Dog Ear Infection Symptoms and Treatment

October 15, 2024

Dog ear infections are a common issue in canines that occurs when factors like bacteria, yeast, or parasites lead to inflammation in your dog’s ears. They most notably affect breeds with floppy ears.

Ear infections are categorised based on the part of the ear affected.

Outer ear infections (otitis externa) are the most common and occur in the ear canal. Meanwhile, middle ear infections (otitis media) can result from untreated outer infections and affect deeper ear structures.

Inner ear infections (otitis interna) are the most severe, impacting balance and hearing if left untreated.

In today’s article, we will give you a rundown of dog ear symptoms to watch out for and how they can be treated effectively, whether through home remedies or veterinary techniques.

Causes of Dog Ear Infections

Dog ear infections can be caused by a host of different factors — from environmental conditions to anatomical traits or even underlying health conditions.

Below are some common causes you may have to consider.

Moisture Buildup: Trapped moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. This is especially common in dogs that swim frequently or have floppy ears.
Allergies: Environmental or food allergies can cause inflammation in the ear canal, disrupting its natural defences and leading to infections as a result.
Yeast: Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments. Yeast infections in the ear are thus common in dogs with weakened immune systems or excessive moisture in their ears. This type of infection often results in brown or black discharge.
Bacteria: Both normal bacteria and pathogenic strains can cause infections, especially if an underlying factor (like allergies or moisture) disrupts the ear’s natural defence mechanisms. Compared to yeast infections, bacterial infections cause a yellow or greenish discharge.
Ear Mites: These tiny parasites can infest a dog’s ears, causing intense itching and irritation, leading to secondary infections from scratching.
Foreign Objects: Small objects like grass seeds can get lodged in the ear canal, causing irritation and infection.
Breed Predisposition: Dogs with floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, are more prone to ear infections because of poor ear ventilation and increased moisture retention.

Common Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections

Dog ear infections can present a range of symptoms, both physical and behavioural.

We will discuss them in more detail in the following sections.

Physical Symptoms

Below are the physical symptoms of dog ear infections.

Inflamed Ear Canals: Redness and swelling in the ear canal are common signs of infection, as they indicate inflammation and irritation have occurred.
Crusting or Scabbing: Infected ears may develop crusty patches or scabs due to excessive scratching or the body's response to infection.
Black or Yellow Discharge: The presence of discharge, often black (indicating yeast) or yellow (suggesting bacteria), is a typical sign of infection.
Foul Odour: Infected ears often emit a strong, unpleasant smell due to bacterial or yeast overgrowth.
Ear Sensitivity: Dogs with ear infections may experience pain, reacting negatively to touch or showing signs of discomfort when being interacted with.
Ear Canal Blockage: Swelling or discharge can block the ear canal, leading to hearing issues.
Ear Drooping: Affected ears may droop or tilt due to pain or discomfort.
Thickened Ear Tissue: Chronic infections can cause the ear tissue to thicken over time, leading to long-term structural changes.

Behavioural Changes

Below are behavioural changes you may notice in dogs with ear infections.

Irritability: Dogs may become more irritable or agitated due to persistent pain and discomfort caused by the infection.
Avoiding Touch Near the Head: Dogs may shy away or react negatively when their head or ears are touched, indicating pain or sensitivity.
Head shaking: A typical behavioural response, dogs often frequently shake their heads in an attempt to relieve the discomfort caused by the infection.
Ear Scratching or Pawing: Dogs may continuously scratch or paw at their ears in response to itching or pain, sometimes causing further irritation or injury.
Tilting the Head: Dogs with ear infections, especially those affecting the inner ear, may tilt their head to one side to compensate for discomfort or balance issues.
Changes in Activity Level: Dogs may become less active due to pain or discomfort, showing signs of lethargy or reluctance to engage in everyday activities like playing or walking.

Diagnosis of Ear Infections

Ear infections in dogs can be diagnosed in several ways.

