How to Treat a Dog Ear Infection Without a Vet

Itching, gunk, smells—infected ears can really rain on your pup’s parade! Ear infections in dogs are a common health issue for canines of all stripes.

Dogs have unique L-shaped ear canals, consisting of a vertical and a horizontal part. The ear canals are lined with hair follicles and skin glands. This structure makes dog ears more likely to trap moisture and dead cells, creating an inviting environment for pesky bacteria and yeast. These infections can cause pain and severe discomfort for your pup.¹

Many ear infections won’t heal on their own and require veterinary attention. Fortunately, if symptoms are minor, you can manage and treat the dog’s ears at home, potentially avoiding a trip to the veterinarian. However, severe cases and chronic infections may need professional veterinary care. Read on to learn how to treat dog ear infection without vet visits (and signs that it might be time to consult the pros).

Canine ear infections have a few tell-’tail’ signs. Look out for²:

• Pus or dark-colored discharge from the ears
• Inflammation, swelling, and redness of the ears
• Crusty scabs around the ears
• Whimpering (and other signs of pain)
• Head shaking
• Scratching at the ears and face
• Foul odor from the ears
• Signs of hearing impairment
• Loss of balance (in severe cases)

Each type of dog ear infection requires a different management approach. Not all dog ear infections are created equal. Some affect only the outer ear and skin layers, while others involve internal structures.

Understanding how to treat troubled ears starts with identifying the infection type. There are three main varieties³:

• Otitis externa – By far the most common ear malady, otitis externa impacts the outer ear. It’s usually triggered by allergies, ear mites, lingering moisture, or wax buildup.

• Otitis media – Otitis media occurs when the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum) becomes infected (often due to untreated otitis externa).

• Otitis interna – Rare and serious. It occurs when bacteria invade the inner ear, leading to balance issues and hearing loss if left untreated.

Your veterinarian can discover the type of ear infection by doing a physical exam and looking at the structures of your dog’s ears with special equipment in the exam room. Middle ear and inner ear infections require a vet’s expertise, but otitis externa can be treated at home.

Since deeper ear infections are often caused by uncontrolled outer ear conditions, promptly treating otitis externa is an effective way to prevent more severe infections.

 Dogs with normal ears may develop infections due to ear mites, allergies, foreign bodies such as grass awns, problems with skin and gland production, immune-mediated skin diseases, or, in rare cases, ear cancer.¹²

Dogs with already abnormal ears are likely to have problems with bacterial or yeast infections, skin ulceration, impaired immunity, and overmedication or medication irritation.¹²

Persistent ear problems create conditions that can lead to ongoing issues, including the buildup of debris and pathogens in the ear canal, middle ear infections, or skin gland hyperplasia.¹²

If you’re dealing with otitis externa, there are things you can try at home to help treat the problem and prevent it from getting worse.

Enter the Cone Zone

Let’s face it: no pup enjoys donning an Elizabethan collar, aka, the “cone of shame.” But in the case of persistent ear troubles, it can be a huge help.

Otitis externa in dogs can cause severe irritation, pain, and itching. The urge to scratch will be irresistible for your furry pal, but pawing at the affected ear will only worsen the problem and could lead to hot spots or other issues.

A well-fitting, protective cone will safeguard your dog’s ears as they heal. While it’s no fun watching your pal do time in the cone, keep in mind that it’s sparing them from further discomfort down the road.

If the cone isn’t working for your dog, talk to your veterinarian about other options, such as inflatable collars or soft fabric cones (as opposed to plastic).

Using OTC Options

 Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and dog ear infection medicine can help your pup heal up. Top options include:

• Diphenhydramine – If allergies are the root of the issue, antihistamines like diphenhydramine (the active ingredient in Benadryl) could help reduce inflammation, itching, and irritation. The safe and effective dose depends on your dog’s current health, other medications, and weight, so be sure to ask your veterinarian before giving it to your dog.
• Steroid – A veteran in the anti-inflammation game, hydrocortisone for dogs fights itching, swelling, and redness.8 Side effects may occur, so discuss this with your veterinarian before using it. 

While these treatments can help, they aren’t specifically formulated for canine ear infections.

For best results, turn to a tailor-made formula like Vetercyn’s Triple-Action Ear Treatment, which features the non-toxic, soothing, and itch-fighting trifecta of:

• Hydrocortisone 1% – A pro-level anti-itch and inflammation compound
• Otizyme – A powerful enzyme solution that helps dissolve wax and flush out debris
• Botaniplex – Supports immune response and restores microbiome and sebum balance

When you’re looking for swift, powerful relief from otitis externa and other dog ear maladies, Triple-Action Ear Treatment can support overall recovery. It can help safely promote healing and clear away residue. It also comes with a flex-spout applicator for mess-free use. Although these treatments are effective, consulting a veterinarian ensures you address underlying causes properly.

