Lifestyle

How to Get Rid of Dog Ear Infection

Published

5 years ago

June 11, 2020

Dogs suffer from itchy ears with a weird smell, which may be the underlying cause behind ear infection. Ear infection in dogs is very common and veterinarian advice is inevitable during this kind of serious disease. The dog owner must clean the ears of the dog on a regular basis and any sign of infection such as inflammation, redness, and excess warmth should not be neglected. The vet should be informed about the entire history of problems, including symptoms, allergies, previous medications, and other medical conditions.

Dog Ear Infections: What Causes Them & How To Treat Them

An ear infection is dogs are caused primarily due to improper cleaning of ears or excessive cleaning of ears with harsh chemicals. The presence of natural oil and a tiny amount of earwax is necessary as it prevents the inception of foreign bodies into the ear. Most of the time, dog owners perceive the presence of earwax as a sign of infection and thorough cleaning worsens the natural conditioning inside the ear.

Another cause behind ear infection is the lack of immunity inside the body. Sometimes due to improper diet and an unhealthy lifestyle, the natural defense mechanism of dog slows down and when there is an attack by foreign bodies, the defense mechanism cannot combat the infection. The shape of the dog’s ear is ideal for yeast, bacteria, and mites to proliferate and weak immune system cannot prevent their growth, causing a severe ear infection.

Treatment Process

When consulted with the vet, they will meticulously examine the dog’s ear by first cleaning the ear with a medicated cleaning agent. The veterinarian will visually examine the symptoms of infection such as redness, swelling, discharge, and temperature of the ear. The severe ear infection will include the otoscope of the ear canal and eardrum, followed by biopsies or x-rays during chronic cases. The doctor will prescribe medicated cleansers for regular cleansing, in addition to oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications for treatment and prophylaxis of ear infection.

The most common ear infections are healed within weeks to maximum a month’s time. However, complicated ear infections take many more months to cure. The severe and chronic ear infection may involve surgery known as Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA). This surgery removes the diseased tissue or the infected skin of the ear canal and the recurrence of infection is also prevented. The treatment and regular consultation with the vet continue for some years. The dog owners should avoid any lapses for the recurrence of infection.

Natural Remedies For Curing Infection

There are a few natural remedies that can be used to cure ear infections. The ear can be regularly cleaned with the help of green tea infusions, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil decoction. The ear should be dried after coming in contact with moisture and the use of boric acid powder is advisable after that. Applying warm compresses several times a day can ease the pain and discomfort.

Homeopathic medications can be supplemented with home remedies for better cure and treatment. The primary remedies comprise of administering small pellets of Belladonna, Mercurius solubilis, Chamomilla, Hepar sulphuris calcareum, and Pulsatilla. These medications can be combined with Magnesia phosphorica, Ferrum phosphoricum, Aconitum napellus, and Kali muriaticum. A homeopathy practitioner should be consulted before administering these medications and these are only helpful in the treatment of minor infection.

Prevention of Infection

Cleaning the ears regularly with a proper cleanser is of utmost importance while preventing ear infections. Medicated cleaning agents and gauze must be used for thorough cleaning inside the ear. The medications must be poured in droppers from a nozzle like the opening of the bottle, and while pouring the medicine it should not touch the skin or else it might get contaminated. Medicated and sanitized cotton swabs and gauze must be used for cleaning purposes.

Prescribed medicines should be regularly administered and topical medicines should be applied. Most of the prescribed medicines contain ear drops that comprise antibiotic drugs, steroids, and anti-fungal agents. This provide rapid relief to pain and sensitivity and cures the infection. It also prevents recurrence of infection. Doctors may suggest some oral medications and strict maintenance of lifestyle and environmental conditions.

A dog’s diet must be full of antioxidants and nutrients to boost the immune system. Most of the packaged dog food is processed and contains the majority of carbohydrates which is harmful to a dog’s health. Doctors suggest a grain-free and start-free diet for dogs, including vegetables and fresh meat. Supplements should be provided based on the recommendation and consultation of a veterinarian. The most common supplements include omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin, which improves immunity system of dogs.

For the treatment and prevention of ear infections, dog owners should ensure proper cleanliness and a healthy diet of their pets. Regular check-ups and observation can prevent infection to a great extent.

