Your dog keeps shaking their head. They're scratching at their ears more than usual. And there's that smell – you know the one.
Ear infections hit about 20% of dogs at some point in their lives. That's one in five dogs. And if you've got a floppy-eared breed like a Golden Retriever or Cocker Spaniel, those odds go up.
The thing is, catching an ear infection early makes all the difference. Left alone, a simple infection can turn into something serious – and expensive.
What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?
Dogs get ear infections for different reasons than we do. Their ear canals are L-shaped, which traps moisture and debris. It's like having a pocket that never empties completely.
Bacteria and yeast are the main culprits. They love warm, moist places. Your dog's ears are perfect real estate.
Allergies play a big role, too. Food allergies or environmental triggers like pollen can cause the ears to become inflamed. This creates the perfect breeding ground for infections.
Water exposure is another factor. Dogs who swim regularly or get frequent baths face higher risks. All that moisture has to go somewhere.
Ear mites are tiny parasites that irritate the ear canal. They're more common in puppies and outdoor cats, but dogs can get them too.
Some breeds are just unlucky. Floppy ears trap air and moisture. Breeds with hair growing in their ear canals face extra challenges.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections?
Your dog can't tell you their ear hurts. But their behavior will.
Early Warning Signs
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Head shaking – more frequent than normal
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Scratching at ears – sometimes until they bleed
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Head tilting to one side
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Reluctance to have their head touched
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Changes in behavior – less active, avoiding movement
Physical Symptoms You Can See
Discharge is the big giveaway. Different types tell different stories:
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Yellow or brown discharge usually means bacterial infection
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Dark, waxy buildup suggests yeast overgrowth
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Coffee-ground appearance points to ear mites
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Blood in the discharge indicates severe irritation or injury
Redness and swelling in the ear canal or flap. Normal ears should look pale pink inside.
Odor that's stronger than usual. Infected ears smell bad – sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, always unpleasant.
Crusty buildup around the ear opening from dried discharge.
Note that seasonal factors can worsen symptoms – dogs dealing with spring allergies often experience more frequent ear infections due to increased inflammation and scratching.
Serious Symptoms That Need Immediate Attention
Some symptoms mean the infection has spread deeper:
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Loss of balance or walking in circles
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Rapid eye movements (nystagmus)
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Facial paralysis on the affected side
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Hearing loss
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Severe pain – yelping when touched
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Fever or lethargy
These point to inner ear involvement. Don't wait with these symptoms.
Different Types of Ear Infections
Not all ear infections are the same. Location matters.
Otitis Externa (Outer Ear)
This affects the ear canal, which you can see. It's the most common type – about 10-20% of dogs get this at some point.
Symptoms include visible discharge, scratching, and odor. It responds well to topical treatments.
Otitis Media (Middle Ear)
The infection has moved deeper, behind the eardrum. This is more serious.
Dogs might show balance problems or hearing changes. It often needs oral antibiotics.
Otitis Interna (Inner Ear)
This affects the deepest part of the ear, near the brain. It's rare but serious.
Symptoms include severe balance issues, head tilt, and possible facial nerve damage. Emergency vet care is needed.
Breed-Specific Risks
Some dogs are just more prone to ear problems.
High-risk breeds include:
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Cocker Spaniels (highest risk)
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Basset Hounds
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Golden Retrievers
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Labrador Retrievers
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Bloodhounds
Research from the Royal Veterinary College found that dogs with floppy ears have a 1.76 times higher risk than dogs with upright ears.
Poodle crosses (Labradoodles, Goldendoodles) also face higher risks. The Poodle's genetics contribute hair growth in ear canals, which traps debris.
Even low-risk breeds with upright ears can get infections. German Shepherds and Chihuahuas still need monitoring.
How to Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs?
Prevention beats treatment every time. Here's what actually works:
Regular Ear Cleaning
But don't overdo it. Healthy ears don't need daily cleaning.
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For high-risk breeds: Clean every 1-2 weeks
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For normal ears: Only when you see dirt or debris
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After water exposure: Always clean and dry thoroughly
Use proper technique:
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Fill the ear canal with vet-approved cleaner
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Massage the base for 30 seconds
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Let your dog shake their head
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Wipe away loosened debris with cotton balls
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Work from inside out – never push debris deeper
Never use cotton swabs in the ear canal. They push debris deeper and can damage the eardrum.
Water Management
Dry ears thoroughly after baths or swimming. Use a towel first, then consider a hair dryer on cool, low setting for gentle drying.
