An Occasional Cleansing Might Be Necessary
One of the leading causes of ear scratching, believe it or not, is from the owner washing the ears too much.
If you do your weekly check and the dogs ears look healthy, dont clean them! Some dogs, however, may start to have an excessive wax buildup. In these cases, a gentle ear washing can be beneficial.
Dr. Krause at Boulder Holistic Vet has a great recipe for a gentle ear cleanser:
Note: do not use this if your dogs ears have scratches, cuts, or sores, it will sting!
If you would rather buy a pre-made herbal ear wash, here is a great option. It is made in a base of witch hazel and contains soothing extracts such as chamomile, calendula, mullein, and more.
Dog Ear Infections: Natural Remedies That Work
Does your dog have itchy, gunky, smelly or even painful ears that dont seem to get better? Youre not alone. Dog ear infections are one of the main reasons people take their dogs to the vet.
But you can usually manage your dogs ear infections at home, So heres some information on how to treat dog ear infection without vet visits.
Possible Side Effects Of Probiotics For Dogs
Probiotics are very rarely dangerous, but they work by changing the flora of your dogs gut which can show initial increased symptoms in the early stages prior to any improvements.
So, you could find your dog is even gassier than normal or more bloated. They may have diarrhea and need to be let out to go to the bathroom more often, or they could even have the opposite issue with some constipation.
Thankfully these should be short-lived symptoms, and because probiotics contain natural ingredients and serve to only boost whats already in your dogs digestive system, these should return to normal in no time.
However, if the symptoms worsen and your dog becomes unwell, then dont hesitate to take them to the vet for further advice.
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Minimize Pharmaceuticals And Other Chemicals
Dogs who live a more natural lifestyle are less likely to develop ear infections. Try to minimize exposure to chemicals in your dogs environment, indoors and outside.
Vaccines, antibiotics and other medications, and chemical pest preventives all harm your dogs gut health and disrupt her immune system. Make sure you only give the vaccines your dog really needs to protect her. Use natural alternatives to antibiotics and other medications when you can, and use natural pest prevention to keep the bugs off your dog.
You can also reduce toxins by minimizing chemicals at home and in your yard. Choose natural shampoos to bathe your dog, avoid toxic cleaning products in your home, including your own body cosmetics and other products with artificial fragrances.
Petvitalitypro Probiotics For Dogs With Natural Digestive Enzymes
Image courtesy PetVitalityPro
This probiotic supplement from PetVitalityPRO is designed to help dogs with a variety of health issues, including allergies. The probiotics in this supplement can help to regulate your dog’s immune system and reduce their reactions to allergens.
The supplement also contains enzymes that can help to break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently. This can help to improve your dog’s overall health and make them feel their best. PetVitalityPRO Probiotics for Dogs also contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for a dog’s coat and skin.
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Best Cleaning Wipes For Yeasty Dog Folds
Yeast loves to grow and thrive in dark, moist places on a dogs body, such as facial folds, in between toes, underarm areas, and in the groin. Unlike liquid cleaners, Pet MD Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Dog & Cat Wipes are mess-free pre-moistened wipes. Formulated with an advanced veterinary formula of chlorhexidine and ketoconazole, fungal and bacterial infections dont stand a chance of advancing. Keep a container on hand for travel and in between baths.
Highlights
- Helps control the itchiness of hot spots, yeast-prone areas, and canine acne
- Easier to use than dog shampoo
- May lessen the amount of itching, scratching, and licking in yeast-prone areas
- Advanced veterinary formula from a trusted name brand
- Made in a regulated manufacturing facility in small batches in the USA
- Soothing skin-friendly formula with aloe and glycerin
Things to Consider
- Alcohol-based solution
- Do not allow your dog to lick the treated areas until the product dries to prevent ingestion
- Do not use on open wounds, cuts, or raw areas
- Wipes include a fragrance
Highlights
- Gentle enough to use every day for one to two weeks
- Suitable for use on and in surface skin folds such as face wrinkles
- Available in a non-hydrocortisone formula
- Recommended for hot spots, wet eczema, yeasty areas, dermatitis, cuts, and wounds
- Gently soothes and cleans the skin without burning or stinging
- Product has a catheter tip for easy, direct application
Things to Consider
Is It Time To Get A New Antibiotic Cream For Dogs
Youre looking for a new antibiotic cream for dogs. What do you think? Its difficult to predict future price changes. If there are no signs of production slowing, it can be worth buying now to enjoy your investment sooner. But if output is declining and prices are predicted to rise, you might want to wait until the buzz has died down before making a choice.
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How Do You Get Rid Of An Ear Infection Without Antibiotics
What you can do to soothe a cold or ear infection:
Treatments For Ear Mites
Ear mites are diagnosed by examination of discharge from the ear under a microscope. If found, they can be treated with 0.1% Ivermectin. To prevent the recurrence of ear mites, a dog should receive systemic anti-parasite treatment. These are usually administered topically and prevent infestation by fleas, ticks, or mites, or some combination of those. Popular and effective brands include Revolution, Advantage and Frontline.
