Addressing an ear infection in your dog can mean recognizing symptoms, such as head shaking, tilting, or constant scratching. Consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and any medications or guidance on treating your beloved pet at home.

Pet parents can find it frustrating and concerning to witness their dog experiencing an ear health issue, ranging from constant head-shaking to ear scratching.

Their ears are shaped like an “L,” which means fluid and floating debris can easily become trapped inside. This makes dogs prone to ear infections, even without any underlying health conditions.

Here is a guide to handling a possible ear infection and when to call a veterinarian for professional help.

Just because your dog is shaking their head or stratching at their ear or side of the head frequently, that doesn’t necessary mean they have an ear infection.

Here’s what to look for as possible symptoms:

  • a musty odor
  • yellow, brown, or bloody gunk in or coming from the ear
  • redness, swelling of the ear canal
  • a frequent head tilt
  • sensitivity when you touch their head
  • constant rubbing against furniture
  • swelling of the ear flap, often caused by trauma from excessive shaking

When to consult a veterinarian

A vet visit can be an important way to diagnose any ear infection and start treatment to help your dog feel better.

The doctor will likely check the dog’s eardrum for any rupture. If it’s ruptured or can’t be evaluated, it can affect which medications the vet can safely prescribe or recommend.

Not visiting a vet and failing to properly diagnose an ear infection could lead to chronic ear infections, possibly causing permanent structural damage to the ear canal or deeper into the ear. That would also increase the dog’s risk of pain, hearing changes, or neurological complications.

If your dog gets ear infections often, it could be a signal of a larger health issue or possible food or environmental cause.

Allergies

Dogs with chronic ear infections may have an underlying allergy, with some research showing both environmental and food sensitivities or allergies as top reasons for ear issues.

  • Environmental allergies: Pollen, dust mites, and mold cause skin inflammation. Since the ear canal is lined with skin, it gets red and itchy, creating a perfect home for bacteria.
  • Food sensitivities: Usually a reaction to a specific protein, like chicken or beef. This often leads to year-round ear issues.

Type of dog

Some dogs are more prone to developing ear trouble.

  • Floppy ears: Breeds like Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Labradors have heavy ear flaps that act like a lid, trapping heat and moisture.
  • Hairy ear canals: Poodles and Schnauzers often grow hair deep within the canals, which can catch wax and debris.
  • Narrow ears: Shar-Peis and Bulldogs often have very narrow ear canals that don’t drain well.

Moisture and lifestyle

If your dog loves being in the water, whether it’s a bath, pool, or lake, they are at higher risk.

Water trapped in the ear canal creates the potential for an infection. Without proper drying, the natural yeast in the ear overpopulates, leading to a sort of “swimmer’s ear” infection.

Parasites and objects

  • Ear mites: More common in puppies, these tiny parasites are highly contagious and cause a dark, coffee-ground-like discharge.
  • Foreign objects: Things like grass seeds, foxtails, or even a buildup of dried wax can get stuck in the dog’s ear, leading to sudden, intense pain or a secondary infection.

Underlying health issues

Undiagnosed or already-known health conditions and issues may also lead to ear infections. This can include:

  • Endocrine disorders: Conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s Syndrome change how a dog’s skin functions, making them more prone to skin and ear infections.
  • Autoimmune diseases: Though rarer, these can cause the body to attack its own ear tissue, leading to severe inflammation.

Once your vet gives you the green light and a treatment plan, they will likely advise you on how to care for your dog at home.

  • Cleaning: Use cotton balls. Regular cleaning at least once a week. Use a vet-recommended ear flush. Don’t use Q-tips; they push debris deeper. Floppy eared dogs or those more exposed to water may need more frequent cleaning.
  • Keep ears dry: Always dry ears thoroughly after swimming or baths. Moisture is a playground for bacteria.
  • Medication: Apply ear drops as prescribed, then massage the base of the ear. Listen for a squishing sound, which means the medication is getting deep enough in the ear.

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University recommends these steps for best cleaning your dog’s ears at home:

  1. Fill the ear canal with ear cleaning solution. If your dog does not tolerate ear solution directly into the ear, try saturating cotton pads or balls with the ear cleaning solution.
  2. Massage the base of their ear. Have a towel ready, as once you stop massaging the ear, your dog will likely want to shake their head, which helps loosen the debris.
  3. Gently wipe away debris with cotton balls or pads. Start from the inside of the ear, only as far as you can comfortably see. Work your way to the outside ear flap. Avoid pushing debris deeper into the ear canal.

Not using certain products

Do not follow any recommendations you see online about using vinegar, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other home remedies in your dog’s ears — unless your veterinarian specifically recommends this.

If your dog’s ear is inflamed or has tiny scratches, these liquids will sting intensely and can worsen the inflammation. Stick to saline-based or medicated wipes specifically formulated for dogs.

Your dog may show symptoms if their ear is bothering them and possibly infected or getting to that point. That might include constant head-scratching, head tilts or a swollen ear that has pus or gunk in it.

A veterinarian is the best way to help determine whether your dog has an ear infection and to begin treatment to prevent long-term hearing or neurological issues that could develop if left untreated.

Your pet care team may recommend at-home care, including regular ear cleaning and keeping your dog’s ears dry if they are floppy or if your dog is regularly exposed to water.