What Are The Causes And My Journey In Finding a Natural Remedy
Over the years, I’ve heard so many pet parents vent about their struggles with their pet's ear problems—chronic itching, pain, endless vet visits, medications that seem never to end, and daily cleanings. It’s a real challenge. But now, with the latest addition to my pack, I’m experiencing that ear frustration firsthand. Trust me, I get it more than ever!
When it comes to advice, my top suggestion is to switch from over-processed, high-carb kibble to a raw dog food diet. For many who took this leap, it was a game changer, and their pets’ ear issues often cleared up.
But what about those already committed to a raw food diet and still battling stubborn ear problems? Here, I'll share my experience in treating my pup's ear problem with natural remedies and why I approach antibiotics as an absolute last resort? Note: I also steer clear of products with hydrocortisone.
Antibiotics & The "Re-bound Effect"
The "rebound effect" is when those pesky harmful bacteria come back with a vengeance after a round of antibiotics—something we’re all too familiar with.
Here’s the scoop: antibiotics don’t just target the bad guys; they also wipe out the good, beneficial bacteria that keep everything in balance. Once the treatment wraps up, this disruption creates the perfect storm for harmful bacteria to swoop in and take over. [1] This is the primary reason for working so hard to find an alternative treatment solution.
My Journey
Torchy, my 2.5-year-old mini-wire dachshund, joined my pack and made us a party of five. Honestly, I wasn’t planning on adding another member, especially a puppy, but he came into our lives at 13 weeks old back in April 2022.
Right from the start, his right ear became a persistent troublemaker—stinky, red, and oozing a lot of wax with a “goopy” sound when squeezed, though it never seemed painful.
Torchy was on a raw food diet from the start, and I was sure that his ear troubles would be a breeze to fix. With my usual confidence, I grabbed a natural ear product, Otaxium Drops, thinking it would be a quick fix. Oh, how wrong I was! Despite following the instructions, there was no change in that stubborn ear. That was just the beginning of a long journey. I tried so many solutions: homemade cleaners, enzyme-based cleaners, essential oil blends, and homeopathy.
I'll share more about what I tried, but first let's dig into the causes of ear infections.
What Causes Ear Issues?
Ear issues can stem from a range of causes: it might be a bacterial infection or yeast overgrowth, an allergic reaction, or even something like a foxtail or a mass. Let’s dive into the differences so you can make the most informed decision for your beloved pet!
Yeast Overgrowth
Yeast overgrowth is actually more common than bacterial infections when it comes to dog ears. The usual suspect is Malassezia pachydermatis, a yeast that naturally lives on the skin and in ear canals but can overgrow and cause a condition called Malassezia otitis, or simply yeast overgrowth, also known as otomycosis.
Dogs with this type of infection often show signs like itching, redness, swelling, a nasty odor, and dark, greasy discharge from their ears. They might shake their heads frequently or scratch at their ears. [2]. From my experience, “yeasty” ears can be pretty stinky but usually aren't too painful, making them a bit easier to manage.
Several factors can set the stage for a yeast overgrowth in dog ears. Moisture in the ear canal—something we often see with breeds like Golden Retrievers—is a big one. Sensitivities, such as those triggered by kibble, can also play a role. Plus, if there’s an underlying bacterial ear infection, often worsened by antibiotics, it can create the perfect breeding ground for yeast [3]. Any condition that messes with the normal ear environment makes it easier for that pesky yeast to take over.
Diagnosing A Yeast Overgrowth
Diagnosing a yeast overgrowth usually involves a clinical exam and cytology. This means taking a sample from the ear canal and checking it under a microscope to spot the yeast. [4]. It’s crucial to get this done before jumping into treatment—after all, you want to be sure you're tackling the right culprit!
Traditional treatment for yeast infections usually means using anti-fungal medications—either topical or oral—along with a good cleaning routine to clear out debris and excess yeast. It’s also important to tackle any underlying issues, whether that’s changing your pet’s diet or tweaking their environment, to really get a handle on the problem [5].
When it comes to anti-yeast medications for dogs, whether it’s oral anti-fungals or topical treatments, there’s a chance your pup might experience some side effects. These can include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, liver toxicity, fatigue, and even skin reactions or irritation. It’s always good to be aware of these possibilities and determine if this is the best treatment course for you and your pet.
Most vets will suggest using antiseptic ear cleansers as part of the treatment. However, many commercial brands include ingredients that can cause skin irritation. So, it’s a good idea to check out the ingredients and do a quick Google search before using them on your pet. Better safe than sorry!
