Over time the inflamed ear canal becomes very narrow, more and more sore and your dog is more likely to end up in a vicious circle of steroids and antibiotics.
In such cases, surgeons usually recommend ear canal resection or ear ablation but I urge you to wait and apply what you learn here before cutting your dogs ears.
Many people are surprised with the notion to not clean their dog’s ears too frequently. If your dog appears comfortable, a little bit of blackish or reddish wax is not a big problem. Just let it be unless it appears to plug the ear canal and your vet can tell you if it does.Some breeds are predisposed to ear wax and if the wax is still present, you just have to accept the fact that your dog has a propensity to wax ears. In such cases, doing less is more when it comes to cleaning.Most long term ear infections is a result of a deeper systemic imbalance in the body and that is why repeated ear cleaning is not enough to solve the problem.
Ear Cleaning Methods
Use cotton balls only to clean the inside of the ear canal. You can use as many cotton balls as it takes to remove all the debris to clean the outer area of the ear, but never inside the canal, as they can damage your dog’s eardrums. . Do not put Q-tips down into the canals of your dog’s ears. The best method for cleaning most dogs’ ears is to saturate a cotton ball with cleaning solution and swab out the inside of the ear.
Another method for cleaning your dog’s ears is to squirt a small amount of solution directly into the ear, then follow with cotton balls to wick out the liquid and accumulated gunk. However, this method isn’t a favourite with most dogs. They tend to shake their heads wildly, flinging ear cleaning solution all over you and the surrounding area.
You can use herbal drops inside the ear canal to bring the ear’s flora back into balance. Internally, I recommend herbs and supplements to enhance the immune system, thwart microorganism overgrowth, and to relieve pain and inflammation.
For taking care of healthy canine ears, some natural cleaning agents include:
• Witch hazel
• Yellow dock tincture
• Mullein oil
• Garlic oil
• Chamomile oil
• St John’s Wort oil
• Diluted oil of oregano
• Organic apple cider vinegar and purified water, mixed equal parts however do not use if skin is broken as it will burn
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Green tea infusion -using tea that has been cooled
• Tea tree oil diluted down in olive oil ,for dogs only
We don’t recommend you use alcohol. That’s because alcohol can cause burning and irritation, especially if there’s inflammation and mineral oils are not recommended for your pets.
Chamomile has relaxing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, and antiseptic qualities and is perfect for using as ear drops for soothing sore ears.
St. John’s Wort has antibiotic properties and is wonderful, both internally and externally, for calming your pet during an infection.
Calendula oil drops has an amazing healing ability and is one of the best herbs for treating local skin and external ear problems. Used externally for its potent anti-fungal properties.
Mullein extracted in olive oil is one the best single remedies for soothing and healing inflamed surfaces. Use the solution externally as ear drops.
Garlic is often used for its antibiotic properties.
Witch hazel is an excellent external astringent that decreases swelling in the ear canal and eases pain.
The good news is that herbal remedies are effective against fungal, yeast, and bacterial infections. Several of the above herbs relieve the pain, inflammation, and irritation common with ear problems. This means that when you’re using herbs, you almost never need to resort to ear medicines that contain steroids.
Antibiotics – Not a Solution
Most Vets prescribe antibiotics for ear infections. Antibiotics can be very useful when used in the right situation however antibiotics have become the most over-prescribed conventional medication used today. Conventional western medicine is designed to deal with health emergencies. When drugs that are designed to deal with an emergency situation are indiscriminately applied to non-emergency situations grave results can ensue.
Over prescription leads to additional adverse health impacts. How does this happen? There are multiple contributing factors…
Beginning the Process of Immunity
Bacteria are highly adaptable microorganisms and overtime and exposure to repeated doses of antibiotics bacteria mutate in order to adapt and survive. As the dog or cat is exposed to more antibiotics the bacteria that they are hosting undergo this adaption process, each time this occurs immunity to a specific antibiotic is created. The more the bacteria adapt the better they get at adapting. Once bacteria have adapted to a series of antibiotics, antibiotics are no longer effective. If your dog ends up in a truly life threatening situation where antibiotics are required to save that animal’s life your animal’s life is in great jeopardy.
Hastening Immunity
If your dog is on a diet that includes meat from non-organic sources your dog is already ingesting antibiotics from the meat that they are eating. Animals raised on factory farms are fed food that includes antibiotics. When the animal is slaughtered antibiotics remain in the flesh of the meat which is then consumed by your dog. Between the antibiotics passed on through the meat and over prescription of antibiotics by Vets your dog’s rate of acquiring immunity to antibiotics increases exponentially.
