Yes, you can treat many dog ear infections at home if you catch them early.
The #1 remedy I recommend (and still use years later) is EcoEars, which cleared up Ginger’s chronic ear infections in just a few days.
Other natural options include a green tea and apple cider vinegar rinse, calendula drops, or herbal ear washes.
However, remember that recurring infections are often a sign of allergies or other underlying health issues, so prevention is just as important as treatment.
Does your dog shake their head constantly, scratch at their ears, or have that awful brown gunk and smell coming from inside?
I’ve been there. With Ginger, our allergy-prone pup, ear infections were a never-ending battle. I’ll never forget the piles of brown gunk I pulled out of her ears every single day. The redness, the scratching, the head shaking… it was miserable for her and heartbreaking for me.
That’s when I started my journey of trying every natural remedy I could find, desperate to help her without running to the vet for yet another prescription that only offered short-term relief. After a lot of trial and error, I finally found something that worked.
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Treating Your Dog’s Ear Infection at Home
First things first: if you’re ever unsure, call your vet. Severe infections, especially those deep in the middle or inner ear, often need professional care. But for the majority of common yeast or bacterial infections, you can safely start treatment at home.
Here are the remedies I’ve tried, trusted, and recommend:
1. EcoEars by Vet Organics (My #1 Recommendation)
I was on the verge of another expensive vet visit when I found EcoEars on Chewy, an over-the-counter ear infection treatment. Six-plus years later, it’s still my go-to.
- Works on yeast infections, bacterial infections, and even ear mites
- Relief is often available within 24 to 48 hours
- 93.7% reported success rate
- Costs a fraction of a vet visit
After just a couple of days using EcoEars on Ginger, the redness disappeared, the gunk lessened, and she finally had relief. Today, I still use it monthly as a maintenance treatment for all our dogs.
Ingredients: Denatured Grain Alcohol, Organic Mullein Leaf Extract, Witch Hazel Extract, Rosemary Extract, Ionic Silver Solution, Boric Acid, Vegetable Glycerin, Tea Tree Oil, Polysorbate 20 (Food Grade).
I wish I had better pictures, but this shows what Ginger’s ears looked like and the amount of brown gunk I cleaned out every day BEFORE using the EcoEars.
Here is what Ginger’s ears look like today, infection-free! And I owe it all to EcoEars.
2. Green Tea Natural Ear Cleaner
Green tea is naturally soothing, apple cider vinegar is rich in antioxidants, and calendula is anti-inflammatory.
- 2 cups brewed green tea
- 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar
- 5 drops of calendula
Mix, cool, and gently syringe 1–3 ml into the ear canal. Massage your dog, then let them shake it out.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Solution (Use With Caution)
- 50% organic apple cider vinegar
- 50% water
Soak a cotton ball and gently wipe the inside of the ear. Do not use it if your ears are red or have sores, as it may cause irritation or burning. This never worked for Ginger, but many dog owners swear by it.
4. Herbal Ear Wash Options
These medicated cleansers come highly recommended by holistic veterinarians:
- Earth Animal Apothecary Clean Ears (chamomile, calendula, aloe, witch hazel, and more)
- Zymox Plus Advanced Formula (with hydrocortisone)
- EcoEars by Vet Organics (mullein leaf, witch hazel, rosemary, and more)
5. Essential Oils for Dog Ear Infections
Credit for this one goes to Dr. Katie with The Natural Pet Doctor.
- 10 oz. of distilled water or brewed green tea (cooled)
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of copaiba essential oil
- 5 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of colloidal silver
Spray 2–3 times daily until the infection clears.
You can find all of these ingredients and recommended products in my Amazon List: Natural Home Remedies for Dogs with Ear Infections.
DO NOT USE Hydrogen peroxide. It irritates and inflames the ear canal, making infections worse.
Why Ear Infections Keep Coming Back
This is what I learned with Ginger: ear infections are often a symptom of something bigger, usually allergies. Once we put her on an elimination diet, her chronic infections finally slowed down.
Food = medicine for dogs, too. I now feed my dogs raw/fresh food whenever possible, which helps keep them healthier in the long term.
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 > >
Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections
- Head shaking
- Redness
- Brown/black waxy gunk
- Foul odor
- Tilting head
- Swelling or pawing at the ears
Causes of Dog Ear Infections
- Allergies
- Bacteria or yeast overgrowth
- Ear mites
- Excess moisture
- Thyroid or endocrine disorders
- Excessive cleaning or injury
How I Clean My Dog’s Ears at Home (Step-by-Step)
- Soak a cotton ball or Q-tip with EcoEars, then gently remove the gunk.
- Pour the solution (I use the cap as a scoop), massage it, and let the dog shake.
- Repeat twice daily for 10 days.
- Monthly maintenance with a cotton ball wipe.
When to Go to the Vet
If your dog has:
- Severe swelling or pain
- Recurring infections that don’t improve in a few days
- Signs of middle or inner ear infection (loss of balance, walking in circles)
…please call your vet. Sometimes home remedies aren’t enough.
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, such as EcoEars or herbal rinses. However, if symptoms worsen, please call your veterinarian.
Are home remedies safe?
Yes, if used correctly. Never use vinegar on raw/red ears, and avoid hydrogen peroxide altogether.
How do I prevent ear infections?
Regular cleaning, keeping ears dry, and addressing allergies/diet are key.
Can allergies cause ear infections?
Absolutely. Food and environmental allergies are a leading cause of recurring infections.
Final Thoughts
Watching Ginger suffer through chronic ear infections taught me two things:
- EcoEars is the fastest, most effective home treatment I’ve ever used.
