If your dog has brown, gunky ears, a yeasty smell, head shaking, or constant scratching, you are probably looking for something you can try at home right now.
I get it. I went through this for years with Ginger.
I’ll give you the natural remedies first, because that is probably why you are here. Then I’ll explain what helped Ginger long-term, why I no longer recommend the product I used years ago, and why chronic ear infections usually need a deeper look than just cleaning the ear.
Home care can be helpful for mild irritation, waxy buildup, or regular ear maintenance. But if your dog’s ear is painful, swollen, bleeding, full of pus, very red, or your dog will not let you touch it, please call your vet. A true ear infection may need testing and medication.
Quick Safety Note
Before you put anything in your dog’s ear, take a quick look. Do not use home remedies if your dog has:
- Pain when you touch the ear
- Severe redness or swelling
- Blood or pus
- A strong foul odor
- Head tilt
- Balance problems
- An ear canal that looks closed or very inflamed
- Symptoms that keep coming back
- Symptoms that do not improve within a few days
A dog’s ear canal is shaped in a way that makes it easy for debris and infection to hide deeper than you can see. I know you’re trying to avoid another trip to your vet, but they can check the eardrum and look under the microscope to see if it is yeast, bacteria, mites, or a combination.
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Natural Remedies for Dog Ear Infections
These remedies are for mild ear irritation, waxy buildup, or early signs of yeast. They are not a replacement for a vet exam if your dog is in pain or the infection keeps coming back.
1. Plain Witch Hazel
This is what I use most often now when Ginger’s ears just need a gentle wipe.
I do not pour witch hazel deep into her ear canal. I put a little plain witch hazel on a cotton ball and gently wipe the visible part of the ear and the inside of the ear flap.
For Ginger, witch hazel has been soothing and does not burn. It can be a nice option when the ear is just a little dirty or waxy and not painful or raw.
Do not use witch hazel if your dog’s ear is bleeding, extremely red, swollen, or painful.
2. Green Tea & Calendula Natural Ear Cleaner
This gentle herbal ear rinse is adapted from Dr. Katie Woodley, The Natural Pet Doctor.
You will need:
- 2 cups brewed green tea, cooled (naturally soothing)
- 2 tablespoons organic apple cider vinegar (rich in antioxidants)
- 5 drops calendula tincture (anti-inflammatory)
Mix everything together and let it cool completely before using.
You can use a small syringe to place 1 to 3 ml into the vertical part of the ear canal, then gently massage the base of the ear and let your dog shake it out.
You may want to do this outside so you don’t end up with the solution all over your walls… yes, I speak from experience on this one, LOL.
Wipe away any loosened debris with a cotton ball, cotton pad, or soft cloth.
If your dog does not tolerate liquid in the ear, you can also use this mixture on a cotton pad and gently wipe only the visible part of the ear.
Do not use this if the ear is raw, red, ulcerated, painful, or if your dog pulls away when you touch it.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Solution (Use With Caution)
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most common natural remedies people use for yeasty dog ears.
You will need:
- Organic apple cider vinegar
- Filtered water
Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
Soak a cotton ball and gently wipe the inside of the ear flap and the visible part of the ear. Do not pour this into the ear canal unless you are working with your vet or a holistic vet.
I’ll be honest, this one never worked well for Ginger. But many dog parents do use it successfully for mild waxy buildup or yeasty-smelling ears.
Do NOT use apple cider vinegar if your dog’s ears are red, raw, painful, scratched open, or have sores. It can sting and make the ear feel worse.
5. Essential Oil Recipe for Dog Ear Infections
This recipe also comes from Dr. Katie Woodley, The Natural Pet Doctor. Essential oils need to be used carefully with dogs, and more is not better.
You will need a 10 oz spray bottle:
- 10 oz distilled water or cooled brewed green tea
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops copaiba essential oil
- 5 drops frankincense essential oil
- 1 tablespoon colloidal silver
You can find all of these ingredients and recommended products in my Amazon Shopping List.
