Dog Has Ear Infection, and You Can’t Afford the Vet? Options and Remedies

Ear infections are extremely common among dogs. They can occur alongside allergies, water in the ears, ear mites, foreign objects in the ears, or systemic illnesses such as hypothyroidism. Some dogs develop chronic infections that occur frequently and are difficult to treat. Others just get the occasional infection, which is easily treated. 

Ear infections in dogs can be annoying and painful. What if finances are tight and you can’t afford the vet? This article will cover the symptoms and causes of ear infections in dogs and provide some less expensive remedies.

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What are dog ear infections?

When a dog has an ear infection, it can be in one ear or both. Bacteria, yeast, or other irritants can cause it. If it is not treated, it can become quite serious and even lead to ruptured eardrums and hearing loss. Some mild ear infections can be treated with home remedies, while others require veterinary treatment. 

Common types of ear infections

There are three main types of ear infections in dogs, correlating to the three chambers of the ears. 

• Otitis externa: This is the most common type, affecting the outer ear canal.

• Otitis media: An infection of the middle ear. This often results from an untreated outer ear.  

• Otitis interna: This inner ear infection is a serious condition. It can cause loss of balance and hearing. 

Main causes of ear infections

Ear infections are typically caused by the following.

• Moisture: Many dogs love to swim, but getting water in their ears is a common cause of ear infections. 

• Allergies: Food or environmental allergies can trigger inflammation, which can lead to secondary infections. 

• Ear mites: These annoying, itchy parasites are most commonly found in puppies, stray dogs, and cats.

• Foreign objects: Irritants to the ear, such as grass seeds, dirt, or excessive ear hair, can cause irritation.

• Underlying illnesses: Conditions such as hypothyroidism or diabetes can predispose dogs to chronic ear issues.

Typical symptoms of dog ear infections

Watch for these signs:

• Head shaking

• Constant ear scratching or rubbing their ears on furniture

• Redness and swelling inside their ear

• A foul odor

• Discharge from the ears  (yellow, brown, or bloody)

• Crusting or scabs in the ears

• Pain when touched near their ears

If your dog exhibits these symptoms and you’re unable to visit the vet immediately, there are steps you can take to provide relief at home.

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Home remedies to try for dog ear infections

Before you put anything in your dog’s ears, be sure the eardrum isn’t ruptured and the infection isn’t severe. (It’s impossible to determine this with 100 percent certainty without a veterinary examination.) If the ear canal is swollen shut, bleeding, or producing pus, it’s best to skip home treatments and seek veterinary care. 

If the issue looks mild and you want to clean your dog’s ears, here are some tips:

• Never use Q-tips. Always use cotton balls or gauze.

• Clean only the part of the ear that you can see. 

• If your dog appears in pain or the ear has a strong odor or pus, stop and consult a veterinarian. 

For mild cases, you can also try some of these home treatments.

• Apple cider vinegar (diluted): Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and distilled water. Clean the outer ear with a cotton ball saturated with this liquid — do not pour the solution directly into the ear. Vinegar can help restore the normal pH level and fight yeast or bacteria.

• Coconut oil: Warm, organic coconut oil just slightly, and place a few drops into the ear. It fights bacteria and fungus. 

• Green tea rinse: Brew a bag of green tea, and after it cools, gently flush the ear. It calms inflammation and fights bacteria. This can provide temporary relief.

• Witch hazel: Used sparingly, witch hazel can dry out excess moisture and soothe inflammation.

• Calendula or chamomile: Inflammation can be soothed with natural herbal rinses made from these flowers. They will calm the skin.  

Note: Avoid hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or essential oils inside the ear canal. These can worsen the irritation or even damage the ear.

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Low-cost veterinary services and other financial options

If your dog has an ear infection and you can’t afford the vet, you may be able to find some affordable options. It’s difficult to find completely no-cost options, but there are low-cost or sliding-scale services available. Here are some ways to find help.