- Long-term health (diet, allergies, and natural prevention) is just as important as short-term fixes.
If your dog is struggling, start with a safe home remedy and grab my free Natural Remedies for Dogs Guide so you have holistic tools ready for the next time.
Our Labradoodle got earmites. He had an ear infection twice, the same time.
I used organic coconut oil. Three times a day – 3 drops. The next day the infection was gone. Really amazing.
In the end I had to go to the vet for the earmites, because they won’t disappear.
We’re making his food, including vegetables and even some fruit in it, every 3 weeks and put it in de freezer.
Works great for our dog.
I know that noone wants to be told what to do, especially when they clearly are knowledgeable about dogs, but have you considered not using dried kibble? I’m getting ready to take the leap to just regular quality human food, and have been researching what is best for feeding. I can’t believe the difference it makes even doing just half kibble and half human food. The dogs have fewer issues and their coats really improve. Just a thought. I’m glad you got the ear infections under control, they’re the worst!
Thanks Tracy. I have actually thought about switching to raw or cooked for our dogs many times. But with my life being extremely hectic, having two dogs and many times a foster dog, feeding fresh or raw is not in the cards right now. I know it has so many benefits for dogs and I wish you the best and hope your dog thrives on it!
Thank you for sharing. My dog Indy has the same issue and I am going yo try this product. She also suffers from allegies and will lick her belly raw, bite at her legs and get ear infections. What dietary changes did you make with your pet to alleviate those symptoms?
I did an elimination diet to figure out what her triggers were. I wrote a series about allergies, start here: Does My Dog Have Allergies?
After reading this story it sounded spot on to mine with our almost 3yr old Boxer Manny. I instantly ordered eco ears. This is day 2 3rd application and all the brown stuff is gone however his ear is soooooo extremely red! I don’t know if this is bad or if it will go away after more applications. Does any of this sound normal to you?
It sounds normal to me, but I’d keep an eye on it. It usually gets worse before getting better.
Thank You, Debi! I am so happy that I came upon your article in Pinterest tonight. I have a dog with constant ear infections and cannot afford to take her to the vet every time. I found your article very helpful & informative. Once I get my dogs ears under control, i will do a monthly maintenance on her as well. Thank you so much for the information, it is definitely a keeper!
My groomer told me my little terrier has an ear infection. I had some leftover medicine to start her on, but I was dreading the extra vet bill, so I looked online for things I could do at home. I found this article, and read a few reviews on Chewy.com, and ordered a bottle! I hope this works- if it does, it will save me a ton of money!
I’m having the same issue. Did this EcoEar work?
We will try this. Have 3rescues 2 cats 1 Dog &7 AKC Shelties we Are Hobby Breeders and just love the Shelties Thanks. Gary & Stephanie
Loved the information. I have a rescued Akita. Since I found him he had had chronic ear infections. Yes, I’ve paid these vet bills too! I think I finally have it conquer, but you never know until the next one, or not! Thanks
Thank you so much for your advice. I recently moved to the ocean with my pit bull and she cannot stay out of the water, because of this she keeps getting ear infections from water in her ears! UGGHH! I will definitely try this! I really hope this works!
Ear infections in dogs are 99% of the time caused by allergies. The miraculous recovery you have noted is because of your food change, not this product. Also, you may want to look into the FDA warnings about Zignature diets.
I wouldn’t agree with 99%, but allergies can be a large component to ear infections. And yes, as I noted the food change was part of our journey in fixing her ears. BUT, without using the EcoEars, the ear infection wasn’t going to go away on it’s own. It is the only product I found to work. She still gets an occasionally ear infection and I turn to EcoEars every time.
I am fully aware of the FDA warning sent out in July 2019 on grain-free foods. Here is a direct link:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy
I’d also recommend for people to read this article, it goes over some of the facts that are important to consider:
https://medium.com/@danielschulof_18279/bad-science-and-big-business-are-behind-the-biggest-pet-food-story-in-a-decade-5cdafae7be77
I’m not saying that I’m not concerned about feeding my dogs Zignature. But I also don’t want people panicking. I am currently researching trying to find a food that doesn’t contain pea products to feed Ginger. Zignature is still the only brand I have found to date that she can eat without breaking out in full allergy skin issues, with itching, etc. So if it’s a matter of choosing between my dog suffering from allergies all year long, or a one in a million chance that she gets DCA… I have to choose what works for her.
You so go see a dermatologist for Ginger allergies. I have a German shepherd and he had ear problems. His body produces yeast so i have to wash him in special shampoo 2 times a week. she also knew he had a food allergy by looking at him. Luckily my husband and I tried grain free, trukey, duck, chicken,beef and lamb food before see her. She put him on a strict diet rabbit and potato it works great. It is a prescription food diet. After that he still got ear infection. She tested him and he has a environmental allergies (39 of the them). Most of them are trees and grass. Since he cant be in a bubble. She put him on a allergy serum. I give a shot every week on the same day. If you can’t afford it that’s fine but if you can you should see one. I love her and hans (my dog) love her. She is expansive. They first few bills was $400 dollars. You have to go 4 different times the first two years. After that it is once twice a year and it $190. I bought eco ear and he can’t use it due to some of the ingredients he is allergic to. I am now a firm believer in going to a professional for anything to do with my dogs. If you have a vet dermatologist please get your vet to refer you to them. The dermatologist will find a better food option.
Thank you for your insights Jessica! I feel confident that we have solved Ginger’s allergies on our own without testing. It took some time, and although I can’t pin point exactly what she is allergic too. I do know what she is not allergic too. So we have the food allergies solved. I think she has environmental allergies just like your pup. Your dog is very lucky to have you.