In this article we’ll cover the following:
- Ear Infections and your Dog
- Different Causes of Ear Infection in Dogs
- Why use Coconut Oil for Dog Ear Infections Instead of Other Remedies?
- Coconut Oil for Dogs Ear Yeast Infection
We love our four-legged buddies no matter how disorderly and disruptive they can be. Any illness, distress or discomfort they have affects us greatly as we treat our pets like they are our children. A little itch on the dog’s side or a small wound from running through the trees can turn our day around very quickly for the worse.
We want our little buddies to be healthy as much as possible. Anything can be done just to protect them and keep them happy.
They get sick sometimes. You notice the dog’s fur shedding off. In some instances, they get an ear infection or a dry nose. Dog ear infections and dry noses are common problems encountered by dogs.
So, we’ll talk about dog ear infections and dry noses since they’re the common ailment in dogs.
Ear Infections and your Dog
Ear infections are unavoidable for our four-legged friends at times. It may occur at one point in their lives. And it can happen for several reasons as opposed to what most people think.
An ear infection can occur if we neglect to give them proper hygiene. It can develop due to temperature changes or allergic reactions. Sometimes, it’s an allergic response to a new object we use or to our environment. The same goes for the ears of our dogs.
Their ear infection may not be because we neglect them.
Some allergens might’ve caused them the disease, or they might not be coping well with the sudden temperature change.
What are the Different Causes of Ear Infection in Dogs?
- Foreign Materials Entering the Ears. There are times when our four-legged pals run outside, roll around in meadows, or jog with us at the park. In these instances, they may come in contact with pollens, pieces of grass, seeds or soil particles, and dust. This problem is common, especially during springtime.
These foreign bodies can enter their delicate ears and cause an infection. It can happen because our playful dogs may come in contact with these objects. Some foreign materials can be sharp and can cause abrasions on their ears. - Allergic Reaction. There are some ingredients in our dog’s diet, vitamins, or shampoos that may not be suitable for them. Some dogs may be allergic to eggs in their diet while other dogs become healthier if it’s part of their diet. Some dogs thrive in a cold climate, while other dogs thrive in hot weather conditions. Each breed of dog is different from the other, and each dog is unique. Their bodily reactions to different climates can also vary.
If our dogs have allergies, their noses, mouths, throats, or ears may swell. And swelling of their ears may cause infection in those areas of their body. - Bacteria That Live in our Dog’s Ears. Some bacteria thrive in a warm environment and our dog’s ears are one of those environments. There are also bacteria that thrive in wounds. These bacteria can multiply fast and can cause infection if not treated immediately.
- Mites That Infest our Dogs. Ear mites love to hide in places that are hard to find and reach. Our dog’s ears are the ideal location for them to stay. They like to burrow and bite into the skin, which causes inflammation and irritation. That can be itchy for our dogs, and they will scratch their ears. Some solutions may help cure and minimize our dog’s ear infections. There are also a lot of home remedies that are DIY (Do-It-Yourself). Coconut oil for dog ear infections can be one of the options. This home remedy may be more effective than other treatments that we can use to treat our dog’s ear infections.
Why use Coconut Oil for Dog Ear Infections Instead of Other Remedies?
These are some of the reasons why you should choose to use coconut oil for treating your dog’s infection:
- Cleaning by using cotton buds and your hands can be ineffective and may worsen the disease. Unless you’re a licensed veterinarian, you’re not allowed to touch the internal ear of your dog. Doing this, especially if you’re inexperienced, isn’t only dangerous but also ineffective. We all know that ears are fragile. That’s why we should always be careful whenever we touch our dog’s ears.
- Antibiotics are expensive and could be dangerous. If antibiotics for humans are expensive, the prices of similar drugs for your four-legged pals can double or triple that price.
- Antibiotics. Are almost always pricey. Sometimes, they don’t guarantee total healing of your dog’s ears. Prolonged use may not only pose a danger but could worsen the condition.
- Colloidal silver can be useful in curing ear infections, but it isn’t safe. It is considered by some to be unsafe. Don’t be one of those people who try to solve a problem and then develop another problem.
- Coconut oil is a natural substance and is safe to use. Coconut oil is from one of the world’s miracle makers, the coconut. There are tons of benefits of using it that people are craving for it. Moreover, a lot of people use it.
Some even use it on their dogs. It can help treat a lot of problems like ear infections. Because it’s a natural food source, it has minimal toxic effects on dogs. Also, people have been using it on their dogs for many years.
Coconut Oil for Dogs Ear Yeast Infection
One infection that a pet owner must face is a yeast infection in the ears. Yeasts are growing, sponge-like forms of fungi. Dogs with yeast infections may also affect their tummy, paws, neck, and armpits. When dogs have ear yeast infections, they’ll scratch it over and over again as it’s itchy and cause skin irritation. If the infection gets worst, it may develop into sores with a sticky, foul-smelling discharge.
Many would resort to certain medications, but if you want something organic, you can use coconut oil. Several pet owners have testified of its effectiveness in helping out their dogs’ ear yeast infections. Coconut oil contains properties that may help treat ear yeast infections. The medium-chain fatty acids include an antifungal property that kills the yeast. It also has anti-inflammatory properties in case it has developed sores.
You can incorporate coconut oil into your dog’s food or apply it directly to the affected area. For a better result, wipe first the affected area with apple cider vinegar and water mixture (same ratio). Let the skin dry, and then rub the coconut oil into the affected area. Do it regularly until yeast clears off the area.