Combine all of the ingredients into the spray bottle. Shake well before each use.
Spray lightly on the ear flap and folds 2 to 3 times daily during a mild flare-up. I would not spray this deep into the ear canal unless you are working with a holistic vet or have been specifically shown how to use it safely.
Never use undiluted essential oils in your dog’s ears, and do not use this recipe on cats.
If your dog acts uncomfortable, the ear looks worse, or symptoms are not improving, stop and call your vet.
Herbal Ear Cleaners I’d Use Now
If you do not want to make your own, these are the herbal ear cleaners I’d be most likely to consider now based on their current ingredient lists.
Ginger’s ears are doing much better now, thanks to my holistic pet care training. So I have not personally tested these three yet. But ingredient-wise, these fit my current approach.
- Earth Animal Apothecary Clean Ears has chamomile, calendula in a witch hazel base, aloe vera gel, grapefruit seed extract, mullein oil, St. John’s wort, and garlic in olive oil.
- Animal Essentials Herbal Ear Rinse lists purified water, distilled vinegar, whole leaf aloe vera juice, vegetable glycerin, witch hazel extract, goldenseal root, calendula flowers, and olive leaf.
- Vet’s Best Ear Relief Wash is alcohol-free and includes witch hazel, chamomile, aloe vera, tea tree oil, and clove oil. I do not mind the tea tree oil in a properly formulated dog product, but I would still avoid using it on raw, open, or very painful ears.
As always, check the current ingredient list before buying. Formulas can change, and what I am comfortable recommending today could change later if the ingredient list changes.
About the Before-and-After Photos
The before-and-after photos below are Ginger’s ears from years ago, when I was using EcoEars.
I still want to share them because they show what we were dealing with: brown gunk, irritation, and ears that kept flaring up again and again.
At the time, EcoEars helped clean up Ginger’s ears. I cannot confirm whether the ingredient list was the same back then. What I can say is that based on the current ingredient list, it is not my top choice anymore.
Here is the current EcoEars ingredient list: deionized water, witch hazel extract, denatured alcohol, vegetable glycerin, polysorbate 20 (food grade), boric acid, tea tree oil, ionic silver solution, organic mullein leaf extract, rosemary extract, fingerroot extract.
Ginger’s Ear Infection Story
Ginger struggled with brown, gunky ears for many, many years.
Even when she was eating limited ingredient kibble, she would still get ear infections. Her ears would get red, dirty, itchy, and full of that gross brown discharge. I cleaned her ears constantly and felt like we were always chasing the same problem.
When I switched her to raw food a couple of years ago, things got better. Her ear infections disappeared and her skin looked healthier.
Then, for financial reasons, we had to switch back to kibble for a while.
And her ears got worse again.
I hesitated to share that part because it feels vulnerable. With three dogs, feeding fresh or raw all the time can get expensive. But I also know many of you are in the same place.
You want to do the best you can for your dog, but real life is part of the story too.
Later, when I started my holistic pet health coaching training, I learned how to cook balanced meals for dogs through my program. I started cooking for Ginger, and within a couple of weeks, her ears cleared up. Her patchy skin improved too.
Right now, I still cook for her, but I also supplement with kibble because that is what is financially realistic for us.
Is it perfect? No.
Has it still helped her? Yes.
That is what I want you to hear. You do not have to do everything perfectly to start helping your dog’s body.
What Brown Gunk in Your Dog’s Ear Can Mean
Brown, waxy, smelly discharge is often connected to yeast, but you cannot know for sure just by looking at it.
A yeast infection and a bacterial infection can look very similar from the outside. Some dogs have both at the same time.
Common signs of an ear problem include:
- Brown or yellow discharge
- Bad smell
- Head shaking
- Scratching at the ear
- Redness
- Swelling
- Crusty skin around the ear flap
- Sensitivity when touched
- Rubbing the head on the floor or furniture
If your dog has these symptoms often, I would not keep chasing the gunk with ear cleaners alone.