Bacterial Infections
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a common troublemaker behind bacterial ear infections in dogs, also known as otitis externa. This pesky bacteria often tags along with yeast overgrowth and can lead to symptoms like itching, redness, and a nasty pus-filled discharge. [6]
When it comes to bacterial infections, you’ll often notice a thick, yellow, green, or brown discharge. In my experience, this color is a telltale sign that it’s a bacterial issue rather than just yeast overgrowth. The yellow and green hues really scream “infection!” However, it’s worth noting that yeast overgrowth and bacterial infections can sometimes overlap. Generally, bacterial infections tend to be more painful than yeast overgrowth, so it’s a good clue to watch for!
Diagnosing A Bacterial Infection
As mentioned earlier, to figure out whether your pup has a bacterial ear infection, yeast overgrowth, or both, your vet will start with a clinical exam and cytology. They’ll take a sample of the ear discharge using a swab and examine it under a microscope. This process helps pinpoint the specific pathogens involved so they can craft the most effective treatment plan.
Sometimes, they’ll send the swab sample to a lab for a culture and sensitivity test, which reveals the exact bacteria causing the issue and shows which antibiotics will be most effective. If needed, the vet might also run additional tests, like blood work or imaging, to rule out any underlying conditions or assess the infection’s extent.
Treatment with antibiotics for ear infections in dogs can come with a variety of side effects, which can vary based on the medication and the dog’s unique response. Common issues include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, skin rashes, itching, and hives. They can also affect kidney and liver function. Plus, long-term use can mess with the normal gut flora, sometimes leading to pesky secondary problems like yeast overgrowth. [7] If you opt for traditional treatment options, be sure to keep a close eye out for these potential side effects.
Allergic Reactions Signs and Symptoms
Allergic reactions in a dog’s ears can show up in various ways, often triggered by environmental allergens, food sensitivities, or other irritants. Keep an eye out for common signs like itching and scratching, redness and inflammation, swelling, head shaking, and scabs or crusts. Unlike yeast or bacterial infections, the discharge from allergies is usually clear or watery. It’s all about spotting these clues to get your pup feeling better!
How To Treat Ear Issues Caused by Allergic Reactions?
Treating ear issues caused by allergic reactions means tackling both the ear symptoms and the underlying allergy. Start by figuring out what’s triggering the allergy—this could be environmental factors inside or outside your home, food sensitivities, or other irritants. Once you identify these triggers, work on minimizing exposure. This might involve switching your dog's diet, using air purifiers, and avoiding irritants like certain cleaning products, laundry detergents, and air fresheners. Clean your dog’s bedding with unscented detergent, skip the dryer sheets, use vinegar for floor cleaning, and remove any plug-in air fresheners. If food sensitivities are suspected, switch to a raw dog food diet to cut out the processing and inflammatory ingredients found in kibble.
This is where a knowledgeable pet parent truly makes a difference. Before jumping to antibiotics for ear issues that might be allergy-related rather than a true bacterial infection, start with the natural remedies and environmental changes mentioned earlier. Discuss your pet's symptoms with your pet healthcare team and consider homemade cleaners using apple cider vinegar or hydrogen peroxide alongside dietary and environmental adjustments. If these steps aren't enough, consult your veterinarian about potentially adding oral antihistamines or corticosteroids as a last resort. These medications can help manage inflammation and itching, providing relief and helping to control the allergic reaction.
Foreign Object
When a dog has a foreign object stuck in its ear, you might notice a few specific signs. These can include scratching or pawing at the ear, head shaking or tilting, redness and swelling, pain, a foul-smelling discharge, and changes in behavior. It might feel like ear issues all look the same, and I get it—there is a lot of overlap. But with a foreign body, the increased pawing and behavioral changes are your key clues. If you decide to visit your pet’s healthcare team, be sure to advocate for your pet by sharing all the details of their recent adventures. This way, your pet isn’t just another “ear infection” case but a unique situation needing attention.
An Alternate Theory- is the infection the problem?
In my quest for solutions, I revisited Homeopathic Care for Cats & Dogs by Don Hamilton, DVM. Although the book primarily delves into homeopathy, it’s brimming with valuable insights into ear issues. Hamilton argues that what we often label as infections might not be the actual problem. Instead, bacteria or yeast are capitalizing on underlying vulnerabilities in otherwise healthy animals. If our pets were truly healthy, these organisms wouldn’t proliferate. This perspective deeply resonated with me and aligns with my own experiences. I’ve encountered many cases where antibiotics were prescribed for ear “infections” that were actually symptoms of deeper imbalances rather than true infections.
