Did you know? As many as 20% of dogs suffer from ear infections in India. Ear infection in dogs is a broad term that can refer to the infection of the outer, middle or inner part of their ears.
In many cases, only one ear is involved in the infection. However, there have been cases where both ears were infected at the same time.
What are the Signs of Ear Infection in Dogs?
The most common signs of ear infection in dogs are –
- Head shaking
- Wobbly walking
- Scratching the infected ear
- Whining
- Discharge visible from the ears
However, the signs may vary depending on the exact location of the infection.
Causes of Ear Infection in Dogs?
Ear infections in dogs are common and may also be recurring. The common causes of ear infections in dogs include –
- Parasites (ear mites– more common in puppies)
- Allergies (food or environmental)
- Bacteria
- Yeast overgrowth
- Foreign objects lodged in the ear, such as grass seeds
- Excessive hair inside the ear canal
- Moisture trapped in the ear canal after swimming
- Excess wax buildup
- Frequent ear cleaning
- Changes in humidity and external environmental temperature
In multiple cases of ear infections in dogs, the causes aren’t diagnosed accurately and treated properly. Hence the infection keeps recurring in the same ear.
A dog’s ears are home to several microbes. They live without causing any harm until the environment in the ears changes drastically and causes one or more of the microbes to multiply.
Recurring ear infection in dogs can be a sign of low immunity. Speak with your doctor if your dog has had multiple incidences of ear infections in the past year.
How Do Primary, Secondary, and Predisposing Causes Affect Ear Infections in Dogs?
- Primary causes directly trigger inflammation (e.g., ear mites, food allergy).
- Secondary causes worsen infection after inflammation starts (e.g., bacteria, yeast).
- Predisposing causes make the ear canal more vulnerable (e.g., floppy ears, humidity, excess ear wax, hair-filled canals, frequent swimming).
This classification helps vets narrow down the true cause of ear infection in dogs.
How Do Primary, Secondary, and Predisposing Causes Affect Ear Infections in Dogs?
- Primary causes directly trigger inflammation (e.g., ear mites, food allergy).
- Secondary causes worsen infection after inflammation starts (e.g., bacteria, yeast).
- Predisposing causes make the ear canal more vulnerable (e.g., floppy ears, humidity, excess ear wax, hair-filled canals, frequent swimming).
This classification helps vets narrow down the true cause of ear infection in dogs.
What are the Types of Ear Infections in Dogs?
Ear infections in dogs are most commonly categorised according to which part of the ear is involved in the infection and/or inflammation.
What Is Otitis Externa in Dogs?
This is the most common form of ear infection in dogs, affecting the outer canal.
- Otitis externa in dogs is usually caused by yeast, bacteria, parasites, or allergies.
- Dogs show itching, scratching, discharge, swelling, scaly skin, and headshaking.
- Early treatment prevents deeper spread.
What is Otitis Media in Dogs?
When untreated outer infections spread deeper, they affect the middle ear, causing balance issues or facial nerve paralysis.
- Symptoms include head tilt or reluctance to open the mouth.
- It may also lead to chronic pain.
What is Otitis Interna in Dogs?
It is a rarer and more serious infection and inflammation of the innermost part of the ear which typically involves other organs as well.
- It can lead to dog balance problems, nausea, and hearing loss
- Immediate veterinary care is critical.
These three types represent a progression: untreated outer ear infections can gradually spread into the middle and inner ear. An early solution for dog ear infection can stop this progression.
Learn more about otitis externa in dogs at Vetic.
Not sure which infection your dog has? Visit your nearest Vetic clinic for diagnosis.
How Are Dog Ear Infections Diagnosed?
Diagnosing the cause of ear infection in dogs can take some time, especially if your dog is in pain, uncooperative and aggressive.
The veterinarian typically examines all signs including body temperature, hydration levels, heart rate and breathing, and pain level.
They will need to use an otoscope to check the inflammation, source of the discharge and potential growth inside the ear(s).