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Whats The Difference Between Human
Human-grade probiotics are dog probiotics made with high-quality ingredients or ingredients that pass all the requirements for human consumption. Generally speaking, the best probiotics for dogs are made with human-grade ingredients.
On the other hand, human probiotics are supplements formulated explicitly for humans. They have good bacteria that are specific to the human GI tract and digestive health.
In simple words, the main difference between human-grade probiotics and human probiotics is in the type of probiotics within the supplement.
Related: The Best Probiotics For Dogs In 2022
As you explore probiotics, check out our always up-to-date list of the best probiotics for dogs. With so many brands on the market, we did our research to make picking the right one for your dog easy!
- Hearing loss
- Disintegration of delicate inner ear bones
- Reduced quality of life for the dog
Unlike the continuous, systemic benefits provided by dog probiotics, antibiotics may relieve an ear infection temporarily but do nothing for the root cause of the infection. Thats why many dog owners are turning to probiotics for dogs with ear infections to naturally and successfully eliminate recurring ear infections in their canine best friends.
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Probiotic Natural Dog Ear Cleaner Reduces Risk Of Bacterial Infections
Around 20% of dogs suffer from some form of ear disease.If your faithful friend is one of them, our probiotic, natural dog ear cleaner spray is a helpful addition to your dogs routine.
In this news post,we explain how LUCAA+ Pet Probiotic Ear Care Spray:
- Helps prevent bacterial dog ear infections and keep ears clean and comfortable.
- Is used by vets to resolve recurrent ear infections in a natural, safe and healthy way.
This post includes threeprobioticsuccess storiesone veterinary case study andtwo owner testimonials.Ben, Pongo and Mylo all recovered from chronicear infections, even after developing resistance to previously effective antibiotics. .
Their owners say The spray has helped him and he is so much happier and We cant recommend this product enough.
Important: Always check with your vet if your dog has signs of an ear infection, or if in any doubt.
Can Dogs Eat Yogurt And Other Foods With Probiotics
Some human foods, like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, such as sauerkraut, have live cultures that may benefit some dogs.
Be sure to read the labels of human foods carefully to select plain, unsweetened varieties that do not contain artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is toxic to animals.
Limit quantities of probiotic foods for dogs to these ranges:
-
1 teaspoon per day for small dogs
-
2 teaspoons per day for medium-sized dogs
-
3 teaspoons per day for large dogs or giant-breed dogs
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The Purina Fortiflora Canine Nutritional Supplement Is Our Top Choice For Dogs
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproductslearn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
The Spruce Pets / Margot Cavin
Purina Fortiflora Canine Nutritional Supplement is our top choice, thanks to its ease of use. We also like PetVitalityPro Probiotic Chews.
When it comes to canine wellness, your dog may be missing a crucial element: good bacteria. A healthy gut contains good bacteria that breaks down food and can help with digestion. But if the gut becomes unbalanced, bad bacteria may overtake the healthy microorganisms that should be in your dogs stomach and intestines. A probiotic can help restore and maintain this balance of good and bad bacteria. Probiotics for dogs come in many forms, and some brands even claim to address other canine health concerns, like joint pain and allergies.
We researched the market to find the best probiotics for dogs.
Other Ways Probiotics For Dogs Can Help
It always helps a dogs system to boost their good bacteria, so theres every reason to administer probiotics for dogs even before they begin to show signs of digestive issues.
Probiotics can fight liver disease, irritable bowel syndrome and can make your dog feel so much better in themselves that they become more playful and sleep less during the day.
This is great news for your dog, but it will mean more playtime and longer walks for you!
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How Do Probiotics For Dog Ear Infections Work
Probiotics for dogs ear infection work on several levels.
They provide direct competition for disease-causing bacteria and are shown to play a role in the immune response of dogs enabling them to fight infections. Plus, they release anti-inflammatory substances like short-chain fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and can help speed up healing.
In other words, probiotics for dogs ear infections work by boosting the immune system, relieving the main ear infection symptom , and recolonizing the dogs gut with good bacteria after the antibiotic treatment .
Ear Infection Case Study And Testimonials
It is important to act quickly if an ear infection does occur. If it does, we recommend seeing a vet such as Dr. Richard Doyle, Veterinary Surgeon at Wylie Vets in Essex, for guidance. Richard says:
The treatment of multi-resistant ear infections presents veterinary surgeons with a challenging problem. Bacteria that commonly infect the ears of dogs are becoming more and more resistant to the available antibiotics. Ear infections cause pain and discomfort for dogs and can affect hearing and balance in the long term. The use of probiotic ear products presents a new approach to this problem. It uses commensal bacteria to eliminate pathogenic bacteria by competitively inhibiting them without the need for traditional antibiotic treatment.