Destruction of Good along with Bad
Antibiotics destroy both good and bad bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract (GI Tract). The destruction of good bacteria causes a suppression of the immune system leaving your dog’s natural defense against bacteria, fungal infection, parasites, and viruses in a weakened state. This is known as leaky gut syndrome where the intestinal lining and bad bacteria passes through the lining into the blood stream causing inflammation and immune reaction over time triggering and creating other systemic health issues. The GI tract is also the body’s major centre for serotonin production. The death of good flora has a negative impact on serotonin levels. This can result in creation or heightening of anxiety and stress.
Root Cause Remains Unaddressed, Unsolved
In addition to placing your dog’s future health at risk, the root cause of the infection has not been identified or addressed making the chance of re-infection inevitable. For all of the above reasons it is very important that antibiotics only be used when absolutely necessary, this is almost never.
Take part in our natural ear treatment challenge!
If your dog is suffering from chronic ear problems and you have had an exam done by your Vet to make sure that your dog is ok otherwise, I invite you to try our ear tune up protocol that works for over 80% of dogs with ear problems.
All I am asking you for to keep your mind open and see what happens. At the end of this few long months if you follow our written protocol to the tee and you provide your dog with natural diet and herbs and supplements as suggested in our protocol still don’t get a complete cure within 6-8months then I’m prepared to put my reputation on the line and refund every penny you spend with me. That’s my guarantee to you.
Cause of Ear Infections
This type of infection may be caused by or closely connected to these:
Improper diet and/or diet mainly consisting of kibble, tinned foods and /or home cooked meals.
Compromised Immune system
Exposure to household toxins, pet toothpaste, shampoos and rinses off the shelf and veterinarian prescribed, medications, pet toys, chemical cleaners such as bleach, floor cleaners, laundry powders, chemical based insecticide sprays etc
Exposure to outdoor chemicals including pesticides, lawn weed sprays.
Repeated and long term use of cortisone and antibiotics causing bacterial resistance and severe deep seated infections
Liver overload and toxicity
Skin Allergies & Itchy red inflamed Skin
Frequent and overuse of vaccinations
Frequent use of chemical based insect, parasite and heart worm preventatives
Long term stress and stressful environments
Very frequent ear cleaning
Hormonal imbalance and other auto-immune-suppressing medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, liver disease, kidney disease
Steps to Resolving your Dog Chronic Ear Infections for Good
Foundation of Good Health
1. Feed Species Appropriate Foods or BARF diet
Improving the quality of your pet’s diet is always the best thing you can do to improve well-being and longevity. If your dog is on a diet that truly and fully supports a strong immune system and good overall health your dog’s chance of acquiring any type of ear infection dramatically decreases. Without any doubt the root cause of most illness is inappropriate ingredients in dog food and overall diet. Choose natural food such as species appropriate diet or BARF diet for your dogs. Did you know that species appropriate diet or BARF diet is also an antifungal and anti-yeast diet that your dog requires to eat to get better.
If you are still giving your pets any commercial processed pet foods & treats, you are undoubtedly giving them a dose of chemical additives, artificial colours, flavours, grains, cereals, starch, pasta, rice, soya with every bite. Commercial food and treats have plenty of these toxic indigestible ingredients, along with poor quality proteins and fillers that tax your pet’s digestion and increase the toxic load on their bodies. 70% of vitamins and minerals are lost in the cooking water for dogs that are mainly fed home cooked meals plus cooked meats and fats are one of the causes of pancreatitis attacks. These dogs miss out on the important nutrients for growth, repair and healthy immune system function and overall good health.
BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw food diet. BARF diet is all about feeding dogs properly and returning them to their evolutionary diet the way our dogs and cats have eaten for millions of years for health, happiness and longevity. BARF dog food consists of raw whole foods similar to those eaten by the dogs’ wild ancestors. The food is 100% raw and contains such things as muscle meat, raw bones, fat, organ meats, whole eggs, natural yoghurt, pulped vegetable and fruit and healing herbs as Dandelion, Milk thistle, Spirulina, Burdock, Alfalfa, Chlorella, Nettle, Turmeric, ginger, garlic and fresh parsley just as mother nature intended them to eat.
