Ear Infection in Dogs: What to Look For and What to Do

Ear infections are a very common reason a dog will be seen in a vet clinic, with an estimated 7% of dogs experiencing otitis externa each year. Detecting infections early can help ensure your dog is treated promptly and the infection clears up before any complications occur.

What Are the Signs of an Ear Infection in Dogs?

If your dog has an ear infection, they will usually let you know about it.

Scratching and Head Shaking

Some of the most common indications that the ear is infected include shaking of the head, holding the ear down, sensitivity to the ear being touched, and frequent rubbing and scratching of the ear.

Discharge, Redness, Odour, and Swelling

When you look inside the ear canal, you may notice that the skin is red, swollen and sore looking. You may also detect thick, dark wax or debris.

Most infections emit a foul odour, which can smell musty, sweet, or rotten. A healthy ear should not have an odour.

Other symptoms

Ear infections can be painful. Many dogs are stoic and tolerate them, but you are likely to see subtle signs of discomfort. This can include your dog spending more time alone, a reduced appetite, mild lethargy, or a reluctance to be touched.

What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?

Ear infections are largely multi-factorial, meaning there will be a few things at play.

Moisture

When moisture is trapped inside the canal, it creates a humid breeding ground for microorganisms to multiply and thrive. Moisture can enter the ear when a dog gets wet during a bath, swim or heavy rainfall.

Excessive earwax can also trap moisture and debris in the ear canal, making it easier for microorganisms to grow.

Breed and Ear Shape

One big factor is the breed of dog and the type of ear they have. Floppy or pendulous ears are at far higher risk of becoming infected when compared to those that stand erect. This is due to the increased warmth and moisture that gets trapped inside.

Grooming habits

Certain grooming habits can play a role. The more baths a dog gets, the greater risk of moisture getting into the ear canal.

Over plucking the ears, or removing fur that does not need to be removed, can lead to broken and inflamed skin that is more likely to become infected.

Allergies

For a huge number of those that suffer from recurring ear infections, allergies are at play. This can include both food and environmental allergies. Affected dogs typically have other signs including paw licking, red skin and anal gland issues.

Can a Dog Ear Infection Go Away on Its Own?

Unfortunately, once an ear infection has been established, it is unlikely to resolve without veterinary intervention.

Why Untreated Infections Can Get Worse

As an infection grumbles along, the offending microorganisms multiply and inflammation worsens. The amount of discharge increases, trapping more moisture, debris, and infection inside.

When to See a Veterinarian

At the first sign of an ear infection, contact your vet. A chronic infection is generally a lot more difficult to treat than one which has only recently developed.

How Are Ear Infections in Dogs Diagnosed?

Your vet will be suspicious of an infection based on the symptoms your dog is displaying. This is especially true if your dog is a ‘repeat offender’ or is a breed with floppy ears.

Examining the Ear Canal and Eardrum

The ear will be examined from the outside and the canal can be checked using an otoscope. Your vet is checking for any polyps or foreign bodies and is assessing if the canal is narrowed. They will also try and check to ensure the eardrums are intact.

Testing for Bacteria, Yeast or Mites

Ideally, your vet will swab the debris to examine it microscopically. A stain can help determine if it is fungal, bacterial or a mixed infection. If ear mites are present, they can be seen moving on the microscope slide.

Your vet may perform a culture and sensitivity test, sending an ear swab to the lab, who can advise on the specific pathogens present and the ideal therapy.

How Are Ear Infections in Dogs Treated?

Treatment consists of medication, but there are other things that need to be considered too.

Ear Drops and Cleaning

Cleaning out the build up of wax and debris is important, to ensure the medications are able to work effectively. It is usually best to clean the ears about 30 minutes before any medicine is applied.

Prescription drops containing anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and anti-fungals are often applied twice daily for one to two weeks. For dogs who do not tolerate this, there may be an option for your vet to apply an ointment within the canal that lasts for one week.

Oral Medication for More Severe Cases

When there is a lot of inflammation, a vet may issue anti-inflammatories to help reduce swelling in the ear and to provide pain relief. Reducing the swelling within the ear canal ensures the drops are more effective.

Follow Up Care and Recheck Appointments

Your vet will want to see your dog for a re-check once their medicine is coming to an end, to ensure the infection has completely resolved. Some stubborn infections may need further therapy.

Can Ear Infections in Dogs Be Prevented?

There are a lot of things that you can do to help reduce the incidence of ear infections in your pet.

Keeping Ears Clean and Dry

One of the key things is keeping moisture levels low within the ear canals. If the canals become wet at any point, use cotton wool deep within the canal to remove the moisture, until the ear is bone dry.

Managing Allergies and Underlying Causes

Where possible, it helps to identify the allergen the dog is reacting to and to avoid this. This can mean, for example, feeding a hydrolysed diet or avoiding grass when walking outdoors.

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups

For pets who are known to be prone to infections, it is sensible to have their ears regularly checked. Your vet can also discuss a tailored ear cleaning programme with you, to help minimise flare ups.

Get Veterinary Advice for Your Dog

You can contact us at any time to discuss your dog's ear health, or if you are concerned about an ear infection or underlying allergies.

Ear Infection in Dogs: FAQs

How can I tell if my dog has an ear infection?

The earliest signs of a canine ear infection include head rubbing, ear shaking, red ear canals and a build up of debris and wax within the canals. Your dog may also be off their food, subdued or lethargic.

Is a dog ear infection an emergency?

For most, an infection is not going to be an emergency. However, if your dog seems distressed, is off balance (indicating the infection has spread to the middle or inner ear), or is in a lot of pain, they should be seen as soon as possible.

How long does it take to treat a dog ear infection?

Most ear infections will resolve fully within a week or two. Some ear infections grumble along and recur, and this indicates there could be some underlying issues at play, which should be looked into by your vet.

Can I treat my dog's ear infection at home?

No, it is not advisable to try and treat infections at home. Dogs should be seen in person so their ear canals can be assessed and the appropriate prescription medicine can be issued.

Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?

If your dog is prone to repeat infections, this may be down to the shape of their ears, lifestyle, or underlying medical issues. One of the most common causes of recurring infections is allergies (atopic dermatitis).