Here are the stories of three much loved dogs, who were all helped by LUCAA+ Pet Probiotic Ear Care:
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Tips For Preventing Ear Infections In Dogs
If your pup has floppy ears, allergies, or happens to be an avid swimmer, youre probably no stranger to canine ear infections. Ear infections in dogs are not uncommon, but using simple, preventive tips can help stop ear infections from developing.
If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, call your vet. Prompt veterinary care is essential to avoid more serious consequences such as a ruptured eardrum, middle or inner ear infection, and hearing loss, says Dr. Alli Troutman, a holistic veterinarian at Integrative Veterinary Service in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
Symptoms of ear infections in dogs are hard to miss. The affected dog is usually shaking his head frequently, may tilt his head with the sore ear usually on the down side, and there is often a sour odor coming from the ear, says Dr. Beth Boynton, Professor of Wellness at Western University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona, California. It may look swollen, red, and full of moist discharge.
Spare your dog some needless suffering and avoid the expense of extra vet trips with these safe and effective vet-approved tips for preventing ear infections in dogs.
How Can Ear Infections In Dogs Be Prevented
To keep poochâs ears healthy, regularly check for discharge, odor, and swelling. After your dog bathes or swims, gently dry the outer part of the ears as well as you can. You may also use an ear cleaning medicine that has a drying agent.
If your dog has hair in the opening of their ears, ask their groomer to trim or tweeze it. You can do it yourself if your dog will let you, but you need to be very careful. Only pluck hairs that are easily visible. Never insert any object into the ear canal unless your vet has shown you how to do it safely. Otherwise, you can damage the eardrum and cause severe problems.
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Can Probiotics Make Dog Allergies Worse
Yes, probiotics for dogs with allergies can make things worse. However, this is only possible if they are misused introduced suddenly or in high amounts. In such cases, they can cause constipation, bloating, and gassiness.
Probiotics can also worsen the dogs allergy if they contain an ingredient that the dog is sensitive to.
Other than that, probiotics for dogs with allergies are safe. According to a study, probiotics for dogs are well tolerated with no safety concerns..
Probiotic Natural Dog Ear Cleaner Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Preventing infection by safely cleaning the ears is always the best approach. Routine cleaning with LUCAA+ Pet Probiotic Ear Care restores and maintains a healthy ear.
This non-invasive, probiotic, natural dog ear cleaner spray keeps ears comfortable and reduces the risk of bacterial infections. In this way, it helps to reduce the length and severity of flare-ups and the risk of serious operations and antibiotics.
- Prevents ear infections.
- Reduces the risk of inflammation.
- Removes organic material from the ear canal.
- Provides long-term cleaning.
- Safe for all ages of dogs and cats.
Although not a specific ear mite treatment, the helpful probiotics can help to reduce ear mite itching. They consume the ear mite faeces that cause the irritation, as a natural food source.
How LUCAA+ Probiotic, Natural Ear Cleaner Works
The healthy probiotics are good bacteria from plants. They work in a safe, natural and mechanical way to inhibit the activity of harmful bacteria restore and maintain a healthy microbiome. For more information read our article How Probiotics Restore Balance.
This article by Danielle Masterson is about ear infections in children, but shows how probiotics reduce the risk
Probiotics for ear infections? Researchers demonstrate microbiota linked to ear health.
Instructions
For infection prevention/control: Apply with a clean cloth or cotton pad or spray directly into the ear. Apply between twice daily and twice weekly depending on the ear condition.
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See Your Veterinarian First
As much as we would love to treat our dogs ear infections without a vet, most times a visit to the vet is necessary.
When your dog starts scratching at their ears, the first step is to figure out what is causing them to itch. Unfortunately, we cant figure this out at home. Determining if the discomfort is coming from mites, bacteria, or yeast requires microscopic examination of what is in the ears. In addition, your dog may have a foreign object in their ear that your vet can see with an otoscope.
At the appointment, your holistic vet will:
How To Choose The Most Popular Antibiotic Cream For Dogs
The three most crucial criteria to consider are price, quality, and popularity.Price is an obvious factor to consider, as you want to ensure it is acceptable for your needs.Quality should also be examined because buying a low-quality goods will not help you achieve your main aim of obtaining the best product.Finally, while not as obvious as price or quality, popularity can be just as significant as both when it comes to attracting new customers.
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How Can I Give My Dog Probiotics
First of all, we should note that some commercial dog food formulas contain added probiotics. However, if your dog needs an additional boost, the number of live cultures in the dog food is not enough.
In such cases, you need to consider probiotics for dogs in the form of supplements. Luckily, there are different forms of probiotics for dogs powders, capsules, liquids, soft chews, and treats. This gives you the freedom to choose which option is best for you and your pup.
You can also use some natural sources of probiotics for dogs like yogurt and kefir. For optimal results, add a supplement product to your dogs regimen and occasionally enrich its meals with natural probiotics for dogs.