The diet contains no grains, cereals, starch, pasta, rice, soya and cooked food as contained in the pet foods manufactured by pet food companies. Grains contain natural sugars which yeasts feed upon and multiply rapidly. These foods were never intended to be eaten by dogs and they also feed the yeast infections which prevents your dog from ever recovering completely from ear infections. BARF dog food is high in good quality proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, trace-minerals, enzymes and amino acids everything your dog needs to keep a strong immune system. A strong immune system is the best defence against bacterial or yeast infection for your dog.
If dog has had been on antibiotics, supplementing the diet with a good probiotic containing acidophilus to help maintain the balance of good bacteria in the dog’s system. Live-culture plain yogurt with lactobacillus and acidophilus can also help to offset the side-effects of antibiotic therapy.
Choose treats wisely as well. Natural air dried meats, raw bones, fruit and vegetable pieces treats are far healthier for your dog then baked biscuits and treats that have low quality processed ingredients with artificial flavours and preservatives in it. Note where the treats you buy for your dog is manufacturer. Treats made in China are highly suspicious containing chemicals and contaminants which are not regulated by law in their country.
If the root cause of the ear infection is food allergies and your Vet prescribes prescription dog food beware. Your dog’s health may be placed in further jeopardy as many commercial prescription foods are actually not health supporting. In fact many Vets prescribed ‘anti-allergen’, ‘limited ingredient’ diets contain toxins that are known allergy triggers. These diets also tend to be inflammatory as the bulk of the ingredients are carbohydrates – often corn and soy, rice and grains.
These are inexpensive fillers and fibre such as cellulose (wood pulp), etc. These foods can also be dangerously low in protein and what protein they do have can be of very questionable quality.
2. Offer only Purified Filtered Water to Your Pet
While the water that flows through your household pipes may be technically “fit to drink,” it contains enough toxic mineral and metal levels, chemicals like fluoride and chlorines to damage your pet’s health. Your pets deserve better, and so do you. Water filtration units are readily available and you don’t have to spend a lot to get a good one. It’s well worth the investment – and after all, what’s more valuable than the health of your companion.
3. Avoid steroids! Use anti-inflammatory alternatives
Chronically inflamed ears can be painful as well as itchy. Conventional treatments consist of steroid/antibiotic drop combos that give people the illusion that all is better. However, steroids only suppress the immune system response, decrease the body’s ability to resist infections and absorb in the blood stream and affect the whole body. Over time steroids push the disease deeper into the body making the condition more chronic and harder to treat. If your dog’s ears are really inflamed, sore and itchy, you may consider using Cortisone alternatives such as Betasitoserol which naturally curb inflammation. It is useful in many other condition such as chronic itchy condition, ear infections, skin disorders, allergies, arthritis but without the side effects of steroids drugs or prescription animal NSAID’s. Another great natural alternative to conventional anti-inflammatory is Traumeel drops. Traumeel is a homeopathic remedy great for getting rid of inflammation throughout the body and healing pain.
4. Eliminate Pain
Ear Infections can be very painful for dogs, especially if the infection has been going on for a long time and/or it involves the middle or inner ear. Recent research has shown that chronic pain is destructive to your dog’s body. The longer chronic pain goes untreated, the worse it becomes. Chronic pain unleashes a cascade of harmful hormones, such as cortisol, that adversely affect the immune system and kidney function. A very effective natural anti-inflammatory is Traumeel drops. Traumeel is a homeopathic remedy containing 12 botanicals such as Arnica, calendula, chamomile, hypericum and Echinacea to relief aches and pain and reduces deep seated inflammation in the ears and body. Botanical herbs that are effective include White Willow, Boswellia, Turmeric, wild Yam, Chamomile, Ginger and Devils Claw.
5. Avoid Conventional Antibiotics, use Antibiotic Alternatives
Casual antibiotic use promotes the ever growing problem of antibiotic resistance, giving rise to the so called “superbugs”. Colloidal Silver, Organic cold pressed coconut oil, oil of Oregano, Ginger, Garlic, Grape seed extract, Olive leaf extract, Manuka honey, Pau’d Arco, Oregon Grape Seed Extract and Echinacea are your best natural antibiotics from Mother Nature.
6. Support the Liver to eliminate toxin overload
Liver supportive herbs and supplements help the liver eliminate toxins such as yeast, bacteria and allergies out of the body. If the Liver is sluggish or overburdened with toxins it cannot perform its function of elimination. Liver supportive and detoxifying herbs include milk thistle, dandelion, nettle, burdock and alfalfa herbs. Diesels BARF already contains liver supportive herbs so if you are feeding your dog our BARF then you do not have to add these herbs. Hepeel a homeopathic medicine greatly improves the livers function as well as well as Turmeric paste made of 4.5% curcumin turmeric powder, organic cold pressed coconut oil & olive oil and black pepper.
