Dog Ear Infections and Other Ear Problems

Ear infections in dogs aren’t uncommon, but with the right care and treatment you can keep your dog’s ears nice and clean, and prevent further earache for both of you!

Symptoms of dog ear infections：

Your dog’s ears really benefit from a regular check-up, which is something you can share with them as part of an enjoyable grooming routine.

Look out for any changes in your dog’s ear health; you know them best. But unusual behaviour in your canine companion might also indicate a problem. Here are some of the most common signs of ear infection:

Thick brown or green waxy discharge from their ear

Redness

Itchiness

Unusual smells coming from their ears

Scratching their ears frequently

Shaking their head more than normal

Holding their head to one side

Rubbing one side of their face along the carpet or grass

If you notice symptoms of ear infection in your dog, it’s best to take them to your vet for a thorough ear examination.

There are many reasons why ear problems in dogs might occur, and many include:

Infections due to bacteria

Yeast infections

Parasites such as ear mites

Foreign bodies such as grass seeds

Growths or tumours

The shape of your dog’s internal ear can also add to the development of ear infections. Dogs have long ‘L’-shaped ear canals that easily trap dirt and moisture when they’re exploring the outdoors. Breeds with long, floppy ears or dogs that love to swim frequently are the most susceptible to ear problems, but it’s still common in many other breeds too. Often there’s nothing you can do to guarantee your dog won’t develop ear problems – but there are many ways to help.  

Treating ear infections in dogs

small dog having his ears cleaned

Some ear infections in dogs can be treated relatively quickly and successfully, whilst others may need regular, intermittent treatment, or even long-term treatment.

In some cases if your dog has skin problems then their ears will also be affected. Your vet will be able to examine your dog’s ears safely and advise on any tests or treatment that might be needed.

Ear infections in dogs aren’t uncommon, but with the right care and treatment you can keep your dog’s ears nice and clean, and prevent further earache for both of you!

Dogs with stunning floppy ears are unfortunately the most prone to ear infections, but no dog is safe from this painful problem which can appear all of a sudden. Keep reading our article to find out what are the signs of dog ear infection owners should look out for and why it’s important to contact the vet as soon as you notice them.

Do dog ear infections go away on their own?

It’s best to see a veterinarian as soon as you notice a potential ear infection. If it’s reached the stage where you’ve noticed symptoms, it is unlikely to go away on its own.

Long term ear infections can cause changes to the structure of the ear canal which make it unlikely the ear will ever go back to normal and can predispose them to repeated infections. Untreated infections can also lead to more serious symptoms like balance or coordination issues. Ear infections are also quite painful so you will want to get help for your dog as soon as possible.

With the right treatment, your dog should see improvement within 1-2 weeks, but it can take longer depending on the severity of the infection.