Ear infections in dogs

Ear infections in dogs are extremely common. Most ear infections are bacterial and/or yeast. They usually resolve quickly if treated appropriately but some can be more severe. Up to 75% of ear infections are thought to be due to allergies. They can come back often if the underlying cause is not under control.

Ear infections are called otitis and can affect different parts of the ear. Infections of the outer ear – the flap and the canal are called otitis externa. This is the most common location for ear infections in dogs. Dogs suffering from allergies or those who swim and have long, floppy ears are more prone to ear infections. Ear mites can also cause an ear infection; this is more common in puppies.

Overview

What are ear infections in dogs?

Ear infections in dogs are a common problem:

They are usually caused by a bacterial and/or yeast infection.
Often secondary to allergies to the food or environmental allergens.
The signs can appear suddenly overnight or over a few days.
Ear infections can be easy to treat if caught early. Simple infections should clear within 1-2 weeks with appropriate treatment.
If not treated early, the ear can become damaged and thickened. Then, treatment becomes difficult.
If the underlying cause is not controlled, ear infections can come back frequently.
Any age or breed of dog can develop an ear infection.

In this article, we discuss the most common type of ear infection, otitis externa. Follow the links to find out about ear mites, otitis media and otitis interna.

Most ear infections in dogs are mild and easy to treat if caught quickly. However, they can worsen and lead to pain. Speak to one of our Joii vets as soon as possible if your dog has any ear problems.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ear infections in dogs

The most common signs of an ear infection in dogs include:

Head shaking or scratching their ears
A brown, red, yellow or black discharge in the ears
The ear canal looks red and is smelly
Sores or scratches around the ears
Prolonged infections can lead to thickening and narrowing of the canal

Ear infections in dogs — A red or smelly ear can indicate an infection

If left untreated, constant head shaking can lead to an aural haematoma

Risk

Are some dogs more at risk of ear infections than others?

Any dog, regardless of age or breed, can develop an ear infection.

Some breeds are at greater risk:

Basset Hound, Shar-Pei, Labradoodle, Beagle, Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, Spaniels, Bulldogs, Bichon Frise, and Pug.
This is due to a combination of factors. Including ear shape, hairy ears, skin diseases and allergies. Dogs with droopy ears are more prone than those with erect ears.

Regular exposure to moisture increases risk:

This includes dogs that swim or hunt. It also includes ear cleaning and bathing more often than advised.

Diagnosis

How are ear infections diagnosed in dogs?

For first-time infections:

A physical exam with a special scope to look in the ear may be all that is needed.
Ideally, your vet will look at a swab from the ear. They will use it to see what cells are present and if the cause is bacterial, yeast or both.

Recurring or severe infection:

An ear exam and flush under sedation or anaesthetic
Swabs from the ear sent off for culture

Vet treatment

What’s the treatment for ear infections in dogs?

Most cases of ear infections in dogs are treated with ear drops and ear cleaners:

Ear drops come in different forms: daily, weekly or monthly are all available. They usually contain antibiotic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cleaners are used to remove discharge. Using them can also improve the efficacy of the medicated drops.

Other treatments include:

Anti-itch medication
Pain relief
Surgery (for chronic problems)

Home treatment

How to help your dog with an ear infection at home

Use the medication as advised by your vet. Don’t skip doses. If you are struggling to apply ear drops or cleaners, let your vet know right away. An alternative may be an option.
Read our article that helps explain how to apply ear drops at home.
Check your dog’s ears regularly; if the symptoms are getting worse, speak to a vet as soon as possible.
A buster or inflatable collar helps to prevent self-trauma to the skin around the ears.
There are foods specifically made for dogs with ear problems due to allergies. Hills Prescription Diet Derm Complete can help reduce allergy symptoms. It works for food and environmental allergies.

Some mild ear infections may clear with a medicated cleaner. Speak to our Joii vets for more information.

Tips on how to live with a dog with recurrent ear infections

The majority of ear infections are due to underlying problems, mostly allergies. Treating your dog’s allergies can reduce or even cure ear infections.

Allergies can be investigated by:

Doing a diet trial with a hydrolysed or novel protein diet for at least 8 weeks
Making sure your dog is on regular parasite preventative for fleas and mites
Trialling an anti-inflammatory medication with your vet
Intradermal allergy testing with your vet

Regular, but not too frequent, ear cleaning can help prevent recurrent ear infections. Use a pH-neutral cleaner that is formulated for routine cleaning. Cleaning every 10-14 days or as often as advised by your vet.

Prevention

Tips on how to prevent ear infections in dogs

Speak to a vet as soon as ear problems begin. Ear disease is easier to treat in the beginning. Before the ear becomes thickened or develops resistant infections.
Make sure your dog is up-to-date on parasite preventatives for fleas and mites.
Reduce moisture: keep ears as dry as possible at all times. Dry thoroughly after bathing or swimming.
Keep the hair around the entrance to the ear as short as possible to allow good ventilation.