7. Boost the Immune System to strengthen the body to help itself
Your pet’s immune system works in tandem with all the major organs the body to keep your pet well, and supporting immune health. This keeps your pet’s liver, kidneys, lungs, intestines and skin healthy so they can do their detoxification work and quickly scope out any invading or overgrowth of organisms in control. A depressed immune system is the culprit in long tern chronic ear infections. Immune-modulating herbs include Echinacea, Astragalus, Withania, Andrographis and Siberian Ginseng can help. Also homeopathic Traumeel and Engystol will help modulate the immune system.
8. Support Healthy Digestion & Repair Leaky Gut
Most of the toxins your pet’s body eliminates pass through the colon, and a healthy digestive system keeps toxins moving through before they can damage the intestinal walls and be reabsorbed. A sluggish bowel, may suggest that the microbe balance may be out of kilter, which complicates elimination of toxins. With constipation, toxic materials can be released back into your pet’s bloodstream before they pass through. Microbes out of balance such as bacteria and yeast can produce their own toxins. Supplements such as Probiotics, Enzymes and Colostrum and herbs such as Slippery Elm, Licorice, Marshmallow and Homeopathic remedy Mucosa Compositum can all assist in eliminating leaky gut and help your pet’s digestion and immunity to come back to balance.
9. Support the skin and its function of elimination & restore skin condition
Ear problems often go hand in hand with food-based allergies and sensitivities, and dogs that are prone to itchy skin and hot spots frequently suffer with ear issues as well. As with many skin conditions, a problem with the ears may be indicative of some other internal issues going on with another body system. Allergy is probably the most common underlying primary cause of inflammation in the ear. Allergy in dogs causes inflamed and itchy skin over many parts of the body often including the skin lining the ear canal, paws. Sometimes inflamed ears are the only sign that the dog has allergy. Bacteria then come along as secondary infections.
Successful treatment requires that the skin allergy and irritation is treated along with the infection. Herbs such as Golden seal, Blue Flag, red clover, yellow dock, burdock, Nettle and Echinacea are great for healing and detoxifying the skin. Homeopathic formulas such as Schwef heel and Cutis Compositum eliminate deep toxins and heal red itchy skin back to healthy. A couple of drops of organic apple cider vinegar and omega 3 deep sea fish oil mixed into food daily will eliminate hot spots and reduce skin inflammation and make the coat shiny silky and healthy again.
10. Stop Vaccinations & Switch to Homeopathic Nosodes
We also suggest that you carefully consider the misguided notion that every pet requires annual boosters for vaccines. Stopping vaccinations will help stop the insult on the immune system and boost it naturally. Use homeopathic nosodes instead of injectable vaccines, with the exception of legally required rabies vaccines. Homeopathic Nosodes are an alternative to conventional vaccines and can be used safely as a preventative or prophylactically during disease. We have the following Dog Nosodes available on our online store, Parvovirus, Demodectic Manage, Distemper, Canine Heartworm, Canine Hepatitis, Canine Bordetella, Kennel Cough, Leptospirosis and Australian Paralysis Tick.
Nosodes are homeopathic medicines made from the products of disease, and have a long history of providing great protection against various infectious diseases in dogs. Dr Christopher Day, a British homeopathic veterinarian, has reported on the effectiveness of nosodes in kennel cough outbreaks in dogs, as well as use on other species. Your Vet will be able to run titer tests to check for circulating antibodies for particular vaccines if you really have to vaccinate. Also do not vaccinate, until your pet has fully recovered from the disease.
11. Reduce Stress & Promote Emotional Well-being
Long term stress from chronic ear infections can be a significant drain on your dog’s immune system and sense of well-being. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and rest time too. Fresh air and sunshine are very therapeutic. Bach flower remedies provide psychological/emotional balance and support and can be given during times of stress such as for a dog in pain or suffering depression and dogs that may be fearful of human interaction. These remedies can also be useful if your dog is in the past has suffered abuse, malnutrition, adjusting to a new home or welcoming new additional dogs to the family. Homeopathic remedies such as Nervoheel, Flower Essences and botanical herbs such as Valerian, Lavender, Passion Flower, Hops and Chamomile have superb calming qualities for aggressive, nervous and fearful and stressed dogs.
