🐾 Paw-scription Mondays: Herbal Remedies for Dog Ear Infections & Ear Health 🌿🐶👂

Ear infections are one of the most common health issues in dogs, often causing itching, redness, bad odor, and discomfort. Certain breeds, especially those with floppy ears or excessive hair, are more prone to bacterial, yeast, and fungal infections.

While conventional ear treatments often include antibiotics and steroids, natural herbal remedies can effectively clean, soothe, and heal your dog's ears without harsh chemicals.

In this Paw-scription Monday guide, we’ll explore the best herbs for treating and preventing ear infections, how they work, and how to use them to keep your dog’s ears clean, healthy, and infection-free—naturally! 🌱🐾

👂 Common Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs

Your dog’s ears are delicate and prone to infections caused by bacteria, yeast, parasites, and allergies. Some common causes include:

🚨 Excess Wax Build-up – Creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.🚨 Moisture & Swimming ("Swimmer’s Ear") – Water trapped in the ears encourages yeast growth.🚨 Allergies (Food & Environmental) – Can lead to chronic inflammation and infections.🚨 Ear Mites – Tiny parasites that cause intense itching and irritation.🚨 Poor Ear Hygiene – Dirt, debris, and wax can accumulate over time.

If left untreated, ear infections can lead to pain, balance issues, and hearing loss, so early treatment is essential!

🌿 Best Herbs for Dog Ear Health & Infection Prevention

1. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) – The Natural Ear Healer

Mullein is one of the best herbs for ear infections, helping to reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and soothe irritation.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Naturally antibacterial & antifungal✔ Soothes itchy, irritated ears✔ Reduces swelling & inflammation

🦴 How to Use It:

• Make Mullein Ear Drops (see DIY recipe below).

• Use a warm Mullein tea rinse to clean ears.

  
  

2. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – The Anti-Inflammatory Skin Soother

Calendula is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it perfect for soothing inflamed ears and healing minor infections.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Heals irritated, inflamed ear tissue✔ Fights bacterial and yeast infections✔ Helps with allergy-related ear problems

🦴 How to Use It:

• Brew Calendula tea, let it cool, and use it as a gentle ear rinse.

• Add a few drops of Calendula tincture to carrier oil for ear drops.

🚨 Only use diluted Calendula tinctures—concentrated extracts can be too strong.

3. Garlic (Allium sativum) – The Natural Antibacterial & Yeast Fighter

Garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic that helps fight bacterial and fungal infections in the ears.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Naturally kills bacteria and yeast✔ Reduces pain and inflammation✔ Prevents ear infections from worsening

🦴 How to Use It:

• Infuse garlic in olive oil to create a gentle ear drop solution (see DIY recipe below).

🚨 Do not use raw garlic directly in the ear—always dilute in oil.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar – The Natural Ear Cleanser

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps restore pH balance, reduce yeast, and remove excess wax, making it a great preventative and treatment for mild ear infections.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Helps remove ear wax buildup✔ Kills fungus and bacteria✔ Prevents recurring ear infections

🦴 How to Use It:

• Mix 1 part ACV with 1 part water, dip a cotton ball, and gently clean the outer ear.

• Avoid use if the ear is red, swollen, or open wounds are present, as ACV can sting.

  
  

5. Coconut Oil – The Gentle Ear Soother

Coconut oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, and moisturizing properties, making it a great base for herbal ear drops.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Soothes dry, itchy ears✔ Kills bacteria, yeast, and mites✔ Moisturizes dry or flaky skin in the ear canal

🦴 How to Use It:

• Warm a small amount of coconut oil and gently apply a few drops into the ear.

• Use as a base for garlic or mullein-infused oil.

  
  

🌿 DIY Herbal Ear Drops for Dogs

If your dog has ear infections, yeast build-up, or irritation, try this natural herbal ear drop recipe for gentle healing and relief.

👂 DIY Herbal Ear Drops for Dogs

🫙 Ingredients:✔ 2 tbsp Olive or Coconut Oil (carrier oil)✔ 1 tbsp Mullein flowers (anti-inflammatory & antibacterial)✔ 1 clove Garlic (crushed) (natural antibiotic)✔ 1 tsp Calendula flowers (soothing & healing)

📝 Instructions:1️⃣ Warm the oil in a small glass jar (do not boil).2️⃣ Add Mullein, Garlic, and Calendula to the oil.3️⃣ Let the mixture infuse for 24 hours, then strain out the herbs.4️⃣ Use 2-3 drops per ear, once or twice daily, for mild infections.

🚨 Always check with your vet before using any ear drops, especially if the eardrum is ruptured.

🛑 When to Use Herbal Ear Remedies

🌿 For mild to moderate ear infections🌿 To prevent recurring yeast or bacterial infections🌿 When your dog scratches their ears frequently🌿 To reduce wax build-up and keep ears clean🌿 For dogs prone to allergies and ear inflammation

🥗 Other Natural Ways to Support Ear Health

Along with herbal remedies, you can help prevent ear infections naturally by:

✅ Regular Ear Cleaning – Use herbal rinses or ACV to prevent wax buildup.✅ Keeping Ears Dry – After swimming or baths, dry your dog’s ears to prevent moisture buildup.✅ Feeding a Balanced Diet – Reduce grains and sugars that feed yeast overgrowth.✅ Adding Omega-3s – Fish oil reduces inflammation and supports skin health.✅ Checking for Allergies – Food and environmental allergies can cause chronic ear infections.

📌 How to Safely Use Herbs for Ear Health in Dogs

🌿 Never use undiluted essential oils directly in the ear.🌿 Check for open wounds before applying any ear treatments.🌿 Introduce herbal remedies slowly and observe for reactions.🌿 Consult your vet if symptoms persist or worsen.

🐶 Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Dog’s Ears Clean & Infection-Free Naturally

Your dog’s ears need regular care to stay healthy, and using natural herbal remedies like Mullein, Calendula, Garlic, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Coconut Oil can help prevent infections, reduce inflammation, and soothe discomfort—without harsh chemicals.

🐾 Has your dog ever had an ear infection? What natural remedies have worked for you? Share your experience in the comments! ⬇️