Does coconut oil help ear infections in dogs?

Most canines with ear pain are found to have an ear infection caused by either a yeast or bacterial microorganism. The majority of minor ear infections can be treated naturally at home, though an ongoing condition should be treated at the veterinarian.

A man’s best friend is important to us at Dope Dog, so we want to share knowledge about home remedies for ear infections.

How to Apply Coconut Oil to Dogs’ Ears

It’s best to visit your veterinarian for a correct diagnosis if your dog has an ear issue for the first time. You can provide at-home care for dogs who have a chronic, low-grade ear infection by regularly cleaning the affected area and then applying coconut oil.

As an ear wash, I suggest Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner, 8 oz. It effectively and delicately cleans waxy goo from irritated dog ears. It has a mild scent and doesn’t irritate inflamed skin the way hydrogen peroxide or apple cider vinegar do.

I recommend using dog ear cleaner daily for a week for more severe cases, or once or twice a week for less severe cases, depending on how inflamed the ears are.

A soft cotton ball should be used to remove any excess liquid after flooding the ear canal with the solution. Stop the procedure if you see blood because continuing to wipe may worsen the inflammation.

Allow the ears to dry for at least 30 minutes after using Epi-Otic Advanced to clean them.

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.

How Coconut Oil Works on Ear Infections

Although coconut oil is effective for all of the aforementioned conditions, the real question is whether it can treat ear infections.

The answer is yes. Coconut oil:

Has anti-bacterial properties

Has anti-fungal properties

Fights yeast infections

Is anti-inflammatory

Increases collagen production[1]

It is the best option in this situation because of all of its qualities that help to treat infections. Lauric acid, a fatty acid, is one of coconut oil’s key characteristics.

Since ear infections are typically caused by bacteria or yeast, coconut oil can frequently help to lessen if not completely eliminate the issue.

However, it is crucial to note that, like any antibiotic, coconut oil can only combat certain bacteria[2].

Because of this, it’s crucial to identify the type of ear infection you have before using an at-home remedy.

FAQ

What oil is good for dog ear infection?

Due to its natural anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, oregano essential oil is used by advocates of home remedies to treat dog ear infections. It must always be diluted before you apply it. It is advised to use “carrier oils” like coconut oil or sweet almond oil when diluted.

What can you put in a dog’s ear for an ear infection?

They could apply a topical medication or use a medicated ear cleaner. In more serious circumstances, your pet’s veterinarian might be required to give them oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. Your dog will probably be given a topical medication by your veterinarian.

Does coconut oil help with bacterial infections dogs?

Luckily, coconut oil has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. Therefore, if harmful bacteria start to spread through your dog’s intestinal tract, coconut oil may be able to kill them and feed the good bacteria.