Lifestyle

Houseplant Styling Mistakes to Avoid in Home Décor

Published

2 days ago

November 16, 2025

Michelle Langton

Bringing greenery indoors can instantly elevate a space — adding warmth, texture, and a sense of calm. However, styling houseplants successfully requires more than simply popping a fern in a corner and hoping for the best. From mismatched plant selections to poor placement and neglecting scale, even the most well-intentioned plant lovers can make styling missteps. Before you dive into your next indoor plant arrangement, it’s worth understanding the most common mistakes to avoid.

Whether you’re new to indoor greenery or a seasoned plant parent, brands like Hello Botanical make it easy to find the perfect plants and gifts that complement your interior style — but knowing how to display them properly will make all the difference.

Overcrowding Your Space with Too Many Plants
While it’s tempting to fill every available surface with greenery, too many plants can make your space feel cluttered and overwhelming. Each plant deserves breathing room to grow and be appreciated. Instead of bunching them together, try grouping a few in varying heights or textures for balance. A single large plant in a corner can make a stronger design statement than ten small ones scattered everywhere.

Ignoring Light Conditions
Aesthetics shouldn’t be your only consideration when placing plants. Many indoor plant styling mistakes stem from ignoring light needs. Some species, like fiddle leaf figs and succulents, crave bright indirect light, while others, such as snake plants or peace lilies, thrive in low-light corners. Assess the natural light in each room before choosing plants, and remember that not every green beauty will thrive on your coffee table or bathroom shelf.

Choosing the Wrong Pot or Planter
A pot isn’t just a decorative accessory — it affects your plant’s health and your home’s design balance. A mismatched or undersized pot can look awkward, while one without drainage can cause root rot. Select planters that complement your home’s aesthetic and suit each plant’s needs. Neutral ceramics, woven baskets, or textured terracotta pots can enhance the overall décor while allowing your greenery to shine.

Neglecting Scale and Proportion
One of the easiest ways to make a room look unbalanced is by ignoring scale. A tiny plant on a large table can feel lost, while an oversized monstera can overwhelm a small living room. Consider the proportions of your furniture and space before selecting plants. Taller plants like palms or rubber trees add height and drama, while trailing species such as pothos or string of pearls can soften shelves and hanging corners beautifully.

Forgetting to Mix Textures and Colours
Just as you’d layer textures and tones in your furnishings, apply the same principle to your plant styling. Combining different leaf shapes, shades of green, and plant structures creates visual interest. Pair glossy leaves with matte ones, upright plants with cascading varieties, and bold tropicals with delicate ferns. A well-curated mix feels intentional rather than chaotic.

Over-Decorating Around Your Plants
Plants are statement-makers in their own right. Surrounding them with too many decorative objects — candles, vases, or trinkets — can detract from their natural beauty. Let the greenery breathe and become a focal point. A simple setup often feels more elegant and modern than a crowded display.

Forgetting Functionality in Key Spaces
While plants bring undeniable style, practicality matters too. Avoid placing trailing vines where they’ll get tangled in workspace cords or near entryways where they can be knocked over. Similarly, keep moisture-loving plants away from electronics and ensure any planters with drainage are placed on trays to protect your floors and furniture.

Ignoring Consistency Across Your Home
Houseplants look their best when they contribute to a cohesive theme. Instead of choosing random species for each room, think about your home’s overall design. Are you going for a minimalist, Scandinavian aesthetic or something more lush and tropical? Repeating a few plant types or pot styles throughout creates unity and flow.

Overlooking Plant Care as Part of the Design
No matter how beautifully you style your plants, unhealthy or neglected greenery can spoil the look. Regular pruning, wiping leaves, and rotating pots to ensure even growth are key parts of maintaining your interior aesthetic. Healthy, thriving plants add vibrancy and life that no artificial décor can replicate.

Forgetting That Less Can Be More
Finally, remember that plants should enhance your décor, not dominate it. A few strategically placed, well-cared-for plants can transform a home far more effectively than a jungle of mismatched greenery. Focus on quality over quantity, and choose each plant intentionally to fit your style, lighting, and lifestyle.

When styled thoughtfully, houseplants can turn a space into a peaceful, inviting sanctuary

Avoiding these common mistakes helps you highlight their beauty while keeping your interiors cohesive and clutter-free. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or curating a lush indoor garden, start small, observe what works, and grow your collection with care.