Treating Ear Infections Holistically?

[jmackie]

Hi there, I was wondering whether anyone had experience dealing with ear infections in a natural/holistic manner? I took an ear gunk sample from my 5 y/o female boxer to the vet yesterday and the slide came back positive for both yeast & bacteria. I had been working on keeping it clean with green tea but it was just becoming overwhelming. The vet's office gave me an ear drop called Surolan. I realized after I got home (and used it on my girl) that it contains prednisolone - I am not on board with steroid use because of the immune suppression factor. I'd appreciate any suggestions on an alternate course.....? thanks so much. Jen (and Livy too)

 

[HokieGirl]

There is a product on the market called Zymox Otic. It is made from enzymes and is supposedly one of the best products for ears. I bought Rocki some after her last ear infection - 4 in 1 year - (treated with Tresaderm). It seems that just having it in the house has warded off the ear infection becuase I have not had to use it (good insurance policy I guess). Seriously though it comes highly recommended and although I haven't used it I like what I have read about it. Read reviews on 1800 pet meds but the best price is by far on Amazon.

 

[TwoDogs]

I have heard that Tea Tree Oil has natural antibiotic properties. It is not good for dogs to ingest it however. NaturVet makes an ear wash with Tea Tree Oil.

I've also heard that Boric Acid Powder sprinkled in the ears after cleansing helps keep the ear dry and prevent yeast from colonizing.

I've also heard that Betadine Solution or Povidone-Iodine Solution swabbed in the ear with a cotton ball will help with bacterial infections.

Disclaimer** Don't put anything in an ear with a ruptured eardrum. Only your vet can tell if your dog's eardrum is ruptured, so don't treat an accute infection without seeing your vet first.

 

[jmackie]

Great, thanks for those suggestions, I like the idea of the Zymox Otic just being in the house being a preventative sure would save me alot of wrestling time with the dog. Jen.

 

[Bufords Pop]

Our female boxer seemed to get ear infections once or twice a year.. Ironically she's the only boxer we've ever had with cropped ears, though I can't imagine this has anything to do do with it.. Anyway, after we got her last ear infection cleared up I decided to start mixing in a tablespoon of yogurt in her food everyday.. It could very well just be a coincidence but we haven't had another ear infection with her in well over a year... Granted, this won't help clear this up, but once you get it under control it might be something for you to consider since as we all know a good part of having success holistically is based on the preventive measures we take... Just something to consider