12. Eliminate Household Chemicals
Besides the obvious chemicals in bug killers, household cleaning products bleach and solvents, beware of those found in perfumes, air fresheners, scented plug-ins, laundry products and even dryer sheets! These are laden with chemicals typically and are known to depress the immune system and cause or worsen respiratory conditions like asthma and cause chemical sensitivities, allergies and skin problems in your pet.
Look for 100% natural cleaning products to clean your floors, pet bedding and even when choosing shampoos and rinses for your pooch, consider the quality of the bath products you use, and choose natural grooming products that skip the toxic ingredients so your pet absorbs fewer toxins through the skin at bath time. I also don’t recommend oatmeal shampoo for pets even though there are a dozen in the market these days. Oatmeal is hailed as a soothing ingredient for human skin. Up to 80% of allergic dogs have grain allergies too. They are likely to have problems with shampoos that have grains including oatmeal. Grain based shampoos can feed yeast and bacteria conditions that are occurring in your pets skin and make their condition worse.
13. Exercise & Play with Your dog daily
Your pet needs exercise as much as you do, and a daily workout has many benefits for your pet’s organs of elimination. Exercise improves the movement of waste materials through the digestive tract, and thereby reduces the toxic effects of a sluggish bowel. Exercise also improves circulation of blood and lymph fluid, your pet’s two primary means of moving micro-toxins and cellular debris through the body for elimination. Finally, exercise improves respiration and helps your pet remove excess mucus from the respiratory tract. Don’t let a dog’s bad walking behaviour prevent you from giving your pets the exercise they need. A walking harness can help curb dogs’ pulling tendencies, making walks easier.
14. Improve Air Quality & Reduce Household chemicals
Indoor air pollution can come from household chemicals and it should be well understood that pets are affected by the toxins in cigarette and cigar smoke. Toxins in the air also come from gaseous chemicals emanating from new synthetic household items like flooring, carpeting, and furniture. If you have new household items that are giving off that tell-tale “new” smell, be sure to keep these areas of the house well-ventilated, keep pets off and out of these areas and consider using window fans or leaving windows open for some fresh air while the items are exuding high levels of chemical residues. Use bathroom fans to reduce chemical residues from spray-on cosmetic items like hair spray and perfume.
15. Minimize Exposure to Outdoor Pollutants & Chemicals
Pets that spend time outdoors will undoubtedly encounter chemicals used for pest control, weed killers, fertilizers and more. If your dog likes to munch on grass or other plants, keep a close eye on them when you are walking near neighbours’ yards and in public places like parks, where use of chemicals is common. Reduce or stop chemical use in your garden, there are many alternatives available such as sprinkling Diatomaceous Earth powder and garlic oil which kills bugs and pests naturally outdoors.
16. Stop Conventional flea, tick and heartworm preventatives
Toxic compounds are plentiful in conventional flea and tick products, heartworm medications. These chemicals are poisons and will further poison and lower the immune system in your dog. If you have been giving these traditional preventative remedies to your dog this could be one of the many reasons their immune system has been compromised. There are many natural alternatives which can be used 365 days a year on your pet. Human grade Diatomaceous Earth powder, small amount of garlic, pumpkin seeds, coconut oil, omega 3 fish oil, grated carrots, pineapple, pomegranate and fennel are all antiparasitic foods for your dog. Antiparasitic herbs such as Wormwood and Black Walnut hull, Cloves and oil of Oregon and homeopathic remedies such as Cina are useful and can be used as required. A dog fed a species appropriate or BARF diet has less affinity with parasites then a dog eating mainly commercial kibble and tinned foods.
17. Use a dog harness instead of collar on your dog
Try this experiment on yourself. Take your hands, surround your neck with your thumbs touching your Adam’s apple and PULL your hands back hard. I hope you didn’t pass out and that you felt the pressure in your head rising. This is exactly how your dog feels if they are a puller or if you use a retractable leash. In such situations, the blood, lymph and energy flow stagnates and very often, it negatively affects the ears. Collars are one of the primary causes of ear problems besides toxin build up and inappropriate or deficient food.
Here is what you can do: Stop using retractable leash. Stop attaching the leash to the collar. Start using body harness lead the one where the leash attaches on your dog’s chest, not the back. This frees the neck, improves energy and blood flow in the head and ears.
Treatment
Immune Boosting Herbs & Supplements
Immune boosting herbs and supplements stimulate and strengthen the immune system, fight infection, strengthen tissue against assault by invading microorganisms, stimulate macrophage capability, increase T-cell production and protect helper T-cells and assist cell-mediated immune response.
Immune-boosting herbs and supplements re effective in promoting and maintaining a dog’s overall health, but can also deal with all kinds of health issues, such as liver impairment and immune system stress.
