Effectiveness of Garlic Oil for Dog Ear Infection

January 31, 2015

Hi Sarah,
Lady does not have an ear *infection* in her ear. From the photo, and your description of her background info, she has *inflammation* due to allergies. This is causing her ear to produce the increased wax, and making her itch and scratch.

To confirm, you could have a culture and sensitivity done of her ear canal. It takes 3-4 days to get the results back. If anything ‘grows’ she may have yeast, but that was not the cause of the inflammation, it was a secondary effect from the presence of excess wax, moisture, and warmth inside her ear canal from the allergies.

You wrote,
“I have Mullein-Garlic Ear oil that I would like to use, if recommended and will heal the infection.”
It is not an infection. She has ‘allergic’ otitis. Inflammation secondary to her allergies. It is the allergies that need to be cleared up!

“How often and how much should I use this? Do I need to dilute this any further? HOW do I use this?”
I would not use it. The more moist her ear canal, the more susceptible she may be to yeast or bacterial growth. She appears to have a long ear flap, that when flopped down, will trap moisture inside her ear canal, and make the problem worse.

I suggest you try some Apple cider vinegar, about 1/4 tsp into each ear TWO times per week. Clean out any excess wax discharge on her ear flap and the crevices of the opening to her ear, at that time, 2 times per week. Any more often, and her ear may become more irritated.

To address the allergies:
1. No DRY dog food. Feed her canned or a RAW diet. Check out our page on 10 Best Dog Food Options, https://www.organic-pet-digest.com/10-best-dog-food-options.html. Try Primal, Nature’s Variety, or Bravo.

2. No more vaccinations. Seek the help of a holistic veterinarian to write an exemption form.
And to examine her for an appropriate homeopathic remedy to help with her itching and scratching. Also, to look inside her ear canal to check the progress of treatment.

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

3. Bathe her one time per week with a baby shampoo, (DO NOT get any water in her ears!). Rinse and dry her well.

4. Daily brushing to stimulate her oil glands and prevent dry skin.

5. Immune Supplements: if the above suggestions are not helping, she may need some immune support.

1. Missing Link Canine Formula
2. Immuplex from Standard Process
3. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.