If your dog keeps shaking their head, scratching at an ear or leaves a smell behind on the sofa, an ear infection may be the reason. Ear problems are among the most common reasons dogs visit the vet. They are uncomfortable and can become painful and chronic if they are not treated properly, but most can be managed well once the cause is found.
Why dogs get ear infections
A dog’s ear canal is shaped like an “L,” running down and then inward toward the eardrum. This shape traps moisture, wax and debris more easily than a human ear. Most dog ear infections affect the outer ear canal, a condition called otitis externa.
Common causes and contributing factors include:
- Allergies. Environmental and food allergies are among the most frequent underlying causes, especially when infections keep coming back.
- Yeast and bacteria. These often overgrow once the ear is already inflamed.
- Moisture. Swimming and bathing can leave water in the ear canal.
- Ear anatomy. Dogs with floppy ears or a lot of hair in the ear canal, such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds and Poodles, tend to be more prone.
- Ear mites. More common in puppies and dogs from shelters.
- Foreign bodies. Grass seeds and plant awns can work their way deep into the canal.
- Other conditions such as hormonal disorders or growths in the ear.
Signs of an ear infection
- Head shaking or tilting
- Scratching or pawing at the ear
- Redness or swelling inside the ear flap or canal
- Brown, yellow or black discharge
- A yeasty or unpleasant odor
- Pain when the ear is touched, or a dog who suddenly does not want their head handled
- Crusts or scabs on the ear flap
Some signs need prompt attention: loss of balance, walking in circles, unusual eye movements or a sudden head tilt may mean the infection has reached the middle or inner ear. A swollen, pillow-like ear flap may be an aural hematoma, a pocket of blood that often forms from vigorous head shaking.
Why you should see the vet
It can be tempting to try home remedies, but ear infections are not all the same. Your vet will look into the ear canal with an otoscope to check the eardrum and may take a sample of the discharge to look at under a microscope. This shows whether yeast, bacteria or mites are involved, which determines the right treatment.
Using the wrong product can make things worse. Some ear medications should not be used if the eardrum is damaged. Avoid putting hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, vinegar or oils in your dog’s ears unless your vet recommends it, as these can irritate inflamed tissue.
Treatment
Treatment usually includes a thorough cleaning and a prescription ear medication. Some long-acting medications are applied in the clinic. For severe or deep infections, your vet may prescribe oral medication.
Follow the instructions carefully and finish the full course, even if your dog seems better after a few days. Stopping too early is a common reason infections come back. A recheck visit is often recommended to confirm the infection has cleared.
Recurring infections
If your dog gets ear infections again and again, there is usually an underlying cause, most often allergies. Treating only the infection without addressing the cause tends to lead to a cycle of flare-ups. Your vet may suggest allergy management, a diet trial or further testing. Chronic, untreated infections can cause the ear canal to thicken and narrow permanently, which is much harder to treat.
Prevention tips
- Check ears weekly. Healthy ears are light pink, with little wax and no strong odor.
- Dry ears after swimming or bathing with a soft towel or cotton ball on the outer part of the ear.
- Clean only when needed and only with a dog ear cleaner your vet recommends. Over-cleaning can irritate the ear.
- Never push cotton swabs deep into the canal. You can push debris further in or injure the ear. Clean only the parts you can see.
- Manage allergies if your dog has them.
This article is for general information only. If you suspect an ear infection, see your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.