Echinacea
Echinacea stimulates the immune system by increasing the white blood cells ability to overpower invading organism. The herb also stimulates the lymphatic system to regenerate tissue and decrease inflammation. Use of other immune-boosting herbs such as Oregon grape and goldenseal can optimize its effectiveness.
Andrographis
With its detoxifying and immune-enhancing effects, Andrographis is excellent herb for dogs with inflammatory skin conditions. Its antiviral, antiprotazoal, antifungal, antiparasitic and anthelmintic properties, Andrographis can be used for preventing and treating acute infections in the gut, bacillary dysentery, enteritis, worms, parasites, and Candida. It is antibacterial against a wide range on infecting organisms including Staph aureus and E. Coli. It helps to combat dysbiosis and re-establish the normal gut flora.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian Ginseng is regarded as an herbal remedy that increases energy, boosts the immune system, and helps alleviate general fatigue. Used for centuries as a general tonic for both animals and humans, Siberian ginseng is applicable to situations when the body requires support due to pressure from – chronic illness, strenuous exercise, infection, or exposure to toxic chemicals.
Withania
Withania protects the immune system and helps combat the effects of stress and reduces anxiety and depression. It is an effective anti-inflammatory and is used as a tonic to assist with recovery after illness.
Astragalus
Astragalus has been a foundational herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years. Current research on Astragalus focuses on its immune stimulating capacity. It also appears to be useful in dealing with cancer, and in increasing stamina. First and foremost, though, it is an immune-stimulant useful in both acute and chronic diseases.
Immune Supplement
Herbal Vitamin C –Rosehip, Hawthorn Berry & Acerola Cherry
Vitamin C helps fight infections, strengthen the immune system, prevent blood clots, regenerate damaged skin tissues, build collagen and reduce the risk of degenerative diseases. Rosehip, Hawthorn berries and Acerola cherries are a natural source of vitamin C containing 50% more antioxidants then oranges, are natural anti-inflammatory, powerful antioxidant, full of bioflavonoids, A vitamins, beta-carotene and B vitamins may help improve joint health, reduce inflammation and improve general wellbeing. The vitamins C in these fruits are better absorbed for dogs then the synthetic versions of Vitamin C.
Homeopathic Remedies -Engystol and Traumeel
Traumeel is used for inflammation and modulation of inflammation. It is a natural non steroidal anti-inflammatory remedy. It may also decrease pain and speed up healing. Engystol and Traumeel both detox the body and improve immunity and therefore should be used in all cases of inflammation and infections.
Liver detoxing Herbs
The key to optimal health is optimal liver function. Responsible for detoxification and digestion, the liver is the largest internal organ in the body. The liver is also one of the fastest growing organs in the body and it can even regenerate itself after losing 75% of its own tissue. A healthy liver will promote quick heal and eliminate yeast and bacterial infection in the body and ea
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle benefits the liver by: increasing bile flow; stimulating protein synthesis, thus rebuilding cells damaged by liver disease; acting as an antioxidant, thus slowing the inflammatory process and preventing further cell damage and strengthening cells that have been exposed to or damaged by toxins.
Turmeric
Turmeric has similar liver-protective qualities as milk thistle. In addition, turmeric is anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory. It also supports the GI system. Use this herb as a tonic for dog liver health – mix with some organic cold pressed coconut oil and a sprinkle of black pepper to add to your dog’s food.
Stinging Nettle
The key uses for nettle are cleansing and detoxification, as it will encourage the elimination of waste products. Nettle increases urine production and also treats skin disorders such as eczema and arthritis often an indication of a sluggish liver. Nettle treats allergies, and relieves hay fever and asthma. Nettle has diuretic, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
Dandelion Root
Dandelion is commonly used as a diuretic that improves the function of the pancreas, spleen, stomach, and kidneys. It’s also helpful in stimulating the appetite and digestion but its true power lies in helping to detoxify the liver and chronic liver congestion and increasing the production of bile. Another healthful benefit is its liver healing and antioxidant properties and can also help improve the immune system. Dandelion root is a blood cleanser that strains and filters toxins from the blood and has beneficial effects on both red blood cell count and haemoglobin count. Dandelion has been shown to help regulate blood sugar, insulin levels and blood pressure. It relieves pain and swelling. It helps slow cancer growth and prevent its spread while maintaining bone health. It helps treat skin diseases caused by microbial and fungal infections.
