Ear infections in dogs are a prevalent health issue and one of the most frequent reasons for veterinary visits. Understanding why these infections are so common can help in both prevention and treatment. Factors such as certain breeds, allergies, moisture buildup, and underlying conditions can increase the risk of ear infections. If left untreated, these infections can lead to chronic pain, hearing loss, and even deeper infections.

Schedule an Appointment at Creature Comforts Veterinary Service

Recognizing the Signs of an Ear Infection in Dogs

Common Symptoms of Ear Infections

Early detection is crucial in managing ear infections. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:

  • Frequent head shaking or tilting.
  • Scratching or rubbing the ears against furniture.
  • Red, swollen, or warm ears.
  • Bad odor coming from the ears.
  • Dark waxy buildup or pus-like discharge.
  • Sensitivity or pain when touching the ears.
  • Loss of balance in severe cases.

For a detailed guide on ear examination, read this resource about cleaning and treating ears.

Why Do Dogs Get Ear Infections?

Several factors contribute to ear infections, and understanding the root cause is key to managing and preventing them.

1. Breed and Ear Anatomy Matter

Some breeds are simply more prone to infections due to their anatomy:

  • Floppy-eared dogs like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Labrador Retrievers tend to have poor airflow in their ear canals.
  • Poodles, Schnauzers, and other breeds with excess ear hair are more likely to trap moisture and debris.

2. Allergies Often Play a Role

Chronic ear infections are frequently linked to food or environmental allergies, which cause inflammation and excess wax production. That warm, moist environment becomes a perfect breeding ground for infection.

3. Bacteria, Yeast, and Ear Mites

  • Bacterial and yeast overgrowth thrive in warm, damp ears.
  • Ear mites are especially common in puppies and can cause intense itching and dark discharge.

4. Moisture and Improper Cleaning

  • Water from swimming or bathing can lead to infections if ears aren’t dried properly.
  • Improper cleaning, like using cotton swabs too deep, can cause irritation or damage.

Read more on how nutrition impacts itchy skin and ears:
 Dermatitis: Nutrition’s Role in Itchy Pets – University of Guelph

When to Call the Vet

Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent pain and long-term damage.

Signs Your Dog May Have an Ear Infection:

  • Head shaking or frequent scratching
  • Redness, swelling, or odor from the ear
  • Discharge—especially dark or yellowish
  • Reluctance to let you touch their ears
  • Signs of hearing loss or loss of balance

Veterinary Treatment Options

If your dog has an ear infection, your vet may recommend:

  • Cytology (microscopic exam) to determine if bacteria, yeast, or mites are present
  • Prescription ear cleaners, antibiotics, or antifungal medications
  • Steroids to reduce inflammation and discomfort
  • Ear flushing for deep infections or when debris is excessive

Home Care & Preventing Recurring Infections

Proper Ear Cleaning Tips

  • Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner—avoid alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
  • Apply the cleaner to a cotton ball (never Q-tips).
  • Gently massage the base of the ear to loosen debris.
  • Wipe the visible parts of the ear clean.

Step-by-step guidance:
 How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears – Cornell University

Always Dry Ears After Water Exposure

Use a soft towel or drying solution after swimming or baths. Moisture trapped in the ears is a leading cause of infection.

Address Allergies If They’re a Trigger

  • Your vet may suggest hypoallergenic diets, antihistamines, or long-term allergy management

Check for Outdoor Irritants

Foxtails and other plant material can cause irritation or even penetrate the ear canal.

Read more on Foxtail Risks for Dogs – UC Davis

What Happens If You Don’t Treat a Dog’s Ear Infection Promptly?

While a mild ear infection might seem like a minor annoyance, leaving it untreated can lead to far more serious consequences for your dog. Chronic discomfort is only the beginning—without timely care, recurring infections can cause permanent structural damage to the ear and significantly impact your dog’s quality of life.

1. Ear Hematomas (Aural Hematomas)

When an ear infection causes extreme itching or head-shaking, dogs may rupture blood vessels inside the ear flap. This results in a swollen, fluid-filled pocket called a hematoma, which is both painful and uncomfortable. Hematomas often require drainage or even surgery to correct and may leave behind permanent scarring or ear disfigurement if not addressed properly.

Learn more about this condition in What Is an Ear Hematoma in Dogs? – AKC.

2. Ear Canal Stenosis

Repeated or severe infections can cause ear canal stenosis, a condition where the ear canal becomes narrowed due to chronic inflammation, scarring, or excessive tissue growth. As the canal narrows, debris and bacteria become trapped more easily—creating a cycle of ongoing infection and discomfort. In some cases, this narrowing can become so severe that it blocks medication from reaching the source of the problem.

3. Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA)

In extreme cases where the infection cannot be managed medically and the ear canal is irreversibly damaged, a Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) may be required. This is an invasive surgical procedure in which the entire ear canal is removed to eliminate chronic pain and infection. While often effective in resolving long-standing issues, TECA is typically a last resort and comes with risks, including potential nerve damage or facial paralysis.

4. Hearing Loss or Deafness

Chronic or untreated infections can eventually lead to permanent hearing loss. This may result from damage to the eardrum, inner ear structures, or from scar tissue that blocks sound transmission. Dogs may become unresponsive to verbal commands or environmental sounds, which can affect their safety and behavior.

5. Systemic Spread of Infection

Though rare, severe infections may spread beyond the ear and enter the bloodstream or surrounding tissues, especially if the dog has a compromised immune system. This can lead to systemic illness requiring hospitalization and intensive treatment.

Don’t Ignore the Itch: Early Action = Better Outcomes

Ear infections can be painful for your dog and frustrating for you—but they’re also manageable and preventable with the right care plan. If your dog is showing symptoms or you’ve been treating recurring infections without success, it’s time to get to the root of the issue.

At Creature Comforts Veterinary Service, we’re here to provide the diagnostics, treatment, and long-term support your dog needs to stay healthy and comfortable.

Book an exam today.