• Local animal shelters or humane societies often offer low-cost or sliding-scale options. 

• Veterinary schools and teaching hospitals may offer discounted care because students are performing the procedures, but rest assured that they are under the supervision of licensed veterinarians.

• Nonprofit organizations, such as the Pet Fund, RedRover Relief, or the Brown Dog Foundation, help pet parents cover emergency medical care.

• CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that offers no-interest or low-interest payment plans for veterinary services. They will check your credit score to determine if you are eligible for approval. 

• Some vet practices are willing to work out payment-plan options. It’s certainly worth asking. 

• Although it won’t help at the moment, having pet insurance is beneficial for future incidents.

When you need to seek professional help

There are times when the only answer to your pet feeling unwell is to see a vet. Delaying care in some cases can lead to serious complications, including more severe infections, which can result in hearing loss. 

Seek immediate professional help if they’re experiencing any of the following issues.

• Your dog is showing signs of extreme pain or neurological symptoms (such as loss of balance, head tilt, walking in circles).

• You see a thick, bloody, or green discharge. 

• The ear canal looks swollen shut or is severely inflamed. 

• You suspect a foreign body could be lodged in the ear. 

• Your dog may have a recurrent infection, which could indicate that allergies or endocrine disease are underlying causes.

A veterinarian may prescribe antibiotic or antifungal ear drops or oral medications. They may also conduct tests such as ear cytology or cultures to identify the organism, allergy testing, or treatment plans. If left untreated, ear infections can become chronic and significantly reduce your dog’s quality of life.

Bottom line

• Dogs frequently get ear infections. Sometimes, these infections are mild and may respond to home remedies. However, some ear infections can be quite serious and need the care of a veterinarian. 

• If finances are a concern, several low-cost options are available, including animal shelters, veterinary teaching hospitals, non-profit organizations, CareCredit, and veterinary payment plans. 

• Monitoring your dog’s behavior, gently cleaning the ears, and using mild, safe remedies may provide short-term relief. 

• Persistent symptoms, pain, or discharge require a vet’s attention. 

FAQs

How much is a visit to the vet for a dog ear infection?

The cost varies widely depending on location and severity. A routine exam and ear cytology will probably add up to $50 to $150. Prescription ear drops should cost $20 to $60. Oral medications (if needed) can set you back $30 to $100. And follow-up appointments may run $30 to $80 each.

Severe cases requiring sedation, culture testing, or deep ear cleaning can cost $200 to $ 500 (or even more). If you’re concerned about cost, ask your veterinarian for a detailed breakdown and inquire about the possibility of starting a partial treatment while waiting for full funding.

Can you successfully treat an ear infection without a vet?

In some mild cases, yes, you can treat an ear infection at home, especially if the infection is early, external (otitis externa), and due to moisture or mild yeast overgrowth. In these cases, cleaning and soothing agents may resolve the issue.

However, without proper diagnostics, it’s difficult to determine the cause of the problem. Treating with the wrong solution (such as using antifungals for a bacterial infection or ignoring a ruptured eardrum) can exacerbate the condition. If symptoms don’t improve in a few days or get worse, seek veterinary care, even if through a low-cost clinic or charity.

References

• Fraser, G. “Aetiology of Otitis Externa in the Dog.” Journal of Small Animal Practice, vol. 6, no. 6, Dec. 1965, pp. 445–451, doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.1965.tb04362.x.

• Noxon, James O. “Otitis in the Allergic Dog.” Veterinary Allergy, 25 Oct. 2013, pp. 175–182, doi.org/10.1002/9781118738818.ch27.

• Tang, Shuiquan, et al. “The Canine Skin and Ear Microbiome: A Comprehensive Survey of Pathogens Implicated in Canine Skin and Ear Infections Using a Novel Next-Generation-Sequencing-Based Assay.” Veterinary Microbiology, vol. 247, Aug. 2020, p. 108764, doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108764.