Dog Ear Infection: Symptoms, Causes, and Remedies for Treatment

Understanding Dog Ear Infections

Dogs ear infections are extremely common. The medical name for an ear infection is otitis. The most common ear infections involve the outer ear (the flap and canal), but dogs can also get middle and inner ear infections. Most ear infections have bacteria and/or yeast elements. Up to 75% of ear infections are thought to be due to underlying allergies. Which means they often come back if the underlying cause is not under control.

Dog Ear Infection Symptoms

• Head shaking or scratching their ears
• Head shaking can lead to an aural haematoma
• A brown, red, yellow or black discharge in the ears
• The ear canal looks red and is smelly
• Sores or scratches around the ears
• Prolonged infections can lead to thickening and narrowing of the canal

Symptoms like redness and discharge can often be observed in the external ear.

Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs

Most ear infections are due to bacteria and/or yeast elements. Ear mites are common in puppies, but we don’t see them often in adult dogs.

Dogs who swim or have long and floppy ears may be more at risk of ear infections. Inflammation of the external ear canal is a common cause of ear infections.

Many dogs with ear infections have an underlying allergy (food, environmental or parasites). This can cause the infection to come back again and again.

Diagnosing Dog Ear Infections

A physical exam is the first best step. Your vet will use a special scope to look down the ear canal.

They’ll most likely take a swab from the ear to analyse what type of cells are in there. This helps determine the best type of medication to use for treatment. Diagnosing infections in the middle ear is crucial to prevent complications.

Further diagnostics may be needed for severe or recurrent ear infections, such as flushing under anaesthesia or an ear swab sent off to an external lab to check what antimicrobials can be used.

Treatment Options for Dog Ear Infections

Many ear infections can be treated with ear drops. These usually contain antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Your vet may also recommend an ear cleaner to remove wax, helping the medicated drops work more effectively. ,

Pain relief medication may also be required.

For severe and recurrent ear problems, there may be surgical options available.

Complications of Untreated Ear Infections

Untreated ear infections can lead to severe complications in dogs. If left unchecked, these infections can progress to the middle and inner ear, causing significant damage to the eardrum and potentially leading to hearing loss.

In the most severe cases, the infection can spread to the brain, resulting in conditions like meningitis or encephalitis. Additionally, untreated ear infections can cause chronic pain and discomfort, leading to behavioral changes in your dog.

Therefore, it’s crucial to address ear infections promptly to avoid these serious health issues.

Managing Chronic Ear Infections

Chronic ear infections can be particularly challenging, but with the right approach, you can manage and reduce their frequency and severity. Regular ear cleaning and drying are essential to prevent the buildup of bacteria and yeast.

Your veterinarian may recommend a specific ear cleaning solution, and a regular cleaning schedule tailored to your dog’s needs. Identifying and addressing underlying allergies or sensitivities is also crucial in managing chronic ear infections.

In some cases, long-term antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications may be necessary to keep the infections under control. Consistent care and monitoring can make a significant difference in your dog’s ear health.

The Role of Ear Mites in Ear Infections

Ear mites are a common culprit behind ear infections in dogs, especially in puppies.

These tiny parasites reside in the ear canal, feeding on wax and debris, which leads to inflammation and infection. Ear mites are highly contagious and can easily spread from one dog to another through direct contact.

If you suspect your dog has ear mites, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment typically involves topical or oral medications to eliminate the mites and address the resulting infection.

Prompt treatment can prevent the mites from causing further discomfort and complications.

Managing and Preventing Ear Infections in Dogs

Managing

• Ensure you use any medication given by your vet as advised; do not skip doses and if you find it difficult to use, ask your vet if there are easier alternatives (like a monthly ear drop).
• Make sure to attend follow-up appointments for your vet to confirm if the infection has resolved or not.
• If your dog suffers from recurrent ear infections, your vet may recommend investigating if they have allergies. Investigations for this may include parasite control, a food trial and intradermal (skin) allergy testing.

Prevention

• Keep the hair around the entrance to the ear as short as possible to allow good ventilation.
• Speak to a vet as soon as you notice any signs of ear problems. Ear disease is much easier to treat in its early stages, before the ear thickens or develops resistant infections.
• Ensure your dog is up-to-date on flea and mite preventatives.
• Minimise moisture by keeping the ears as dry as possible, especially after bathing or swimming.
• Trim the hair around the ear openings to promote better ventilation.
• Some dogs require regular ear cleaning (every 7 to 10 days) to help reduce the frequency of infections.
• Inspect your dog's ears regularly to catch potential issues early and maintain overall ear health.

The Importance of Ear Canal Health

Maintaining the health of a dog's ears reduces the risk of infections, which can cause discomfort, pain, and even hearing loss. Dog’s ears have an important role in hearing and balance.

If the ear canals are not looked after properly, dogs can suffer from chronic infections, thickening of the canals, pain, and other serious problems.

Long-term Health Implications of Ear Infections

If left untreated or poorly managed, ear infections can have significant long-term health implications for your dog. Chronic ear infections can cause permanent damage to the ear canal and eardrum, leading to hearing loss or tinnitus.

Additionally, persistent ear infections can increase the risk of developing other health issues, such as skin allergies or autoimmune disorders.

Regular ear cleaning, drying, and inspections are vital in preventing ear infections and reducing the risk of long-term complications. Working closely with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive ear care plan can help ensure your dog’s ears remain healthy and infection-free.

When to Contact Your Vet

• The ears are swollen or painful
• Signs of a head tilt, wobbliness or off balance
• An ear infection that is not clearing with treatment
• A yellow or green discharge in the ears
• Constant scratching or head shaking

Dog Ear Infection Recovery and Follow-up

Mild infections should clear within 7 to 14 days if caught quickly and treated appropriately.

Severe infections or underlying allergies can lead to a longer course of treatment. Some dogs may be affected their whole life. It’s important to attend follow-up appointments to decide the best course of action.

Conclusion

Dog ear infections are common but manageable with prompt care and attention. Recognising the symptoms early and seeking appropriate veterinary treatment can prevent complications, ensure your dog’s health and make your dog happier. 

Regular ear cleaning and routine check-ups can help reduce the risk of future infections.