Dog Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Treatment

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Ear problems are among the top reasons dogs visit the vet. They are uncomfortable, but treatable.

What it is

Otitis externa is inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal. Dogs have an L-shaped canal that traps moisture and debris, which makes infection easier. Infections may involve bacteria, yeast or both, and they can spread deeper.

Signs

• Head shaking and scratching at the ears
• Odor, often yeasty or foul
• Red, swollen or hot ear flaps
• Brown, yellow or black discharge
• Pain when touched
• Head tilt or loss of balance with deeper infections. See vestibular disease in dogs
• Hearing changes

Why dogs get them

• Allergies, often the underlying cause of repeat infections. See dog skin allergies and environmental allergies in dogs
• Moisture from swimming or bathing
• Ear mites. See ear mites in dogs
• Foreign material, such as grass seeds
• Hairy ear canals
• Floppy ears that limit airflow
• Hormonal disease in some dogs
• Polyps or growths

Veterinary diagnosis

Your vet will look into the canal with an otoscope, examine a sample under a microscope to identify yeast, bacteria or mites and check the eardrum. Knowing the cause ensures the right treatment.

Treatment

Treatment often includes a vet-prescribed ear cleaner and medicated drops. Severe or chronic cases may need oral medication, sedated flushing or addressing allergies. Follow the schedule and finish the course, even if the ear looks better. Recheck visits help confirm resolution.

Why not home remedies

Putting vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or leftover medication into an infected ear can sting, damage tissue or harm the middle ear if the eardrum is torn. Always check with your vet first.

Cleaning safely

Routine cleaning with a vet-approved cleaner may help prevent problems in some dogs, but over-cleaning can irritate. See how to clean a dog's ears and how to choose a dog ear cleaner. Do not use cotton swabs deep in the canal.

Prevention

1. Dry ears after swimming and bathing.
2. Manage allergies with your vet.
3. Check ears weekly for odor, redness and debris.
4. Follow a grooming routine. See grooming routine for floppy ear dogs.
5. Ask about ear hair removal. See how to pluck dog ear hair.

Complications

Untreated infections can lead to ear hematomas, thickened canals or middle ear disease. See ear hematoma in dogs. Chronic cases may require surgery in rare situations.

When it is an emergency

Call a vet promptly for severe pain, a head tilt, loss of balance, facial drooping or sudden hearing loss.

Common mistakes

• Stopping medicine early.
• Using old medicine.
• Over-cleaning.
• Ignoring allergies.

Troubleshooting

• My dog hates the drops: ask for tips, and reward with treats.
• The infection returns: discuss allergy workup.
• Only one ear is affected: look for foreign material or a growth.

A simple plan

1. Book a vet exam.
2. Follow treatment.
3. Recheck as advised.
4. Address the cause.

Real-life examples

A spaniel gets yeast infections each summer, and managing allergies reduces them. A lab develops an infection after swimming, and drying ears helps prevent more. A terrier with a grass seed in one ear is relieved after removal. The cause decides the cure.

Staying consistent

Regular checks and early attention keep minor problems from becoming serious.

The takeaway

Ear infections need a vet exam and the right medication. Find the cause to stop repeat episodes.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.