For water-loving dogs, consider ear plugs designed for dogs during swimming.
Environmental Control
Keep humidity levels reasonable with good ventilation. High humidity feeds yeast growth.
Use air filters to control allergens like pollen and dust.
Trim excessive ear hair to improve air circulation. Your groomer can help with this.
Quality Cleaning Products
Look for pH-balanced, vet-approved cleaners. Avoid alcohol-based products that can irritate sensitive skin.
Products containing ingredients like chlorhexidine or ketoconazole can help prevent bacterial and yeast overgrowth.
When Should You Seek Veterinary Help for Your Dog's Ear Issue?
Some things you can handle at home. Others need professional help.
See a Vet Within 24-48 Hours If:
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Persistent head shaking or scratching
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Visible discharge that doesn't clear with gentle cleaning
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Strong odor that won't go away
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Your dog seems uncomfortable but not in severe pain
Emergency Vet Visit for:
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Signs of balance problems
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Facial paralysis or drooping
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Severe pain – yelping or crying
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Bleeding from the ear
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Sudden hearing loss
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Fever or lethargy
Don't Try to Treat at Home If:
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The eardrum might be ruptured
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There are neurological symptoms
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Previous treatments haven't worked
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The infection keeps coming back
What Happens at the Vet
Your vet will start with questions about symptoms, duration, and your dog's history.
Physical exam includes looking at both ears, even if only one seems affected. Infections can spread or both ears might have different stages of the same problem.
Cytology – examining ear discharge under a microscope – identifies bacteria, yeast, or mites. This determines the right treatment.
Culture testing for severe or resistant infections finds the most effective antibiotic.
Some exams need sedation if the dog is too painful or the ear canal needs deep cleaning.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on what's causing the infection and how severe it is.
Topical Medications
Most outer ear infections respond to drops or ointments. These often combine:
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Antibiotics for bacteria
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Antifungal agents for yeast
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Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and pain
Modern long-acting treatments like Osurnia only need two applications, seven days apart. This improves compliance compared to daily drops.
Oral Medications
Severe infections or middle ear involvement need systemic treatment. Common choices include:
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Amoxicillin-clavulanate
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Enrofloxacin
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Cefpodoxime
Treatment courses run 6-8 weeks minimum for deep infections.
Professional Ear Cleaning
Vets can remove debris that's impossible to reach at home. They use specialized tools and solutions that work better than home cleaning.
Surgery
For end-stage chronic infections that don't respond to medical treatment, surgical options exist. Total ear canal ablation removes the infected tissue entirely.
It's a major surgery, reserved for severe cases.
Cost Considerations
Ear infection treatment varies widely in cost:
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Basic treatment: $100-250, including exam and medication
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Advanced diagnostics: Culture testing adds ~$200
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Chronic case management: Can exceed $400
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Surgery: $3,000-4,000+ per ear
Prevention costs much less than treatment. Regular cleaning supplies and preventive care beat emergency vet bills.
Pet insurance typically covers first-time infections. Chronic or recurring cases might be considered pre-existing conditions with limited coverage.
Managing Chronic Ear Problems
Some dogs face recurring infections. This usually means addressing underlying causes:
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Allergies need long-term management through diet changes, allergy medications, or immunotherapy.
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Anatomical issues like very narrow ear canals might need surgical widening.
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Immune system problems require ongoing medical support.
Regular maintenance cleaning becomes more important for these dogs.
Also consider your dog's environment! Dogs with sensitive ears may be more reactive to sounds that annoy dogs, which can increase stress and potentially worsen ear problems.
Work with your vet to develop a prevention plan that fits your dog's specific needs.
The Bottom Line
Ear infections are common, but they're also preventable and treatable when caught early.
Watch for head shaking, scratching, discharge, and odor. Don't ignore these signs – they won't go away on their own.
Clean your dog's ears appropriately for their risk level. More isn't always better.
Know when to call the vet. Balance problems, severe pain, and neurological symptoms need immediate attention.
Work with your veterinarian to identify and treat underlying causes. This prevents the cycle of recurring infections that frustrate both dogs and owners.
Your dog depends on you to notice when something's wrong. Trust your instincts. If the ears don't look, smell, or feel right, get them checked. Early treatment saves time, money, and suffering for everyone involved.
And remember, a healthy dog is a happy dog. Those ear scratches should be for pleasure, not desperation.
While managing ear health, don't forget that keeping your dog mentally stimulated also contributes to their overall wellbeing and can reduce stress-related health issues.