Physical Exam by a Veterinarian: A vet will visually inspect the dog’s ears, checking for signs of inflammation, discharge, swelling, and odour to assess the severity of the infection.
Otoscopic Examination: Vets often use an otoscope to look deep into the ear canal, assessing for blockages, foreign objects, or structural issues.
Ear Swab Tests: A sample of discharge or debris is collected from the ear using a swab and then examined under a microscope to identify the presence of bacteria, yeast, or mites.
Cytology: In some cases, a more detailed examination of the ear swab is performed to determine the specific type of infection, thus helping to guide treatment.
Advanced Diagnostics: For severe or recurrent infections, additional tests like cultures, X-rays, or CT scans may be used to assess the middle or inner ear, identify underlying conditions, or evaluate the dog for signs of deeper infections.

Treatment Options for Dog Ear Infections

Veterinarians commonly treat dog ear infections using the following approaches:

Ear Cleaning: The vet will usually begin by thoroughly cleaning the dog’s ears to remove debris, wax, and discharge. Special cleaning solutions may be used to disinfect and reduce bacterial or yeast buildup.
Topical Medications: Prescription ear drops or ointments containing antibiotics, antifungal agents, or steroids are applied directly into the ear to treat the infection and reduce inflammation.
Oral Antibiotics: If bacterial infections are severe, persistent, or affect the middle or inner ear, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
Antifungal Medications: If the infection is caused by yeast, antifungal treatments can target the fungal overgrowth.
Anti-inflammatory Medications: Steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort connected to the infection.
Treatment for Mites: If ear mites are the cause, specific medications like insecticidal drops or oral treatments can eliminate the parasites.
Surgical Intervention: In extreme cases (such as chronic, severe infections that don’t respond to medication), surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or improve ear canal drainage.
Regular Monitoring and Follow-Ups: Vets often recommend follow-up visits to ensure the infection is fully resolved and to prevent recurrence.

Home Care and Prevention

Alternatively, you can also try several home care tips to treat ear infections without a vet.

Even without existing infections, practising and building these habits can help prevent them from happening in the first place.

Regular Ear Cleaning: Clean your dog’s ears regularly with a vet-approved solution to remove wax, debris, and moisture.
Drying Ears After Swimming or Bathing: Always dry your dog’s ears thoroughly after water activities. This is especially vital for dogs prone to ear infections.
Routine Grooming: Regular grooming, particularly trimming hair around the ears in long-haired breeds, promotes better air circulation and reduces the risk of infection.
Managing Allergies: Address underlying conditions like food or environmental allergies, which can lead to ear inflammation and make dogs more susceptible to infections.
Check Ears Regularly: Frequently inspect your dog’s ears for signs of redness, discharge, or odour. This will allow for early detection and treatment of potential issues.
Proper Diet and Supplements: A balanced diet and supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can support skin and ear health.
Avoid Foreign Objects: Ensure your dog’s environment is free of small objects or irritants that could enter the ear canal.

Despite the option for home care, you should still consult a veterinarian if you notice any signs of an ear infection in your dog.

This should definitely be the case if symptoms worsen or do not improve even after home care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are a few questions regarding dog ear infections.

Can a Dog Ear Infection Heal Itself?

No, a dog ear infection typically cannot heal itself. Professional treatment is required to address the underlying cause, whether bacterial, fungal, or parasitic.

What Happens if You Ignore a Dog’s Ear Infection?

Ignoring a dog’s ear infection can lead to severe complications, including chronic infections, damage to the ear canal, hearing loss, and even the spread of the infection to the middle or inner ear, which can cause balance issues and increased pain.

What Foods Cause Ear Infections in Dogs?

Foods that commonly trigger ear infections in dogs include those that cause allergic reactions — such as dairy, wheat, soy, beef, chicken, or corn.

Key Takeaways on Dog Ear Infections and Treatment

Recognising the symptoms of dog ear infections is vital for prompt and effective treatment.

Early detection and intervention can prevent more severe complications, such as chronic infections or hearing loss. Regular ear care (which includes monitoring for signs of infection) is also essential in maintaining your dog's ear health.

Always consult a veterinarian at the first sign of an issue to ensure your pet receives the appropriate care and treatment, ensuring their long-term comfort and well-being.