How to Treat Your Dog’s Otitis Externa: Latest Study Insights

By Dr. Andrew Jones October 1, 2024 0 Comment

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How to Treat Your Dog’s Ear Infections Naturally Using Propolis

Do you have a dog that gets repeated ear infections—shaking and scratching his ears, dealing with horrible discharge? Today, I want to share a new, studied alternative remedy that can really help: propolis. Welcome back to my channel, Veterinary Secrets. If you’re new here, click to subscribe and hit the bell for notifications. Let’s dive into how this natural remedy can make a difference for your dog’s ear health.

What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?

Ear infections in our dogs, also known as otitis externa, are pretty common. Typically, they involve excess yeast within the ears, which creates a black, waxy discharge. Secondary bacterial infections often develop, with staph bacteria being the most common culprit.

In most cases, recurring ear infections are related to underlying allergies—usually environmental. These allergies cause systemic inflammation, including in the ear canal, which then allows for yeast and bacteria overgrowth.

The Study on Propolis for Ear Infections

There’s an interesting study titled “The Efficacy of Argentine Propolis Formation for the Treatment of Canine Otitis Externa" that I want to tell you about. Propolis, also known as “bee glue," was used as an eardrop in this controlled study involving dogs with ear infections. The researchers compared propolis drops with a placebo (non-medicated oil drops).

The results were clear: the dogs treated with propolis showed marked improvement, while those receiving the placebo showed no improvement. The study showed that over 50% of these dogs had yeast (Malassezia), which is the most common cause of ear infections in dogs, and around 25% had staph bacteria.

Why Propolis Works for Ear Infections

Propolis is what bees use to reinforce their hives, and it has hundreds of medicinal properties. It is well-documented for having antibacterial, anti-yeast, and anti-inflammatory properties—all three of which are essential when treating ear infections. It helps tackle yeast, bacteria, and the underlying red, inflamed ear.

How to Use Propolis for Your Dog

If you have a dog with recurring ear infections, you really should consider using propolis. Here’s how you can start:

1. Propolis Spray

Consider using a propolis spray. Spray it on the outside of the ear (pinna) and within the vertical ear canal. Do this twice a day for 10 to 14 days. After spraying, rub the base of the ear well to help it work its way down the ear canal. Propolis spray can also be helpful for throat infections due to its sweet, honey-like taste.

2. Propolis Tincture

Propolis tincture is a more concentrated form in an alcohol base. You can apply it directly into your dog’s ears by tilting your dog’s head back and putting in 2 to 5 drops at the base of the ear canal. Rub the base of the ear well so it can work down into the canal. Use it twice a day for 7 to 14 days.

However, if your dog’s ears are red, inflamed, and look painful, avoid using the alcohol-based tincture—it will sting and irritate. Reserve this for moderate infections where the ears are not visibly inflamed.

3. Propolis Capsules

For ongoing, chronic ear infections, consider propolis capsules. They’re very safe for dogs and have virtually no documented side effects. Capsules can be effective for dealing with systemic inflammation, which often underlies ear infections. They are also antifungal and antibacterial.

A typical dose is 100 mg per 10 pounds of body weight daily. If you have a 50-pound dog, for example, you’d give 500 mg daily.

4. Aloe Vera and Propolis Topical Mixture

For a dog with a serious ear infection where topical treatment is irritating, you can mix propolis with aloe vera gel to reduce irritation. Aloe vera is a great topical anti-inflammatory and is very safe for dogs. Here’s how to make this mixture:

Take two tablespoons (30 ml) of aloe vera gel.
Add two full droppers (2 ml) of propolis tincture.
Mix them well until the propolis is evenly distributed with the aloe.

Using a syringe, draw up a small amount of this mixture and put 2 to 5 drops into your dog’s ear. Rub the base of the ear well so that the mixture works down the ear canal. Do this twice daily for 5 to 10 days. This combination of propolis and aloe provides the benefits of antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties while reducing irritation from the alcohol base.

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If your dog suffers from recurring ear infections and nothing else has worked, consider using propolis—whether in the form of a tincture, spray, or capsules. Propolis could make a significant difference in your dog’s ear health.

Thanks so much for joining me in this edition of Veterinary Secrets on how to finally heal your dog’s ear infections using propolis. Don’t forget to subscribe and click the bell for notifications. If you click the link below, I can send you a copy of my free book on treating ear infections naturally.