Dog Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment Options
At a Glance
- Dog ear infections happen often because moisture, debris, and allergens get trapped in the ear canal.
- Floppy-eared breeds and dogs with allergies face a higher risk.
- Early signs include head shaking, scratching, odor, and discharge.
- Vets diagnose infections with exams, cytology, and imaging when needed.
- Treatment may include ear cleaning, medications, or surgery in severe cases.
- Prevention focuses on proper cleaning, moisture control, and allergy management.
Why Dog Ear Infections Are So Common
Dog ear infections (otitis) are one of the most common health issues vets see. Dogs are especially prone to ear infections because their L-shaped ear canals trap moisture, debris, and allergens. This creates a perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow.
Ear infections often start with mild itching or head shaking, but can worsen quickly without treatment. They may cause chronic infection, hearing loss, or balance problems. That’s why prompt treatment is essential.
What Is a Dog Ear Infection?
Otitis means inflammation of the ear. In dogs, bacteria, yeast, parasites, allergies, or trapped moisture usually trigger that inflammation.
Otitis falls into three types based on which part of the ear becomes inflamed:
- Otitis externa (outer ear).
- Otitis media (middle ear).
- Otitis interna (inner ear).
Otitis externa is the most common type because the outer ear is exposed. These infections can be acute, meaning they start suddenly, or chronic, meaning they keep coming back.
What Breeds Are More Prone to Ear Infections?
Dogs with floppy or folded ears are more prone because their ears trap heat and moisture and limit airflow. This warm, damp environment allows bacteria and yeast to grow more easily.
Breeds with the highest risk of ear infections (otitis externa) include:
- Basset Hounds.
- Chinese Shar Pei.
- Beagles.
- Labradoodles.
- Cockapoos.
- Golden Retrievers.
What Are the Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs?
These are some common signs your dog may have an ear infection:
- Frequent head shaking or head tilt.
- Scratching or pawing at the ears.
- Redness, swelling, or odor.
- Brown, yellow, or waxy discharge.
These are emergency warning signs that need urgent veterinary care:
- Intense pain or crying when the ear is touched.
- Thick pus or bleeding from the ear.
- Stumbling, circling, or loss of balance.
- Sudden hearing loss or strong behavior changes.
- Fever, lower energy, or loss of appetite.
What Causes Dog Ear Infections?
Common causes behind ear infections in dogs, apart from breed, include:
- Bacteria and yeast overgrowth due to moisture.
- Excess moisture from swimming or bathing.
- Allergies (environmental or food allergies).
- Ear mites.
- Foreign bodies like grass awns or foxtails.
- Wax buildup that traps debris.
- Endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism.
- Autoimmune diseases, including pemphigus or lupus.
- Polyps or tumors inside the ear canal.
- Trauma or injury to the ear.
- Excessive or improper ear cleaning.
How Do Vets Diagnose Ear Infections?
Vets start the diagnosis by gathering a detailed medical history. They ask about when the symptoms started, discharge, odor, allergies, diet, ear-cleaning habits, and recent swimming or grooming. This information helps narrow down triggers and recurring causes.
Physical Examination
Vets examine both ears using otoscopy, a tool that provides a clear view of the ear canals and eardrums. They look for redness, swelling, discharge, and pain. If the ear hurts a lot or is swollen, the vet may use light sedation to examine the ear safely.
Diagnostic Testing
Vets use cytology by swabbing ear debris and examining it under a microscope to identify bacteria, yeast, or mites. For persistent or severe cases, they perform culture and sensitivity testing to grow the infection and select the most effective medication. If the infection involves the middle or inner ear, CT scans or MRI imaging might be used to assess deeper structures and rule out chronic damage or spread.
How Do Vets Treat Ear Infections?
Ear Cleaning
Vets start treatment by cleaning the ear to remove wax, pus, and debris that block medication. They choose cleaners based on testing and avoid harsh solutions if the eardrum looks damaged.
Ear Drops
Most ear infections improve with prescription ear drops that combine antibiotics, antifungals, and steroids. Vets select these drops based on cytology or culture to target the exact infection.
Pain and Inflammation Control
Swollen, narrow ear canals are painful to clean and block medicine from entering. Vets often use anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling, itching, and pain.
Oral Medications
Vets use oral medications when infections spread deeper or involve the middle ear. These may include prednisone or triamcinolone to control inflammation, systemic antibiotics chosen from culture results, or antifungals like ketoconazole or terbinafine when yeast plays a role.
Addressing the Underlying Cause
Vets manage allergies, moisture, mites, or other underlying causes to prevent infections from repeating.
Surgery for Severe Cases
When infections stop responding to medication, vets may recommend surgery. Procedures such as total ear canal ablation (TECA) and ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO) are performed to remove diseased tissue or open a scarred canal.
How Can You Prevent Dog Ear Infections?
You can lower your dog’s risk of ear infections by building a few simple habits:
- Safe Ear Cleaning Habits: Clean ears only when your vet recommends it. Use vet-approved cleaners and cotton balls, and avoid cotton swabs or harsh home remedies.
- Moisture Control: Dry your dog’s ears completely after swimming or bathing.
- Allergy Management: Food sensitivities are behind 80% of ear infections. Managing food sensitivities targets inflammation at the source and prevents flare-ups.
Protect Your Dog’s Ears Before Problems Start
Dog ear infections happen when moisture, debris, or allergens get trapped in the ear. They often begin with itching or head shaking and can progress to pain, balance issues, or hearing loss. Early treatment stops infections from spreading deeper.
Vets diagnose ear infections with exams, cytology, and imaging when needed. Treatment may include ear cleaning, drops, oral medication, or surgery in severe cases. Prevention through proper cleaning, moisture control, and allergy management keeps ears healthy.
In a Hurry? Take a Look at These Quick Answers
How can I tell if my dog has an ear infection?
Watch for head shaking, scratching, odor, redness, or discharge from the ear.
Can dog ear infections go away on their own?
No. Most ear infections need vet treatment and can worsen if you wait.
What is the most common cause of recurring ear infections in dogs?
Allergies, especially food sensitivities, are the most common causes of ear infections.
Are certain dog breeds more prone to ear infections?
Yes. Floppy-ear breeds like Basset Hounds, Beagles, and Golden Retrievers face a higher risk.
Can I clean my dog’s ears too often?
Over-cleaning irritates the ear and can trigger infections. Follow your vet's advice when cleaning your dog’s ears.
When should I take my dog to the vet for ear problems?
Go right away if you see pain, balance issues, pus, bleeding, or sudden hearing loss.
How long does it take for a dog's ear infection to heal?
Most mild infections improve in 1–2 weeks, but severe or chronic cases can take much longer.