Ear infections in dogs

Overview

Ear infections in dogs can be caused by bacteria or yeast (or

both). There is usually an underlying cause for an ear infection,

such as ear mites or a skin allergy. It’s very rare for a dog to

develop an ear infection without an underlying cause.

Ear scratching, pain and head shaking are usually the first

symptoms to be noticed. Ear infections are very painful so rapid

treatment by a vet is essential.

Book an appointment with your vet if you suspect your dog

has an ear infection.

Types of ear infection

There are three parts of the ear that can become infected; the

external, middle and inner ear (see image).

Structure of a dog’s ear.

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Infection of the external ear is most common. This article focuses

on external ear infections, for information on other types of ear

infection, read the articles listed below:

Middle ear infection (Otitis Media)

Internal ear infection (Otitis Interna)

Symptoms of an ear infection

Ear infections can affect one or both ears, common symptoms

include:

Head shaking

Scratching their ear(s)

Red, swollen, hot and painful ear(s)

Smelly ear(s)

Discharge coming from the ear(s)

Rubbing their head along the ground

Scabs and crusting on the side of their face

A swelling in their ear flap (aural haematoma)

Loss or reduced hearing

If the infection is affecting the middle or inner ear (the part of the

ear that helps with balance), these symptoms may be seen:

Head tilt (carrying head on one side)

Loss of balance

Why has my dog developed an ear

infection?

Bacteria and yeast live inside all healthy dog ears without

causing any problems. Infections only tend to develop if the

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bacteria and/or yeast overgrow or something causes damage to

the skin inside the ear for example:

Water trapped in the ear canal

Ear mites (more common in puppies)

Skin allergies (i.e. to food or pollen)

Damage by excessive cleaning or ear plucking

Injuries to the ear canal

Something stuck in the ear canal (like a grass seed)

Narrow, hairy or dirty ear canals – create a warm, moist

environment

When to contact your vet

Book an appointment with your vet if you notice any of the

symptoms above - ear infections are very painful.

If you see any signs of an inner ear infection (such as loss of

balance or a head tilt), contact your vet straight away - this type

of infection can be much more serious.

Be sure to tell your vet if your dog has had more than two to three

ear infections in its life.

You know your dog best. If they don’t have the symptoms

listed above but you are still concerned it’s always best to

contact your vet.

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Treatment

Your vet will likely recommend some of the following treatments:

Ear cleaning

Cleaning ears with a veterinary ear cleaner can help get

rid of waxy discharge and help ear drops to work better.

Ear drops

Most ear drops fight bacterial infections, yeast infections

and reduce pain and inflammation.

If your dog is given ear drops it’s very important to follow

the instructions and complete the course even if you think

your dog’s ears are better after a couple of days. This will

ensure the infection doesn’t come back.

Anti-inflammatory pain relief

Anti-inflammatory drugs help with swelling and pain.

Antibiotic tablets

Antibiotic tablets aren’t always necessary but are

occasionally given (at the same time as drops) if the

infection is severe.

Other treatment

If there is something stuck in the ear canal your pet may

need an operation to remove it.

If your dog is suffering from skin allergies that cause

problems with their ears, they may improve with specific

treatment for the allergy and/or a change in diet.

Take your dog back for check up’s as regularly as your vet

suggests. Your vet will make sure the infection is clearing,

some ear infections take several weeks to get better.

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Outlook

Most ear infections will clear after a short course of treatment

from your vet. Ear infections that have been grumbling on for a

while can take a few weeks to clear. In rare cases ear infections

can be extremely difficult to cure.

Some dogs are prone to ear infections and seem to develop one

after another. If your dog regularly suffers with ear infections or

your vet thinks the infection is be more serious (for example a

middle ear infection or inner ear infection) they may decide to

admit them into the veterinary hospital for their ears to be

examined.

Some dogs need lifelong ear care to stop infections

returning.

How to prevent ear infections in dogs

Regularly check your dog’s ears so that you spot problems

quickly. Get used to the smell of your dog’s ears when they are

healthy. If they have an infection their ears may smell sour or

pungent.

Ear cleaning

Healthy ears will keep

themselves clean. However, if

your dog has mucky ears your

vet may ask you to clean them

at home.

Ask your vet or vet nurse to

show you how to check and

clean your dog’s ears, or watch

our video .

Never use cotton wool buds to clean your dog’s ears, use

cotton wool pads and don’t push them inside the ear.

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Swimming

If your dog tends to get ear infections after swimming it

can be helpful to clean their ears after they go into the

water.

Grooming

Dogs with particularly hairy ear canals may need them

trimmed and/or plucked to ensure they don’t develop

infection. Ask your vet for advice on this.

Treat skin conditions

Skin health is particularly important when it comes to

preventing ear infections.

It’s important to treat any other conditions such as skin

allergies (atopy) and prevent conditions such as fleas or

ear mites.

Published: July 2018

Take a look at our video: ‘HOW TO: Clean your dog’s ears’

www.pdsa.org.uk/earproblems

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