Ear Infections 101: How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent Them

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons pets visit the vet. If your dog is constantly shaking its head, scratching its ears, or if you notice a bad smell coming from their ears, an infection may be the cause. Understanding the signs, causes, and best treatment options can help you provide relief and prevent future infections.

Why Do Ear Infections Happen?

A dog’s ear is structured differently from a human’s, with a long, L-shaped ear canal that can trap moisture and debris. This makes them more prone to infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers, those with excessive hair in the ear canal, like Poodles, or dogs that swim often.

The most common primary causes of itchy ears include:

• Allergies – Environmental allergens (pollen, dust mites, mold) and food allergies often lead to chronic ear inflammation.
• Ear mites – More common in cats but can affect dogs, causing extreme itchiness.
• Foreign bodies – Grass seeds or dirt lodged in the ear canal can trigger irritation and infection.
• Hormonal conditions – Hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can contribute to chronic infections.
• Autoimmune/immune-mediated diseases – Pemphigus foliaceus can be a cause of ear infection.

Secondary to these causes, the following can cause infection (otitis externa).

• Bacteria and yeast – Can thrive following one of the above underlying causes like allergies.

Signs of an Ear Infection

Not all ear infections look the same, but some of the most common symptoms include:

✔️ Frequent head shaking or ear scratching
✔️ Redness, swelling, or warmth in the ear
✔️ A foul smell coming from the ears
✔️ Wax buildup, yellow or brown discharge
✔️ Pain when ears are touched
✔️ Loss of balance or head tilting (in severe cases)

Types of Ear Infections

1. Otitis Externa – The most common type, affecting the outer ear canal. Often linked to allergies or moisture buildup.
2. Otitis Media – A deeper infection affecting the middle ear, often due to an untreated outer ear infection.
3. Otitis Interna – The most severe type, affecting the inner ear. Can lead to neurological symptoms like head tilting and loss of coordination.

How Are Ear Infections Treated?

The treatment depends on the cause of the infection, but it typically includes:

• Ear Cleaning – A vet may perform a deep ear cleaning to remove debris and allow medications to work better.
• Medicated Drops – Antibiotic or antifungal drops are commonly prescribed for bacterial or yeast infections.
• Oral Medications – In more severe cases, oral medication may be necessary.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications – Steroids or other anti-inflammatories can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Addressing Underlying Conditions – If allergies or hormonal disorders are the root cause, they must be managed to prevent recurrence.

💡 Important: Never use human ear cleaners or medications on your pet without veterinary guidance, as some can be harmful.

Chronic Ear Infections: When It's More Than a One-Time Problem

Some dogs experience recurrent ear infections, which can be a sign of an underlying issue like allergies or anatomical factors (narrow ear canals, excessive wax production). If your pet has frequent ear infections, your vet may recommend:

• Allergy testing or elimination diets to identify food or environmental triggers.
• Regular ear maintenance routines with vet-approved cleaners.
• Advanced diagnostics, including cytology, culture, and imaging (CT or MRI for deeper infections).
• Surgical intervention (total ear canal ablation) in extreme cases of chronic, painful infections.

Perpetuating Factors: What Keeps an Ear Infection Going?

Even after the initial cause of an ear infection is treated, certain factors can make infections persist or recur. These perpetuating factors include:

• Anatomical Changes – Chronic inflammation can lead to thickened, narrowed ear canals (stenosis), which trap moisture and debris.
• Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media) – If an infection spreads to the middle ear, it can be harder to treat and more likely to return.
• Resistant Pathogens – Some bacteria and yeast strains become resistant to standard treatments, making infections more difficult to clear.
• Excessive Wax Production – Too much ear wax creates a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.

Identifying and addressing these perpetuating factors is essential to breaking the cycle of chronic infections and maintaining long-term ear health.

How to Prevent Ear Infections

Prevention is key, especially for dogs prone to ear infections. Here are some simple steps:
✅ Routine Ear Checks – Look for redness, odor, or excessive wax buildup.
✅ Regular Cleaning – Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner once a week for dogs prone to infections.
✅ Dry Ears After Swimming/Bathing – Moisture creates the perfect environment for infections. Talk to your vet about cleaners suitable to use after swimming.
✅ Manage Underlying Allergies – Work with your vet to control environmental or food allergies.
✅ Proper Grooming – Some breeds benefit from trimming hair inside the ears to allow better airflow.

Final Thoughts: Keep Those Ears Healthy!

Ear infections can be painful and frustrating for pets and owners, but with proper care, they can often be prevented. If your pet shows signs of an infection, seek veterinary care early to avoid complications. Keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry, managing allergies, and being aware of risk factors can make a huge difference in their ear health.

If you found this post helpful, let me know in the comments or share it with other pet owners! Have any questions? Drop them below!

References and Further Reading

• Nuttall, Tim. "Successful management of otitis externa." In practice, 2016
• O’Neill, D.G., Volk, A.V., Soares, T. et al. Frequency and predisposing factors for canine otitis externa in the UK – a primary veterinary care epidemiological view. Canine Medicine and Genetics, 2021