Proper dog ear care builds a foundation for long-term ear health. Any paw parent can master treating and preventing dog ear infections without a visit to the veterinarian’s office. Prevention is about overall good health and proper ear care.

A strong underlying health regimen is also a reliable defense against ear infections and will help prevent future issues. Feed your pup a nourishing diet, give them plenty of exercise, and consider adding nutrient-packed dog supplements like Vetericyn ALL-IN (formulated to foster robust overall health for all life stages). Always consult your veterinarian before starting any home remedies.

In addition, help prevent dog ear infections by keeping ears dry and clean.

#1 Keep ‘Em Dry

Moisture is a major source of ear woes for dogs. Because of your pup’s L-shaped ear canal, even small amounts of fluid and debris can easily become trapped.

Breeds with floppy ears, like Beagles, are more prone to infections because their ears fall like tent flaps over the canal. This creates a damp, dark environment that promotes the growth of bacteria and yeast.

To prevent moisture buildup, get in the habit of:

• Drying your dog’s ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing
• Placing cotton balls in your dog’s ears before bathing (not too deep, of course, and remember to remove them promptly after the bath)

Remaining vigilant about moisture buildup will ward off many ear troubles.

#2 Keep ‘Em Clean

Consistent cleaning helps prevent discomfort and irritation, and clears pathogens and debris. Keeping ears squeaky clean is your first line of defense. Aim for a thorough dog ear cleaning once a month9 (more often if your pup has floppy ears or a history of ear troubles). Use a non-irritating, safe, and effective veterinary-approved ear cleaner such as Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Ear Rinse for regular cleaning needs. 

Not sure how to clean dog ears? Luckily, you don’t need a mighty arsenal of supplies to clean your dog’s ears at home. Watch our video on how to clean your dog's ears here. 

With diligent cleaning and a watchful eye for warning signs, paw parents can manage many ear issues at home. However, left untreated, minor ear infections can worsen quickly, and home remedies may not be enough to counter their effects.

If you spot any of the following red flags, it’s time to pay the vet a visit:

• Symptoms don’t improve within a few days of starting home treatment
• Chronic ear infection symptoms appear (beyond minor itching and redness)
• Your pup is in obvious pain and won’t allow you to treat them

Don’t worry: your vet will be able to handle most ear struggles with no trouble. This is why pup parents build a relationship with a trusted vet in the first place—to consult a pro when you’re not sure where to turn. Even the most diligent paw parents can’t manage every canine ear infection. If home remedies fail, seek veterinary advice to manage severe or complicated infections properly.

At Vetericyn, our goal is to help pets live their best lives. When you call your pup’s name at chow time, they deserve to hear it through clean, healthy ears. We crafted our Triple-Action Ear Treatment and Antimicrobial Ear Rinse to help pet parents promote overall ear health and keep pups itch-free.

And Vetericyn goes beyond ear care. We work relentlessly to produce top-notch, vet-endorsed animal wellness lines to safeguard the health and brighten the lives across species, everywhere. From the soothing relief of our Antimicrobial Hot Spot Gel to the coat-friendly caress of our Foamcare Medicated Pet Shampoo, we have what you need to keep pets happy and healthy.

Discover the Vetericyn difference—explore our dog care products today!

Sources:

1. Washington State University College of Veterinary medicine. Examining and Medicating the Ears of a Dog. https://hospital.vetmed.wsu.edu/2022/01/04/examining-and-medicating-the-ears-of-a-dog/
2. American Kennel Club. Dog Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-ear-infections/.
3. Forbes. Ear Infections in Dogs: Complete Guide. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-care/dog-ear-infection/.
4. National Library of Medicine. Anti-inflammatory Action of Green Tea. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27634207/
5. WebMD. Oregano Oil: Is it Good for You? https://www.webmd.com/diet/oregano-oil-good-for-you.
6. Natchez Trace Veterinary Services. Apple Cider Vinegar: Home Remedy For Dog Ear Infection. https://franklintnvet.com/apple-cider-vinegar-home-remedy-for-dog-ear-infection/
7. American Kennel Club. Benadryl For Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Dosage Information. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/benadryl-for-dogs/
8. WebMD. Hydrocortisone Cream – Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-10402-859/hydrocortisone-topical/hydrocortisone-topical/details
9. CityVet. How to Care For Your Dog’s Ears. https://www.cityvet.com/how-to-care-for-your-dogs-ears/
10. American Kennel Club. How to Clean a Dog’s Ears. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-clean-dogs-ears/
11. Veterinary Information Network (VIN). Ear infections (otitis externa) in dogs. Accessed October 22, 2025. https://www.vin.com/members/cms/project/defaultadv1.aspx?pid=607&id=4953647
12. Pavlovsky, Otitis Externa, General Information (Canine)