Burdock Root
The beneficial effects of this herb include increasing circulation to the skin, helping to detoxify the epidermal tissues. Burdock Root has been reported to destroy bacteria and fungus cultures. It is a popular detoxifying agent that produces a diuretic effect on the body which aids the filtering of impurities from the bloodstream. By promoting perspiration, Burdock Root eliminates toxins through the skin. By producing a detoxifying effect, Burdock Root aids blood circulation and produces a variety of positive side effects. It contains inulin, a carbohydrate that strengthens the liver. The high concentration of inulin and mucilage aids in the soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
Herbs & Supplements for Healthy Digestive Tract
It must allow nutrients to be absorbed at the same time it prevents toxins from being absorbed. If the structural integrity of the gut breaks down, if the gut gets leaky then undigested food proteins and other toxins enter the bloodstream. Now we have a fine mess – multiple allergies, inflammation, and loss of immune function. 70 % of the immune system resides in the gut. There are more neurotransmitters in the gut than there are in the brain! So when we have a chronic condition such as ear infection that is not resolving, the gut needs healing. The following supplements can be very beneficial in resolving leaky gut in your dog and bringing balance to the whole digestive tract.
Probiotics & Prebiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms necessary for a healthy and balanced intestinal tract. There are two types of bacteria found in the intestinal tract, good and harmful bacteria. Good bacteria, or Probiotics, ensure good health, as they are absolutely vital to help: Produce natural antibiotics, which can fight harmful bacteria, regulate and increase hormone levels, make B group vitamins, biotin and folic acid, stimulate the immune system, reduce food intolerance, increase energy levels, inhibit the growth of some yeast, absorb nutrients, antioxidants and iron from food, reduce inflammation, increase digestibility of food and enhance immune function. Prebiotics such as flaxseed meal should also be given with Probiotics. Prebiotics job is to feed the good bacteria in your gut.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are plant or microbial-based supplements that support the breakdown, absorption, and utilization of macronutrients. Taken with meals, they work with the body’s own reduced supply of enzymes to achieve maximum digestion and support intestinal repair mechanisms.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids –Deep Sea Fish Oil
Omega 3 Fatty acids is a really beneficial supplement added to the dog’s diet on a daily basis. It turns a dog with dull, dry hair coat into more healthy glossy appearance. Fatty acids play important roles in skin infections, hot spots, skin rashes and inflammation, allergies, the control of yeast infections, joint health and the function of other body organs such as heart health in dogs.
Organic RAW Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent supplement to add to your dog’s diet on a daily basis. It has antibacterial properties and can help improve digestive health, control pests, and clear up skin and ear infections. It also alters dogs’ internal pH level, helping to repel fleas.
The best apple cider vinegar to use is that which is fermented and unfiltered, or “raw.” Raw ACV contains a cloudy substance called “the mother,” which contains the healthful enzymes and minerals. ACV has not been found to have any adverse effect when fed to dogs.
Colostrum and Lactoferrin
Colostrum is the clear, yellowish, pre-milk fluid produced from the mother’s mammary glands during the first 72 hours after birth. It provides both immune and growth factors essential for the health and vitality of the newborn. Bovine Colostrum is virtually identical, except that the immune factors are actually several times more concentrated.
The immune factors in Colostrum have been shown to help the body resist pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Colostrum contains a number of antibodies to specific pathogens, including E. coli, salmonella, rotavirus, Candida, streptococcus, staphylococcus, H. pylori, and cryptosporidia. Colostrum also works as an immunomodulator, boosting a low immune system and balancing an overactive one. Another key component of Colostrum is transfer factors, small molecules that transfer immunity information from one entity to another. In effect, they transfer immunity “memory,” thereby giving you instant resistance to a number of diseases.
Colostrum is a potent source of lactoferrin, body. Lactoferrin has been shown to inhibit virus replication including AIDS and herpes viruses, limit tumour growth and metastasis, directly kill both bacteria and yeast including Candida, and activate neutrophils. Supplementation with lactoferrin can significantly boost the immune system and help the body recover from any existing infection. Maintaining healthy levels of intestinal flora through the use of probiotic supplements allows the body to produce its own lactoferrin. Colostrum obtained from organic, grass-fed dairy cows and standardized to 40% Immunoglobulin’s are the best for your pet.
Homeopathic Remedy- Mucosa Compositum
Supportive and repair of mucosa lining starting from the mouth, down long the digestive tracts all the way to the anal passage and glands. It is rich in suis organ preparation for mucosal support plus a large variety of remedies for gastrointestinal sphere. Used for any inflammation that involves the mucosa.
