There are also
steroids, antihistamines, and newer anti-itch allergy medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint
that can help reduce ear and skin issues in allergic dogs. Regular ear cleaning and even a cleaning product to reduce wax can help reduce ear infections in allergic dogs.
Do allergies in dogs cause ear infections?
Did you know that
dogs with allergies are also prone to getting ear infections
? Ear infections are often a secondary symptom of underlying allergies, especially allergies to dust mites, molds, pollens, and animal proteins in dog foods
1
.
Will antihistamines help my dogs ears?
If just the outer area of the ear (not the deeper area) is a little red, they are likely suffering from an allergy that can be remedied with an antihistamine such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine).
Does Benadryl help dogs with ear infections?
Unfortunately the only thing Benadryl is good for is allergic reactions and to cause drowsiness,
it has no action that will help an infection
. For ear infections your pet will require a topical pet formulated ear antibiotic that can only be purchased from your veterinarian.
How can I treat my dog’s ear infection without going to the vet?
Apple cider vinegar works by killing both yeast and bacteria
. Use a mixture of 50% organic apple cider vinegar and 50% water, soak a cotton ball and clean your dog’s ears. If you notice your dog in pain or her ears drying out too much, discontinue use and see your vet.
Can I treat my dog’s ear infection myself?
How to Treat a Dog Ear Infection. “
Typically, when it gets to the point of infection, you need prescription medication
,” Grant says. It’s best to see your veterinarian as soon as you notice symptoms because ear infections won’t go away on their own.
How much Benadryl can I give my dog for ear infection?
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the safe dosage is
2-4 milligrams of medication per kilogram of weight, or 0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound
. This amount can be administered two to three times daily, depending on your dog’s symptoms.
How do I know if my dog has an ear infection or allergies?
When the balance is disrupted (for example, by the inflammation due to allergies), the ear becomes infected. Signs like
shaking of the head and the obvious discomfort of your dog when you try to touch or check his ears
will alert you to the fact that along with the allergies, your pet has an ear infection.
What can I give my dogs for itchy ears?
- Calendula lotion.
- Apple cider vinegar (diluted)
- Hydrocortisone ointment.
- Mullein oil.
- Antihistamines.
Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?
Ear mites, foreign material such as grass awns and by far and away the most common is
food allergies
. Food allergies are one of the most common causes of recurrent ear infections in dogs. Food allergies in pets appear much differently than in humans and result in inflammation, often in the ear and GI tract.
What food allergies cause ear infections in dogs?
Food (or environmental) allergies may be the cause if both ears are involved.
An excess of grain and/or sugar in the diet
is a common causes of ear infections in dogs. Sugar feeds the yeast already in the body and causes an overgrowth, which results in the dark, yeasty-smelling buildup inside the ears.
Is zyrtec safe for dogs?
Zyrtec is one of the safer medications you can give to your dog
, so as long as you do so correctly and under your vet’s guidance, your pet should be good to go. Zyrtec is also a difficult medication for a dog to overdose on. They have an extremely high tolerance for it, so long as they aren’t allergic to it.
Can you use Monistat for dogs ears?
Although it is commonly used by women,
the active ingredient in Monistat is also safe for dogs
. When used correctly, you can often clear the yeast infection from your dog’s ears by using this topical cream.
What is the brown stuff in my dog’s ears?
A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an
ear infection
, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems.
How does apple cider vinegar help a dog’s ear infection?
Dilute the apple cider vinegar with some water, just a small capfull to about twice as much water, and pour directly into the ear
. Try to let it sit for as long as your dog will allow, scratching and rubbing the ear to help it get deep down into the ear canal.
Can you put hydrogen peroxide in a dog’s ear for infection?
We do not recommend the use of cotton swabs, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ears
. These products can cause inflammation to the ear canal and may worsen an ear infection. We can help provide you with recommendations on the best products to use.
What allergy medicine is safe for dogs?
The most common antihistamine for dogs is
diphenhydramine, brand name Benadryl
. Also found in ProSense Dog Itch & Allergy Solutions Tablets, diphenhydramine is safe in most dogs if given in the recommended dosage of 1 mg of diphenhydramine per pound of body weight given by mouth.
Which antihistamine is best for dogs?
Also recommended as an antihistamine for dogs is
clemastine fumarate
. It is one of the most effective antihistamines for dogs that suffer from itchy skin.
Is Claritin safe for dogs?
Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Claritin (loratadine) can be given once to twice daily. The adult tablets are both 10mg. Dogs under 10 pounds should get no more than 5mg, or 1⁄2 of a tablet. Those weighing 10-50 pounds should get 10mg, and heavy dogs (over 50 pounds) can take up to 20mg.