Inserting the otoscope can be painful especially if your dog’s ears have been inflamed for a while. So, the doctor can either use a mild sedative or painkiller to make the process painless for your pup.
An otoscope examination can help in the identification of –
- Impacted debris
- Parasitic infections
- Ruptured eardrums
- Presence of foreign bodies
Sometimes, a simple physical examination isn’t enough to confirm the diagnosis of dog ear infection. In such cases, your veterinarian will perform:
- Ear culture in recurring or resistant infections. The veterinarian will retrieve tissues from the infected ear of the dog. It can reveal which microorganism is causing the ear infection.
- Cytology is a quick, painless test where a sample of ear discharge is examined under a microscope. It allows the vet to see whether yeast, bacteria, or ear mites are present and in what quantity.
- Allergy tests through blood tests or intradermal skin testing. Dogs with ongoing or seasonal ear infections often have an underlying allergy to food, pollen, dust mites, mould, or even fleas. Allergy tests help identify these triggers.
- Evaluation for endocrine disease. It often reduces the frequency and severity of ear infections.
These steps help establish an accurate diagnosis of dog ear infection and ensure effective treatment.
How are Ear Infections in Dogs Categorised?
Ear infections in dogs are most commonly categorised according to which part of the ear is involved in the infection and/or inflammation.
Otitis Externa
When only the outer part(s) of the dog’s ear is involved in the infection or inflammation then the veterinarian may refer to it as otitis externa.
Otitis Media
Otitis media can be an acute or chronic infection of the middle ear of the dog. It is quite common among older dogs.
Otitis Interna
It is a rarer and more serious infection and inflammation of the innermost part of the ear which typically involves other organs as well.
We will discuss otitis externa, media and interna in the following blogs in more detail.
What are the Best Dog Ear Infection Treatments & Home Care Tips
The treatment of ear infection in dogs depends on the cause: bacterial, fungal, or parasitic. You should not use OTC medicines or paediatric ear drops for dogs ear infection.
The veterinarian may recommend:
- Combination of Oral or Tropical Medications: Several topical medicines or ear drops can become inactivated by the discharge from your dog’s ears. Depending on the swelling and pain, the vet may also prescribe dog ear infection medicine for pain for a few days along with corticosteroids.
- Medicated Ear Drops: Your vet will prescribe dog ear drops for infection, specifically targeting the infection type.
- Ear Cleaning Techniques: Routine ear cleaning for dogs helps, but only with a vet-approved solution. Never insert cotton buds deep into the ear.
- When to See a Vet: If you notice discharge, smell, or persistent itching, seek veterinary care early to prevent complications.
Why Veterinary Treatment is Important for Chronic or Recurrent Ear Infections
Recurrent issues may require advanced treatments such as deep ear flushing, long-term antibiotics, antifungals, mite treatment, or allergy management. Persistent infections may indicate an allergy. Book a consultation at Vetic for an accurate evaluation.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Has an Ear Infection?
Avoid home remedies and OTC meds for your dog’s ear infections.
Take your dog to the vet at the first sign of infection so they can begin treating the root cause.
Be careful to taper off the pain meds and corticosteroids as per the vet’s prescription. And continue the antibiotic medicines for your dog as long as the veterinarian recommends even after they stop showing signs of ear infection.
Visit the veterinarian with your dog weekly or bi-weekly for examinations if they have tested positive for a bacterial or fungal ear infection. Some cases of ear infections take months of treatment for complete cure.
Can You Prevent Ear Infection in Your Dog?
Can You Prevent Ear Infection in Your Dog?
Regular maintenance and timely checks are key. Ear infection in dogs can be prevented to a great extent by taking them for regular professional grooming where the expert cleans their ears with a specially formulated solution.
If you want to clean your dog’s ears at home, speak to a veterinarian. They should be able to guide you as to how to clean them and recommend a suitable cleaning solution.
You can keep the fur around your dog’s ears trimmed to prevent irritation.
