# Ear Infections in Dogs — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/ear-infections-in-dogs): Ear Infections in Dogs — Quick answer. Ear infections (otitis externa) cause head shaking, scratching, redness, odour, and discharge in the ear canal. They are often linked to allergies, moisture, or anatomy — especially in floppy-eared breeds. See your vet for diagnosis and prescription treatment; do not use human ear drops or insert cotton swabs deep into the canal.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/ear-infections-in-dogs): Ear Infections in Dogs — What causes ear infections in dogs?. The canine ear canal is L-shaped and warm, making it ideal for yeast and bacteria when moisture or inflammation is present. Common triggers include: - Allergies — environmental or food allergies are the leading underlying cause of chronic otitis - Moisture — swimming, bathing, or humid climates without proper drying - Anatomy — long, floppy ears (Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds) trap heat and debris - Ear mites — more common in puppies and multi-pet households - Foreign bodies — grass seeds or debris lodged in the canal - Hormonal disorders — hypothyroidism can predispose dogs to skin and ear problems Infections may involve bacteria (Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas), yeast (Malassezia), or both.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/ear-infections-in-dogs): Ear Infections in Dogs — Symptoms to watch for. Signs of otitis externa include: - Frequent head shaking or tilting - Scratching at one or both ears - Red, swollen ear flap or canal opening - Dark brown, yellow, or bloody discharge - Strong yeasty or foul odour - Pain when the ear is touched - Balance problems or hearing changes (suggest deeper involvement) Chronic untreated infections can spread to the middle ear (otitis media), causing more serious pain and neurological signs.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/ear-infections-in-dogs): Ear Infections in Dogs — How vets diagnose and treat ear infections. Your vet will examine the ear with an otoscope, assess the eardrum, and may take a swab for cytology or culture. This identifies whether yeast, bacteria, or mites are present and guides treatment. Typical treatment includes: - Ear cleaning — professional flush to remove debris (sometimes under sedation if painful) - Topical medication — antibiotic, antifungal, or steroid drops as prescribed - Oral medication — for severe or deep infections - Allergy management — if allergies drive recurrence Finish the full course of medication even if the ear looks better after a few days. Stopping early is a common reason infections return.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/ear-infections-in-dogs): Ear Infections in Dogs — Prevention and home care. - Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing - Clean only as directed by your vet — over-cleaning can irritate healthy ears - Manage underlying allergies with your vet's guidance - Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge - Never use cotton swabs deep in the canal — they push debris inward and risk eardrum damage Schedule a recheck if symptoms return within weeks of finishing treatment.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/ear-infections-in-dogs