Ear problems are common in dogs, especially breeds with floppy ears or dogs that swim frequently. An ear infection can make your dog miserable and worsen quickly without treatment. This guide helps you recognize possible signs and understand when professional care is needed.

Signs of ear infection in dogs

An ear infection (otitis) means the ear canal is inflamed, often due to bacteria, yeast, ear mites, allergies, or trapped moisture. The outer ear may look fine while the canal is affected.

Ear infections rarely resolve on their own and often recur if the underlying cause is not addressed. Your veterinarian can examine the canal, identify the type of infection, and create a treatment plan.

Symptoms

Dogs with ear infections often show discomfort through head shaking, scratching, or rubbing their ears on furniture. Some dogs become head-shy and resist having their ears touched.

Discharge color and odor vary by cause. Dark, waxy buildup may suggest yeast, while a foul smell can accompany bacterial infection. Only a veterinary exam can determine the cause.

  • Frequent head shaking or tilting
  • Scratching at one or both ears
  • Redness or swelling inside the ear flap or canal
  • Discharge — brown, yellow, or bloody
  • Unpleasant ear odor
  • Rubbing ears on carpet or furniture
  • Sensitivity or pain when ears are touched
  • Balance problems or hearing changes in severe cases

Common causes

Moisture trapped in the ear canal — from bathing, swimming, or humid weather — creates an environment where yeast and bacteria can grow.

Allergies, ear mites, foreign objects, hormonal conditions, and anatomical factors (such as narrow or hairy ear canals) can also contribute to ear infections.

  • Bacterial or yeast overgrowth in the ear canal
  • Trapped moisture after swimming or bathing
  • Ear mites — more common in puppies
  • Allergies — food or environmental
  • Excessive ear hair or narrow ear canals
  • Foreign material in the ear canal
  • Underlying hormonal or immune conditions

What to do now

If you notice ear discomfort or discharge, contact your veterinarian. Avoid probing deep into the ear canal at home — you can cause pain or injury.

Keep your dog from scratching excessively, which can worsen inflammation. Your vet may recommend an e-collar if scratching is severe.

  • Schedule a veterinary ear examination
  • Prevent deep ear cleaning at home until your vet advises
  • Keep ears dry — gently dry outer ears after swimming or baths
  • Note which ear is affected and when symptoms started
  • Use an e-collar if scratching is causing skin damage

What not to do

Do not pour vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or essential oils into your dog's ears without veterinary approval. These can irritate an already inflamed canal.

Do not use leftover ear medications from a previous infection — the cause may be different this time, and inappropriate treatment can delay healing.

  • Do not insert cotton swabs deep into the ear canal
  • Do not use human ear drops or home remedies without vet approval
  • Do not ignore recurring ear problems — they often have an underlying cause
  • Do not assume both ears are affected the same way without a vet check

When to call a vet

Contact your veterinarian if you notice head shaking, odor, discharge, or redness that lasts more than a day or two. Ear infections are painful and typically need prescription treatment.

Chronic or recurring ear problems should be evaluated to identify underlying allergies or anatomical factors.

  • Head shaking or ear scratching for more than 24–48 hours
  • Visible discharge, redness, or swelling
  • Strong odor from one or both ears
  • Pain when the ear area is touched
  • Recurring ear infections
  • Balance changes, walking in circles, or a head tilt

Diagnosis and treatment overview

Your veterinarian will examine the ear canal with an otoscope and may take a sample of discharge to identify bacteria, yeast, or mites under a microscope.

Treatment depends on the cause — it may include prescription ear drops, oral medication, ear cleaning under veterinary guidance, or allergy management. Follow the full course even if ears look better early.

Prevention

Dry your dog's ears gently after swimming or bathing. Ask your veterinarian whether routine ear cleaning is appropriate for your dog's breed and history.

Manage allergies if they contribute to ear problems, and address recurring infections promptly to prevent chronic changes in the ear canal.