Understanding Dog Ear Infections

A dog ear infection is often due to an overgrowth of bacteria or fungi in the ear.

A dog’s ear canal is L-shaped, with a long, vertical section that can easily trap fluid and debris. This moist, hard-to-reach environment offers the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which is why dog ear infections are unfortunately very common.

Dog ear infections can also develop due to underlying problems that cause irritation, inflammation, and damage to the ear canal, such as:

• Excessive wax build-up.
• Skin allergies. Dog ear infections are a common symptom of atopic dermatitis.
• Parasites, e.g. ear mites.
• Trapped foreign items. Grass seeds are particularly dangerous for dogs as they can become lodged in the eardrum and permanently damage their hearing.
• Growths or tumours.
• Excessive ear cleaning.

The following factors increase the risk of dog ear infections:

• Long, floppy ears (e.g. Basset hounds).
• Allergies.
• Excessive wax (common in Labradors).
• Hormonal problems (e.g. thyroid disease).
• Spending lots of time outdoors.
• Frequent swimming.

Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections

Most dog ear infections affect the outer part of the ear canal, where the ear flap meets the opening of the ear. If left untreated, these infections can spread to the middle or inner ear, where they can do lasting damage. For that reason, it’s important to know what dog ear infection symptoms look like so that you can get prompt treatment for your dog. They include:

• Redness, swelling and heat in or around the ear.
• Dark, waxy discharge, blood or pus.
• An unpleasant odour.
• Crusting or scabs in the ear.
• A swollen ear flap (aural haematoma).

You might also notice your dog:

• Shaking their head.
• Rubbing the side of their head on objects or the ground.
• Scratching at their ear.
• Whimpering or flinching when their ear is touched.

Signs that your dog has a middle or inner ear infection include:

• Head tilting.
• Loss of balance.
• Vomiting.
• Poor hearing.

What to Do if Your Dog Has an Ear Infection

Ear infections can be painful for your dog and, if left untreated, can permanently damage their hearing. Knowing what to do if your dog has an ear infection, then, can give them the best possible outcome.

If you suspect an ear infection, contact your vet and ask for an appointment as soon as possible. If your dog is showing signs of a middle or inner ear infection, ask for an urgent appointment.

It’s important that you don’t try to treat a dog ear infection yourself at home. Without a professional examination, it can be hard to figure out the underlying cause, treat it, and prevent an infection from spreading or returning. In some cases, it can make the problem worse. Don’t take any chances with your dog’s ear health – book in with your vet right away.

How to Treat Dog Ear Infections

To treat a dog ear infection, your vet will first examine your dog’s ear to find the underlying cause. They might then recommend one of the following treatments:

• Ear cleaning. Your vet may remove wax or debris build-up, or give you instructions on how to clean your dog’s ears at home. Make sure you use an adapted ear cleaner like EpiOtic^® SIS.

• Medicated eardrops. These contain antifungal and/or antibacterial ingredients to treat the infection, along with anti-inflammatory ingredients to relieve pain, swelling and irritation.

• Oral antibiotics. For more serious infections, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics too.

• Antiparasitic treatments. For ear mites or other parasites, your dog may need a treatment like EVICTO^® for Dogs.

• Painkillers. If your dog is in a lot of pain, your vet may provide pain medication.

• Removal of foreign objects. Your vet may try to remove or flush out foreign objects like grass seeds. However, this can sometimes only be done under general anaesthesia.

With prompt treatment, most dog ear infections clear up quickly. Your vet will likely want you to bring your dog back after treatment to check on their progress. If the ear infection isn’t responding to treatment or is getting worse, your vet may recommend a different treatment.

How to Clean Dog Ears

Keeping your dog’s ears clean is an important part of preventing dog ear infections. Not sure how? Head to our page on ear cleaning to learn more.