Ear Infections in Dogs: Spotting and Preventing Them

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet — and they're genuinely painful. Floppy-eared and hairy-eared breeds, and dogs that love to swim, are especially prone.

Signs of an ear infection

• Shaking the head or tilting it to one side.
• Scratching or rubbing the ear on the floor and furniture.
• A bad smell, or brown, yellow or bloody discharge.
• Redness, swelling or heat inside the ear.
• Pain when you touch the ear, or crying out.

Why they happen

Warm, moist, closed-off ears are the perfect home for yeast and bacteria. Common triggers include moisture from swimming or baths, allergies, ear mites, and excess hair or wax trapping dampness inside.

Keeping ears healthy

• Check your dog's ears weekly — healthy ears are pale pink and smell neutral.
• Dry the ears gently after swimming or bathing.
• Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner if your dog is prone to wax; don't use cotton buds deep in the ear.
• Keep on top of allergies, which are a major underlying cause.

See the vet — don't guess

Ear infections need proper diagnosis, because the right treatment depends on the cause (yeast, bacteria or mites), and the eardrum must be checked before certain drops are used. Never pour random products into a sore ear. With the right treatment and a little prevention, you can keep those ears comfortable and clear.