To Dr. Hamilton’s point, I truly believe that holistic topical treatments can be effective, especially when paired with a species-appropriate, raw food diet, high-quality filtered water, and a reduction in toxic medications and environmental stressors. It’s all about supporting the body holistically rather than just applying a quick fix.
The Remedy For Torchy
For Torchy, my spirited mini-wire dachshund, it turned out to be a yeast issue linked to an underlying microbiome problem, which I suspect was due to vaccine injury. I didn't go the big-pharma route, though I might have reconsidered if his ear was painful or truly bothering him, but thankfully, it never did.
After natural products and homemade essential oil recipes didn’t quite hit the mark, I gave the Blue Power Ear Formula a go!
This formula, crafted from a recipe I found online, relies on Gentian Blue Solution 1% for its powerful, yet straightforward effectiveness.
Gentian Blue Solution 1% is a topical antiseptic solution commonly used in veterinary medicine for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s especially effective against fungal infections, such as Malassezia, that common yeast overgrowth we mentioned earlier in the article.
The Blue Power Ear Formula has been a real game changer for Torchy, turning things around for his ear troubles in a big way. Even though Torchy wasn’t thrilled with the treatment at first, the results have been nothing short of miraculous. I stuck to the initial phase and then the maintenance phase for about 3 to 4 months, and the difference has been incredible. It’s been a year since we’ve had any ear issues, and I couldn’t be happier with the progress!
Blue Power Ear Formula Directions
Ingredients
-16 Oz. Witch Hazel** (substituted for isopropyl alcohol for a gentler approach)
- 4 Tablespoons Boric Acid Powder** (not Borax, for soothing the ear, also on Amazon)
- 16 Drops Gentian Blue Solution 1% (order on Amazon)
Instructions
1. Mix the Ingredients: Combine the witch hazel, boric acid powder, and Gentian Blue Solution in a bottle. Shake well before each use to ensure the boric acid powder is dispersed.
2. Apply the Solution: Take your dog outside or to a safe area, as the blue solution WILL STAIN. Warm the solution gently if desired.
3. Treatment Process:
- If the ears are inflamed or sore, avoid cleaning until they are calmed.
- With your dog’s head tilted, squirt the solution into the ear canal, then massage the base to help it penetrate.
- For the initial treatment, flush the ear twice, allowing your dog to shake their head between flushes. Wipe away any excess.
- For subsequent treatments, flush once more but allow your dog to shake out the solution without further massaging.
Treatment Schedule:
1. Initial Phase: Apply twice daily for 1-2 weeks based on the severity.
2. Maintenance Phase: Reduce to once daily for 1-2 weeks as symptoms improve.
3. Ongoing Care: Treat once a month or as needed.
Important Notes:
- Perform the treatment outside to prevent staining from the Gentian Violet.
- After treatment, gently wipe away excess and allow your dog to return indoors.
In Summary
The Blue Power Ear Formula has been a real game changer for Torchy, turning things around for his ear troubles in a big way. Even though Torchy wasn’t thrilled with the treatment at first, the results have been nothing short of miraculous. I stuck to the initial phase and then the maintenance phase for about 3 to 4 months, and the difference has been incredible. It’s been a year since we’ve had any ear issues, and I couldn’t be happier with the progress!
*** Sharing is caring: If you know of a pup dealing with ear issues, please be sure to pass this information along!
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Citations
1. Smith, T., et al. (2018). "Disruption of normal flora and rebound infections". Clinical Microbiology Review
2. Hillier, A. (2021). "Management of ear infections in dogs: Malassezia". Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 51(4), 565-576.
3. Gordon, K. (2017). "Yeast infections in veterinary dermatology". Journal of Veterinary Dermatology, 28(5), 380-389.
4. Klausner, J. (2019). "Diagnosis and treatment of ear infections caused by Malassezia". Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 33(6), 2080-2091.
5. White, K., et al. (2020). "Antifungal therapies for Malassezia infections in dogs". Veterinary Dermatology, 31(3), 234-242.
6. Kunkle, G.A., et al. (2010). "Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in Canine Otitis Externa." Veterinary Dermatology, 21(2), 92-97.
7. Kumar, A., et al. (2017). "Impact of antibiotics on gut flora and secondary infections in dogs". Veterinary Microbiology, 214, 109-118.
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