Moisture can increase the chances of your dog’s ears becoming infected. So, always use cotton balls to prevent water from going in when bathing them and dry their ears thoroughly after a bath or swim.
Avoid using Q-tips as they will push the dirt and ear wax further into their inner ear making the situation worse. For proper dog ear infection prevention, always clean the outer portion of your dog’s ears almost regularly using cotton swabs or sterile gauze.
Which Breeds are More Prone to Ear Infections?
Breeds with long, floppy ears, narrow canals, or dense hair inside the ear are more susceptible because their ears trap moisture and limit airflow. Top dog breeds prone to ear infections are Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Retrievers, Shih Tzus, and Poodles, as they often struggle with repeated infections for these reasons. Regular grooming, drying the ears after baths or swimming, and frequent checks can help reduce their risk.
Home Remedies: What to Avoid?
Many household substances can irritate or damage your dog’s ear canal. Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, coconut oil, or baby wipes can worsen inflammation, dry out the skin, or cause pain, especially if the ear canal is already inflamed. Always speak with a veterinarian before applying anything to your dog’s ears.
Book a Vetic vet visit before trying any home remedies.
Key Takeaways & When to Call a Vet?
- Early symptoms should be addressed quickly
- Regular grooming helps prevent recurring infections
- Never use human medications
- Seek immediate veterinary help if your dog shows signs of pain, balance issues, or persistent discharge
Suspect an infection? Visit your nearest Vetic clinic or download our app to book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ear infections in dogs, and what causes them?
Ear infections occur when the outer, middle, or inner ear becomes inflamed. They are commonly triggered by bacteria, yeast, mites, allergies, trapped moisture, or foreign bodies. Any factor that disrupts the ear’s natural environment can lead to an infection.
What are the common signs of an ear infection in dogs?
Typical signs include head shaking, ear scratching, redness, swelling, and foul odor. You may also notice discharge, pain when touching the ears, or your dog tilting its head to one side. These symptoms often worsen without timely treatment.
How is an ear infection diagnosed in dogs?
Vets diagnose ear infections using an otoscopic exam to check the canal and eardrum. They may perform cytology to identify microbes, cultures for resistant infections, and allergy tests in chronic cases. This helps pinpoint the exact cause.
What are the common causes of ear infections in dogs?
Bacteria, yeast, ear mites, and allergies are the leading causes. Moisture, wax buildup, and foreign bodies also create ideal conditions for infection. Some dogs have anatomical features that make them more susceptible.
How can I treat my dog’s ear infection at home?
Bacteria, yeast, ear mites, and allergies are the leading causes. Moisture, wax buildup, and foreign bodies also create ideal conditions for infection. Some dogs have anatomical features that make them more susceptible.
What types of medications are used to treat ear infections in dogs?
Treatment may include antibiotic or antifungal ear drops, mite-specific solutions, and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and pain. Severe cases may require oral steroids or antibiotics for ear infection in dogs, as prescribed by the veterinarian.
How can I prevent ear infections in my dog?
Regular ear cleaning, keeping the ears dry after baths or swimming, and managing underlying allergies can reduce risk. Dogs with hairy or floppy ears benefit from routine grooming and frequent ear checks.
Are certain dog breeds more prone to ear infections?
Yes. Breeds like Spaniels, Retrievers, Shih Tzus, and Poodles are more susceptible due to floppy ears, narrow canals, or dense hair. These features trap moisture and limit airflow, increasing infection risk.
How do I clean my dog’s ears safely to avoid infections?
Use a vet-approved cleaning solution and gently wipe only the visible outer part of the ear. Avoid inserting cotton buds into the canal, as this can push debris deeper. Regular, gentle cleaning keeps ears healthy.
10. When should I seek veterinary care for my dog’s ear infection?
Visit a vet at the first sign of discharge, odor, redness, or pain. Persistent head shaking, balance issues, or recurrent symptoms also require immediate attention. Early treatment prevents the infection from becoming severe.
