Understanding Ear Infections in Dogs: Symptoms Causes and Treatment Options
- Herb Rovay
- Mar 8
- 4 min read
Signs, Causes and Treatment for Dog Ear Infections
Ear infections are one of the most common health problems seen in dogs. They can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but with early treatment most dogs recover quickly.
Veterinarians refer to ear infections as otitis, which simply means inflammation of the ear. Dogs with otitis often show signs such as redness, swelling, odour, head shaking, and scratching at their ears.
Because dogs have a long L-shaped ear canal, moisture and debris can become trapped deep in the ear, making infections more likely.
Types of Ear Infections in Dogs
Veterinarians classify ear infections based on where the inflammation occurs.
Otitis Externa
This is the most common type and affects the outer ear canal and ear flap.
Otitis Media
This occurs deeper in the ear, behind the eardrum. Infection can spread into this area when outer ear infections become more severe.
Otitis Interna
This is inflammation of the inner ear, which contains delicate structures important for hearing and balance.
Most dogs seen in general practice have otitis externa, but untreated infections can progress deeper into the ear.
What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?
Ear infections usually occur when bacteria or yeast multiply in the ear canal.
The most common organisms involved include:
Staphylococcus bacteria
Pseudomonas bacteria
Malassezia yeast
These microorganisms normally live in the ear in small numbers. However, when the ear becomes inflamed they can multiply rapidly and cause infection.
Several factors can increase the risk of ear infections.
Allergies
Environmental or food allergies cause inflammation of the skin. Because the ear canal is lined with skin, allergies are one of the most common underlying causes of ear infections.
Ear Shape
Dogs with drooping ears or narrow ear canals may trap moisture and debris more easily.
Foreign Objects
Grass seeds or plant material can sometimes become lodged in the ear canal and trigger infection.
Ear Injuries or Chronic Inflammation
Repeated ear infections can damage the ear canal over time and increase the risk of future infections.
Signs Your Dog May Have an Ear Infection
Dogs with ear infections often show clear signs of discomfort.
Common symptoms include:
Head shaking
Scratching or rubbing the ears
Redness or swelling inside the ear
Strong odour from the ear
Dark, yellow or brown discharge
Pain when the ear is touched
Some dogs may also resist having their ears handled because the area is painful.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Ear Infections
If your dog may have an ear infection, your veterinarian will start with a full ear examination.
This usually includes:
Examining the ear canal with an otoscope
Looking for redness, swelling or discharge
Collecting a sample from the ear for testing
A test called ear cytology is commonly performed. This involves examining a sample from the ear under the microscope to identify bacteria or yeast.
This test is important because different infections require different medications.
Treatment for Dog Ear Infections
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the infection.
Most treatment plans include several steps.
Cleaning the Ear
Cleaning removes wax, debris and discharge that may prevent medications from working properly.
Your veterinarian may recommend a specific veterinary ear cleaning solution to use at home.
Ear Medications
Most ear infections are treated with medications placed directly into the ear canal.
These medications may include:
Antibiotics
Antifungal medications
Anti-inflammatory medications
Pain relief medications
It is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully and complete the full course of treatment.
Why Some Ear Infections Keep Coming Back
Repeated ear infections can occur when the underlying cause has not been addressed.
Common underlying problems include:
Environmental allergies
Food allergies
Chronic inflammation of the ear canal
Resistant bacteria
Some infections can also form protective layers that make them harder for medications to penetrate. In these cases, deeper ear cleaning or specialist treatment may be required.
When Ear Infections Become Serious
If ear infections are not treated properly, they can lead to long-term damage.
Repeated infections can cause:
Thickening and narrowing of the ear canal
Permanent damage to the ear structures
Infection spreading deeper into the ear
Dogs with multiple recurring infections may be referred to a veterinary dermatologist for specialised care.
When Should You See a Vet?
You should seek veterinary care if your dog:
Shakes their head frequently
Scratches their ears
Has redness or swelling in the ear
Develops discharge or a bad smell from the ear
Seems painful when the ears are touched
Ear infections rarely resolve on their own and usually require treatment.
Early treatment helps prevent complications and reduces your dog’s discomfort.
Dog Ear Infections in Kalamunda
If your dog is showing signs of an ear infection, the team at Hilltop Veterinary Hospital in Kalamunda can examine your dog’s ears and recommend appropriate treatment.
Addressing the infection early helps prevent chronic ear problems and keeps your dog comfortable.
Concerned About Your Dog’s Ears?
If your dog is shaking their head, scratching their ears, or has a bad smell coming from the ear, it may be a sign of infection.
Book a consultation with Hilltop Veterinary Hospital so we can examine your dog and provide the right treatment.
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