The bigger question is: why does the ear keep flaring?
Why Ear Infections Keep Coming Back
Ginger taught me that chronic ear infections are usually a symptom, not the whole problem.
That is why we have to look at the whole dog.
Recurring ear infections may be connected to:
- Food sensitivities
- Environmental allergies
- Gut imbalance
- Yeast overgrowth
- Moisture in the ear canal
- Ear shape and airflow
- Immune system stress
- Thyroid or endocrine issues
- Chronic inflammation
If we only clean the ear but never ask WHY the ear keeps flaring, we end up chasing the same problem over and over.
Food and Ear Infections
For Ginger, food was the turning point.
Her ears improved on raw food, worsened when we had to go back to kibble, and improved again when I started cooking balanced meals for her.
That does not mean every dog needs the exact same diet. But food can be part of the picture, especially if your dog also has itchy skin, paw licking, hot spots, digestive issues, or allergy symptoms.
Most dogs will do better with:
- More fresh, whole food
- Less processed food
- Fewer starch-heavy ingredients
- A different protein
- More moisture in the diet
- A true elimination diet
- A balanced home-cooked plan
Please do not just start feeding chicken and rice long-term. Homemade diets need to be balanced.
And if your dog has chronic ear infections, this is something I would bring up with your vet, especially if allergies or food sensitivities are suspected.
Gut Health and Yeast
The skin and ears are connected to the gut.
If a dog’s gut microbiome is out of balance, the skin and ears may show it through itching, yeast, paw licking, hot spots, anal gland issues, or recurring infections.
Gut support may include:
- A quality probiotic
- Digestive enzymes
- Bone broth
- Gut-soothing herbs, when appropriate
- A food plan that works for your individual dog
I do not look at the ears as separate from the rest of the body anymore.
Ginger’s ears were not separate from her skin. Her skin was not separate from her gut. Her gut was not separate from her food.
Once I understood that, everything changed.
Allergies and Ear Infections
For many dogs, ears are one of the first places allergies show up.
It may be food. It may be environmental. It may be both.
If your dog has ear infections along with paw licking, itchy skin, hot spots, chewing, or seasonal flare-ups, allergies should be part of the conversation. You may also want to read: Home Remedies for Dog Allergies.
Want safer, natural solutions for your dog? Grab my free Natural Remedies for Dogs Reference Guide — it’s packed with easy swaps and remedies I use daily. GET IT HERE > >
How I Clean My Dog’s Ears at Home (Step-by-Step)
If your dog’s ear is not painful, swollen, raw, bleeding, or severely inflamed, gentle cleaning may help with mild waxy buildup or regular maintenance.
1. Look First
Before putting anything in your dog’s ear, take a look.
Is the ear bright red? Swollen? Painful? Does your dog pull away, yelp, snap, or hide?
If yes, stop and call your vet.
2. Use a Gentle Ear Cleaner
Use a dog-safe ear cleaner or a product your vet recommends.
For Ginger now, I am focused more on prevention: food, gut support, watching for early signs, and gently wiping the visible part of the ear when needed.
3. Wipe Only What You Can See
Use a cotton ball to wipe the inside of the ear flap and the visible part of the ear.
Do not dig down into the ear canal.
Do not use cotton swabs deep in the ear. They can push debris farther down and make the problem worse.
4. Keep the Ear Dry
Yeast and bacteria love warm, moist spaces. After baths, swimming, or grooming, gently dry the outer ear. If your dog has floppy ears or chronic ear problems, this step is even more important.
FAQs About Dog Ear Infections
Can I treat my dog’s ear infection without a vet?
Yes! Many mild outer ear infections respond well to natural treatments. However, if symptoms worsen, please call your veterinarian.
What does brown gunk in my dog’s ear mean?
