Ear Infections in Dogs: Symptoms and Care

Ear infections are a common reason dogs end up uncomfortable, itchy, and miserable. The tricky part is that many pups do not show obvious pain at first, so an infection can simmer quietly until it becomes a bigger problem. The good news is that when you know what to look for, you can get your dog relief faster and help prevent repeat flare-ups.

What an ear infection looks like

Most canine ear infections involve the outer ear canal, also called otitis externa. In dogs, the ear canal is long and L-shaped, which makes it easier for moisture and debris to get trapped. That warm, slightly humid environment is perfect for yeast and bacteria to overgrow.

Infections can be caused by yeast, bacteria, or both. They are often triggered by something else, like allergies, swimming, heavy ear wax, ear mites, or a foreign object such as a foxtail awn.

Ear mites are most common in puppies and in multi-pet households, and they are less common in adult dogs than yeast or bacterial infections.

Common symptoms to watch for

Dogs tell us about ear discomfort with their behavior long before they can vocalize it. If you notice any of the signs below, it is worth taking a closer look and calling your vet.

• Head shaking, especially after waking, after play, after grooming, or after swimming
• Scratching at one or both ears or rubbing the ear on furniture or carpet
• Redness inside the ear flap or at the canal opening
• Swelling or thickened ear tissue
• Odor that smells yeasty, sweet, musty, or “stale chips”
• Discharge (brown, yellow, green, or black debris)
• Ear sensitivity or pulling away when the ear is touched
• Tilting the head or holding one ear differently
• Changes in balance or stumbling (more concerning)
• Crusting or hair loss around the ear from chronic scratching

If you only take one thing from this list, let it be this: odor plus head shaking is a common warning sign that something is going on, whether that is an infection, irritation, or allergies.

When it is urgent

Some ear issues can move from “annoying” to “painful” quickly. Seek veterinary care promptly if you see:

• Severe pain, yelping, or crying when the ear is touched
• Ear bleeding or significant swelling of the ear flap
• Head tilt, nystagmus (eyes flicking back and forth), vomiting, or trouble walking
• Sudden hearing changes
• A puppy with heavy debris (ear mites are common)
• Repeated infections or an infection that returns soon after finishing medication

Those symptoms can suggest a deeper infection (middle or inner ear), a ruptured eardrum, or complications that require specific treatment.

What your veterinarian will do

As a veterinary assistant, I can tell you that the best ear infection appointments are the ones where we do not guess. Your vet will usually:

• Look in the ear with an otoscope to check the canal and eardrum
• Do an ear cytology, which means examining a swab under the microscope to see if yeast, bacteria, or mites are present
• Recommend treatment based on what is actually in the ear, not just what it “seems like”

This matters because the wrong treatment can make things worse. For example, a yeast infection typically needs an antifungal component, while a bacterial infection may require an antibiotic. Some cases need anti-inflammatory medication too, because the swelling itself causes a lot of pain and can trap debris and moisture.

If the ear is extremely painful, some dogs need sedation for a thorough exam and deep cleaning. For severe or recurrent cases, your vet may recommend a culture and sensitivity test and, if the infection has moved deeper, oral medications.

Quick note: This article is for education, not diagnosis. Always check with your veterinarian for the right plan for your dog.

At-home care you can do safely

You can support healing at home, but I always recommend doing it alongside veterinary guidance, especially for first-time infections.

1) Stop self-trauma

Scratching can lead to an ear hematoma, which is when blood collects in the ear flap like a balloon. If your dog cannot stop scratching, an e-collar can be a temporary kindness.

2) Clean only if your vet says it is appropriate

Ear cleaning is not one-size-fits-all. If the ear is extremely painful, the canal is very swollen, or the eardrum might be compromised, some cleaners can sting or cause harm. If you suspect a ruptured eardrum or your dog has a dramatic head tilt or balance issues, skip at-home cleaning and get veterinary help.

If your vet recommends cleaning, ask for a demonstration and follow these basics:

• Use a dog-specific ear cleaner recommended by your clinic.
• Fill the canal as directed, then massage the base of the ear for 20 to 30 seconds.
• Let your dog shake, then wipe only what you can see with cotton or gauze.
• Do not use Q-tips down in the canal. It can pack debris deeper and cause injury.

3) Use meds exactly as prescribed

Many ear meds are dosed by number of drops and frequency. Missing doses can leave behind organisms that rebound fast. If you are not sure you are getting the medication in properly, your vet team can show you a technique that works for wiggly dogs.

Do not use human ear drops or over-the-counter pain relief drops unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to. Some products can be unsafe, especially if the eardrum is not intact.

What not to do

• Do not treat blindly with leftover medication from a prior infection. The cause may be different this time.
• Do not put hydrogen peroxide or alcohol into the ear unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. They can irritate tissue and make inflammation worse.
• Do not ignore repeated infections. Chronic otitis often means an underlying trigger is not being addressed.
• Do not pluck ear hair aggressively unless directed. In some dogs, it creates micro-irritation that can worsen inflammation.

Why some dogs get repeat ear infections

Recurrent ear infections usually mean there is a root cause. Common ones include:

• Allergies (environmental or food related)
• Moisture from swimming or frequent bathing
• Ear anatomy such as narrow canals or heavy, floppy ears
• Endocrine issues like hypothyroidism
• Chronic skin disease that also affects the ears

If your dog has more than a couple infections a year, talk to your vet about an investigation plan. Sometimes we need cultures, allergy workups, or a long-term ear routine that may include scheduled cleaning and drying protocols to keep flare-ups from cycling.

Prevention tips that help

Prevention is not about perfection. It is about consistent, simple habits that reduce moisture and inflammation.

• Check ears weekly. Look for redness, smell, and excess debris.
• Dry ears after swimming and ask your vet about a drying ear rinse if your dog is a frequent swimmer.
• Manage allergies early. Dogs with itchy feet, face rubbing, or seasonal flare-ups often have ear inflammation brewing too.
• Support overall health with regular exercise, routine preventive care, and a diet that works for your dog. If you suspect food sensitivities, work with your veterinarian on a plan.

A healthy ear usually has a light, clean scent and pale pink skin. If you start noticing odor, redness, or more gunk than usual, that is your cue to act early.

Bottom line

Ear infections are common, but they should never be treated casually. The fastest path to relief is identifying the cause and using the right medication, plus a simple prevention routine once things calm down. If your dog is shaking their head, scratching, or you notice odor or discharge, schedule a vet visit. Your pup does not have to tough it out.