Slippery Elm bark
Slippery elm has been used as an effective gut healer for centuries. This supplement both contains mucilage and stimulates nerve endings in the body’s intestinal tract to increase natural mucus secretion, which is an instrumental part of the stomach’s protective lining and helps combat ulcers and excessive acidity in the digestive system. It also contains important antioxidants that help relieve inflammatory bowel symptoms.
Licorice Root
Licorice Root is a demulcent herb that soothes mucus membranes in the digestive system. Licorice is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. Used in combination with milk thistle or turmeric, licorice makes a good liver tonic for dogs with sluggish liver or liver problems. The glycyrrhizin in licorice root can cause issues with hypertension so if your dog already has blood pressure issues the deglycyrrhizinated licorice is safe for long term use and the one to use.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root is a multipurpose supplement that can be used for respiratory or digestive relief. Like slippery elm, it contains high mucilage content. It eases the inflammation in the stomach lining, heals ulcers, and treats both diarrhoea and constipation by creating a protective lining on the digestive tract and brings balance in the digestive tract.
Anti-inflammatory Alternatives
Natural Cortisone
Plant derived sterols such as Betasitosterol show anti-inflammatory properties that appear to be similar to corticosteroids. Cortisone like effect without the associated immune suppressing effects is beneficial in any inflammatory process in the body.
Stress & Emotional Well-being Herbs & Supplements
Long term stress from chronic ear pain or emotional pain such as from neglect and abuse especially for dogs that are re-homed can be detrimental to your dog’s recovery. Dogs can also suffer from social anxiety, noise anxiety and separation anxiety. While addressing diet and lifestyle issues importance should also be given to their emotional well-being and long term mental health.
Nervoheel
A homeopathic remedy such as Nervoheel is effective in calming anxiety, relieving nervous tension, mental exhaustion, emotional distress, aggressiveness, nervousness, fear and stress in dogs. Nervoheel has no know side effects, no known medicinal interaction with other agents, is non-addictive and non- sedative. Contains Ignatia, Sepia, Kali bromatum and Acidum phosphoricum.
Bach Flower Essences
Bach flower remedies are made from the dew or essence of flowers. Flower essences may be used for anxiety for car trips, adapting to change like a new pet in the house grief for the loss of a dog or human companion, stress for showing or working pets, in a stressful household, separation anxiety, help with training and focus, helping pets deal with chronic illness or pain, fearful behaviour due to poor socialisation as a pup and phobias like thunder or fireworks.
Other useful botanicals herbal remedies include: Siberian Ginseng, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, St John Wort, Passion-Flower.
St John Wort
Sometimes called “Nature’s Prozac,” St. John’s Wort helps relieve stress, anxiety, and tension. It has antidepressant action equal to standard prescription antidepressant drugs, without the side effects.
Chamomile
This herb reduces anxiety in dogs that are stressed out. It calms the nerve as well as induces sleep and helps them sleep through the pain.
Passion Flower
Has calming properties but not a sedative. It is effective in calming frightened animals and is good for travel and other stressful situations.
Lemon Balm
A sedative herb that is effective in treating excitability and dog anxiety.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian Ginseng helps in increasing resistance to stress and stressful situations. It’s great for convalescing and weak animals. It builds immunity, provides energy and stamina and overall well-being feeling.
Keep in mind that as the body is eliminating toxins, it is not unusual for there to be a brief “healing crisis,” in which a dog may develop symptoms like a runny nose or changes in bowel movement or consistency even changes in appetite. Such symptoms should subside in a few days. As always, observe your pet closely when you administer any remedy, stop any remedy if symptoms develop that concern you, and consult with a holistic Vet for appropriate guidance.
As with any persistent health condition, always consult your Vet to be sure that a more serious underlying illness requiring expert medical attention is not the cause. Always discuss home treatment options with your holistic vet.
Treating stubborn and persistent ear problems need not be a frustrating exercise anymore. Deep seated infections can take a long time to truly clear up and in most cases, a shot gun approach is necessary. Natural remedies and a truly holistic approach that also considers diet and lifestyle combined with herbs can be pivotal and more effective than conventional medicine alone in achieving a lasting cure. I trust that as time progresses, you will be able to see the positive results, make your dog more comfortable and your life easier. Remember that herbs tend to act slowly. Herbal remedies work nearly as fast as other veterinary drugs, and whatever we lose in quickness of response we get back with a more completely healed ear at the end of the therapy.
Daily Herbal Intake Based on Dog’s Weight