Brown gunk often points to yeast, but it can also involve bacteria, mites, wax buildup, or inflammation. The only way to know for sure is with a vet exam and ear cytology.
What is the best dog ear infection home remedy?
The best home remedy depends on what is causing the ear problem. Gentle cleaning may help mild buildup, but chronic infections usually need a bigger plan that includes vet care, food, allergies, gut health, and immune support.
Can dog food cause ear infections?
Food sensitivities and allergies can contribute to ear inflammation in some dogs. When the ear canal becomes inflamed, it can create the kind of warm, moist environment where yeast and bacteria overgrow.
Should I use apple cider vinegar in my dog’s ears?
Only with caution. Never use vinegar in a red, raw, painful, ulcerated, swollen, or severely inflamed ear. If you are unsure, ask your vet first.
Is witch hazel safe for dog ears?
Plain witch hazel may be soothing for some dogs when used gently on the visible part of the ear, but it should not be poured deep into the ear canal. Avoid using it on raw, bleeding, painful, or severely inflamed ears.
How do I prevent dog ear infections from coming back?
Start by asking WHY they are happening. Regular ear checks and gentle cleaning can help, but chronic ear infections often require looking at allergies, food, gut health, moisture, thyroid or endocrine issues, and your dog’s overall inflammation.
Need Help Looking at the Whole Dog?
If your dog keeps getting ear infections, itchy skin, paw licking, digestive issues, or random flare-ups, it may be time to look at the bigger picture.
My free Natural Remedies Reference Guide is a good place to start if you want simple, natural options to keep on hand.
And if you feel like you have tried the ear cleaners, the food changes, the allergy advice, and you are still not sure what your dog needs, this is exactly what I help with inside a Whole Dog Discovery Session.
We look at your dog’s food, symptoms, stress, history, environment, and patterns together so you are not chasing one symptom at a time.
Learn more here: Dog Wellness Journey
Please advise how I can subscribe to your newsletter. Many thanks SB
PLEASE DON’T CLEAN YOUR DOGS EARS . As a vet nurse, we are taught how to do this, a dogs ear in NOT the same as a human ear.
Thank you Jo Anne for your comment. But I still think dog owners need to be able to handle certain health and grooming situations on their own. I’ve actually never heard a vet suggest not to clean your own dogs ears.
I agree 100%, Debi. Our dog has allergies and gets ear infections every now and then. Last time I brought him in to have his ears checked, the vet & vet techs spent most of the visit showing me the proper way to clean his ears. I’d highly recommend that anyone who is not comfortable cleaning their dogs ears have their vet show them. It’s helped our dog tremendously!
That’s fantastic that the vet did that for you! It’s so important to be an advocate for your dog.
An owner should ABSOLUTELY be cleaning a dog’s ears! As a hound owner, I want to make it known how damaging the above advice can be. Sure, my erect eared dogs can go ages without needing to be cleaned other than getting dead skin and dust out, but floppy eared dogs, especially things like hounds, Labs, and Cockers who are incredibly susceptible to ear infections, need to have their ears cleaned daily. I’m sorry, but asking any dog owner to visit the vet for ear cleaning on a daily basis is ludicrous to the extreme.
Cleaning a dog’s ears is basic care just like trimming nails or brushing their coat or lotion for hairless dogs. It is absolutely not something we should be relying on a vet for.
I am very glad you were shown how to do it, but that is to be expected. Of course you should be taught in your profession, but that does not mean the owner of the dog shouldn’t learn too. An uneducated owner can cause incredible pain and misery to a dog if nails are trimmed wrong, but that is done at home too.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and thorough comment. I totally agree with you!
As Debbie so rightly points out , controlling the food allergy cleared up the ears and therefore the ear cleaning was not necessary.. 90% of repeating ears have an underlying allergic cause that is what needs to be addresses
Thank you Andrew. The ear cleaning was still necessary to get rid of the infection in her ear, that was not going away on its own. But to prevent it from returning, we needed to figure out the underlying cause, which was her food allergies.
