Coconut Oil for Dog Ear Infection

Is an ear infection dragging your normally playful pup down?  Would you like to see him or her back up and acting like themselves?  If so, you may be considering trying coconut oil for dog ear infection.  Is coconut oil effective for an ear infection in dogs?  Is it something you should try with your pup?  Keep reading, and I’ll share the information you’ll need to make this decision.

Table of Contents

• What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs
  • Allergic Reactions
  • Bacteria
  • Debris and Other Foreign Bodies
  • Mites
• Reasons to Consider Using Coconut Oil for a Dog’s Ear Infection
  • Coconut Oil Kills Yeast and Bacteria
  • Coconut Oil Reduces Bacterial Infections on Allergic Skin
  • Coconut Oil Can Kill Ear Mites
• Treating an Ear Infection with Coconut Oil
  • You’ll Need:
  • Directions
• Side Effects of Coconut Oil
• Coconut Oil for Dog Ear Infections
• FAQs

What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs

Before we get into the various causes of ear infection in dogs, let’s discuss some of the symptoms of an ear infection.  These can include: 

• Scratching at the ears
• Shaking head
• Unpleasant odor in the ear
• Loss of coordination or balance
• Hearing loss
• Swelling around the ear
• Rubbing ear against objects
• Redness inside the ear
• Discharge from ear
• Scabs inside the ear

There are a few main causes of ear infections in dogs.  I’ll give a brief overview of each potential cause below.

Allergic Reactions

If a dog comes into contact with an environmental allergen or eats a food that they are allergic to, it can lead to an ear infection.  

Bacteria

Bacteria love warm places.  A dog’s ears are nice and warm, which can make them a welcoming environment for bacteria to live.  Sometimes, the bacteria will multiply, which can lead to an infection.

Debris and Other Foreign Bodies

If a dog gets something in their ear, such as grass, dust, dirt, or pollen, it can also cause an ear infection.  These foreign bodies can irritate the ear, and some may even be sharp enough to scratch or hurt the inner ear.

Mites

Ear mites can also be found in a dog’s ears.  They can bite into the dog’s skin within their ears, which can cause the area to become inflamed and irritated.  As the dog scratches their ears, it can worsen the inflammation.

Learn more about the two most common causes of ear infections in dogs.

Reasons to Consider Using Coconut Oil for a Dog’s Ear Infection

Does coconut oil help ear infections?  Yes, coconut oil can sometimes help an ear infection in a dog.  However, it may not always be the best choice, especially for severe infections.  Always monitor your dog, and if you don’t see an improvement, try to bring them to the veterinarian.

Coconut Oil Kills Yeast and Bacteria

Bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, can cause dog ear infections.  Coconut oil can help kill bacteria and reduce the total amount that is left in your dog’s ear.  This can help to clear up their infection.

Is coconut oil good for yeast infection in dogs ears?  Yes, coconut oil can help stop the growth of yeast.  Studies have been conducted to show the effectiveness of coconut oil against the Candida species of yeast.  While Malassezia yeast is the species responsible for ear infections in dogs, coconut oil may also prove effective against it.

Coconut Oil Reduces Bacterial Infections on Allergic Skin

Dogs with allergic skin may also benefit from using coconut oil on their ears.  Allergic skin is more likely to have increased bacteria growth.  Coconut oil can help reduce the growth of bacteria to fight off the ear infection it is causing.

Coconut Oil Can Kill Ear Mites

Ear mites can also be to blame for a dog’s ear infection.  Coconut oil can stop the ear mites from being able to move or breathe, effectively killing them.  Additionally, coconut oil can act as a mild antibiotic to help soothe and help clear up the ear infection.

Treating an Ear Infection with Coconut Oil

Wondering how to use coconut oil for dog ear infection?  Use this quick coconut oil recipe for dog ear infection and step-by-step directions to help you take care of your pup.

You’ll Need:

• Coconut oil
• Small saucepan
• Cotton ball

Directions

1. Use a dog ear cleaner to clean your dog’s ear.  This will help remove any debris and allow the coconut oil to be more effective.
2. Allow your dog’s ears time to completely dry (at least 30 minutes).
3. Heat coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat until warm.  Make sure that the oil is just warm, not hot.
4. Place some coconut oil on a cotton ball and apply it over the ear flap.  Avoid rubbing the oil onto the dog’s ear as it may further irritate the area.
5. Place some coconut oil in an eyedropper and add a few drops directly into your dog’s ear canal.  If you do not have an eyedropper, you can use a tablespoon and let a few drops drip off the spoon.
6. Massage your dog’s ears gently at their base to help ensure the coconut oil is spread around.
7. Only rinse the coconut oil off your dog’s ears if you notice it is turning them red, which could indicate an allergy.

If you’re wondering how long for coconut oil to help dog ear infection, it can vary from dog to dog.  The severity of the infection will also impact how effective a coconut oil treatment will be.  If you don’t notice an improvement in your pup within a few days, you should try to get them into the vet.

Side Effects of Coconut Oil

Most dogs won’t experience any negative side effects when you use coconut oil.  It is gentle and unlikely to cause irritation.  However, every dog is different.

Some dogs will experience irritation of their skin or ears when you use coconut oil on them.  If your dog is allergic to coconut oil, and you didn’t know it before, you may notice that their ear appears redder than it previously did.  You could also see some sores or raised areas around where you used the coconut oil.

If your dog is having an allergic reaction to the coconut oil, use mild soap and water to wash their ears and the skin around their ears.  Then, apply a warm saline solution to your dog’s ear canal to make sure all the coconut oil residue is washed out.  You may also want to contact your dog’s vet to see if any further treatment is necessary.

Coconut Oil for Dog Ear Infections

Hopefully, I’ve helped you find the answer to “is coconut oil good for dog infection in the ears?”  Using coconut oil may help clear up the ear infection and lessen the side effects for your pup.  However, if you don’t see an improvement relatively quickly, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian.

FAQs