Thank you for the info in the ears, but how did you change the food diet? My dogs are constantly itching their ears, face, and chewing their feet. Apoquel works but soooo expensive when having more than one dog.
Hi Elizabeth, I’m actually working on writing an article about Gingers allergies. But basically, I stripped her diet down to 2 ingredients, fish and sweet potatoes. I cooked this food so I knew there were no hidden ingredients. She was on this diet for about 2-3 weeks until she stopped itching. Then I slowly introduced new proteins to see if she started to itch again. Long story short, we now feed her a fish based, limited ingredient dog food. I have also found that coconut oil, fish oil and honey help as additives. Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter so you can be notified when the article on allergies is published. Good luck with your dog, I understand how frustrating it can be to watch your dog constantly itching!
Apoquel works for enviromentla and food allergies. If your dog has a food allergy then can take off the apoquel and change the diet but if your dog has enviromental alleegie then the food chnage will not work. Im a vet tech and i deal with allergies in dog on a daily basis.
I’m having major issues with my Lab’s ears. Horrible ear infection and licking constantly on her paws and legs. Shaking head non stop. Vet after vet and lots of $$$$. How can I treat if it’s environmental? How do I find out if it’s food allergies? I’m so lost and discouraged. Any suggestions?
Hi Teresa,
I totally get your frustration, we are constantly struggling with our dog Ginger’s allergies. It’s heart breaking to see her scratching so much. We started with an elimination diet to find out what foods she was allergic to. But she does also have environmental allergies, so she is starting to itch again now that spring has arrived. We help her by giving coconut oil, probiotics and raw honey. It doesn’t cure the allergies, but helps her itch less. You can also try a OTC medicine.
I know the whole post is about dogs, but what about cats. Well this Eco Ear work on cats as well?
Hi Jamie, Actually Vet Organics makes a Eco Ears specifically for cats. You can find it on Amazon also: http://amzn.to/2ASY2YG
When my two year old Molly got an ear infection, I would put coconut oil on my hands and rub it inside her ear. Three times and her ears stopped smelling and were no longer dry and sore
Ah yes, we love coconut oil too! Never used it in my dogs ears, but I can see that it could work since it is an anti-fungal. We have an article all about Coconut Oil and it’s awesome benefits: https://www.rescuedogs101.com/coconut-oil-good-dog/
I have seen a number of ears that have been treated with alcohol in the medications. The ear flap turns black and rough. Soothing herbal ingredients can bring troubled skin back to life. Thanks for bringing this product to my attention. Gusto has prick ears so he is unlikely to get an infection but he hangs out with Labs that swim a lot and seem to have ear infections as a result of that activity.
After my dog’s ear surgery I had to go to town cleaning her ear because it was bandaged up for a few weeks and it was smelling something bad. It’s good to have a good ear wash to help with that and reduce the smell from their ears when there’s too much stuff in there. I think we’re not supposed to use cotton swabs in dog’s ears like we’re not supposed to in human ears either but I used a few in visible areas to get the wax stuck to something before using a wash like you did!!
Good point, I use the swabs to get into the nooks and crannies of her ear, never went far into the ear canal. That’s why the Eco Ear instructions say to poor the liquid into the ear, so you don’t have to dig into the ear.
I have to clean my pitty's ears and I use a swab (intended for dogs ears) Mister Ben's big bamboo ear buds dipped in mineral oil. The oil helps to soften the waxy discharge and less effort is needed to loosen any spots in crevices or hard to reach areas. My dog loves having his ears cleaned. And these q-tip type ear buds are almost fool proof they have a very large cotton tip 3 Times the size of a normal q-tip.
So happy you found something that works for your dog and you with ear infections. I’ve been very lucky that none of my cats have had ear infections.
I’m so thankful that you found a solution that worked for you dog! The pictures tell the story. Happy-Go-Doodle Chloe has never had an ear infection, but now I’ll know exactly what to watch for.