Ear problems are extremely common in dogs. One UK study found that around 1 in 14 dogs develops an ear infection every year. There are many possible causes, including allergies, and some dogs may need regular, ongoing management to keep their ears healthy.

Ear problems can affect dogs of all ages, but some breeds may be at greater risk. While some cases are quick and straightforward to treat, others can lead to severe pain and may require ongoing treatment. Ear problems are often referred to as otitis, which means inflammation of the ear.

What are ear problems in dogs?

Ear problems are a common reason why dog owners seek veterinary care:

• There are many possible causes, including allergies, parasites, foreign bodies, and infections.

• Ear problems can affect dogs of any age.

• Factors such as reduced airflow, moisture and changes to the skin lining the ear can make infections more likely, particularly in dogs with floppy or hairy ears.

• Ear problems are often easier to treat when caught early. Uncomplicated infections should improve within a few weeks with appropriate treatment but this can vary depending on the severity.

• If ear problems are left untreated or keep returning, the ear can become inflamed, thickened and painful, making it harder to treat.

• Some dogs may need long-term management if they have an underlying condition, like allergies. Underlying conditions may make them more prone to ear problems.

• Finding and managing the underlying cause is important. Otherwise, they are more likely to recur.

• Ear disease can affect different parts of the ear: the external ear canal (Otitis externa), the middle ear (Otitis media) or the inner ear (Otitis interna).

• Middle and inner ear disease can develop when infection or inflammation spreads from the external ear through the eardrum. Repeated infections and inappropriate ear cleaning can contribute to eardrum damage.

Common causes of ear problems in dogs include:

• Allergies: including food allergies and environmental allergies

• Bacterial and yeast infections

• Ear mites

• Foreign bodies, such as grass seeds

• Injuries, such as bites and wounds

• Ear growths, such as tumours or polyps

• Excessive or inappropriate ear cleaning

• Autoimmune conditions

• Endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism

Ear problems can be very painful for dogs, and if left untreated, they may become more difficult to manage or lead to long-term changes in the ear. If your dog shows signs of an ear problem, speak to a vet as soon as possible to determine the cause and discuss the appropriate treatment.

Our Joii vets are available 24 hours a day if you have any concerns.

Symptoms of ear problems in dogs

Ear problems can affect one or both ears. Signs may include:

• Ear irritation, such as scratching at the ears or rubbing them on the floor

• Head shaking

• Pain, such as avoiding being touched around the head or ears, or becoming unusually irritable when handled

• Red, inflamed skin inside the ear

• Discharge, such as wax or blood inside the ears

• Hair loss, scabs or sores around the ears

• A bad smell from the ears

• A head tilt

• Loss of balance or difficulty walking normally

Frequent or vigorous head shaking can lead to an aural haematoma. This is a fairly common condition in dogs where blood collects within the ear flap, causing it to become swollen. Aural haematomas are usually painful.

Are some dogs more at risk of ear problems than others?

Any dog, regardless of age or breed, can develop an ear problem.

Some breeds are more prone to ear infections, including:

• Basset Hounds, Shar-Peis, Labradoodles, Beagles, Golden Retrievers, Cockapoos, Spaniels, Bulldogs, Bichon Frise, and Pugs.

This is due to a combination of factors, including ear shape, hair inside the ear canal, skin disease and allergies.

Regular exposure to moisture can also increase the risk. This includes dogs that swim or frequently get their ears wet during bathing. Excessive or inappropriate ear cleaning can also irritate the ear canal.

Is my family at risk of catching ear problems from my dog?

None of the common causes of ear problems are known to spread from dogs to humans.

How are ear problems diagnosed in dogs?

Diagnosis of ear problems in dogs usually begins with a full physical examination. Your vet may use an otoscope to look down the ear canal and, where possible, examine the eardrum. This can help identify any abnormalities, such as inflammation or foreign bodies.

Checking the eardrum is particularly important before certain ear drops are used. Some medications can cause serious side effects if the eardrum is damaged.

Your vet may be able to diagnose an ear problem based on how the ear looks on the examination.

Further tests may include:

• Ear swab and cytology: A sample of the material from inside the ear is checked under a microscope to look for bacteria, yeast, and inflammatory cells. Mites may also be seen by this method.

• Culture and sensitivity: This test is more commonly advised in recurrent or severe infections. A sample may be sent to a laboratory to check what organisms are present and determine which treatment is most effective against them.

• Ear flushing: May be recommended to remove debris from the ear canal in some cases.

• Biopsy: For any growths or abnormal tissue in the ear that need further investigation.

• Imaging: X-rays, CT or MRI may be recommended for certain cases, especially those affecting the middle and inner ear.

• Tests for underlying conditions: May include a diet trial, allergy testing, or blood and urine tests.

Some dogs may require sedation or anaesthesia for some of these procedures, especially if the ears are painful. Your vet will discuss this with you if it is needed.

Vet treatment of ear problems in dogs

Treatment of ear problems in dogs depends on the underlying cause and may involve one or more of the following:

Ear cleaners

• Help remove wax and other debris from the ear canal.

• Can prepare the ear for medicated drops.

• Some products have additional properties that help reduce the growth of bacteria or yeast.

• Your vet will advise which ear cleaner is the most appropriate and how often it should be used.

Medicated ear drops

• May contain antibiotics, antifungal medication, anti-inflammatory medication, or a combination of these.

• There are different types. Some need to be applied daily, and others are longer-lasting.

• Your vet may take a sample from the ear to assess which treatment is appropriate. This sample may be sent to a laboratory for culture and sensitivity, especially in recurrent or difficult-to-treat infections.

• The treatment course may continue for 1 to 2 weeks or longer, depending on the cause and severity of the ear problem.

• Always follow your vet's instructions and complete the prescribed course of treatment.

Oral (by mouth) medications

• May be recommended when topical treatment (drops) cannot be given safely or effectively.

• Often used if an infection has spread beyond the external ear, when middle or inner ear disease is present.

Surgery and other procedures

• An ear flush may be recommended to remove built-up wax or other discharge.

• Foreign bodies, such as grass seeds, may need to be removed from the ear.

• More complex surgery may be required for ear problems that do not respond to medical treatment or if the ear is badly damaged. There are several different procedures, including:

  • Lateral wall resection: Removal of part of the outer wall of the ear canal to improve ventilation and access to the canal.

  • Vertical ear canal ablation: Removal of the vertical part of the ear canal.

  • Total ear canal ablation (TECA): Removal of the entire ear canal. This is generally reserved for severe, chronic disease when other treatments are no longer effective.

Antibiotics are not needed for every ear infection. Your vet may examine a sample from the ear to check for bacteria and yeast before deciding which treatment is appropriate. Where possible, antibiotics are used only when they are needed, as unnecessary use can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

How to look after a dog with ear problems at home

Always speak to a vet before using any home remedies for your dog’s ears. Some products may irritate the ear or make the problem worse.

• Use any medication exactly as advised by your vet. Do not skip any doses or stop treatment early unless your vet tells you to. If you are struggling to use the medication, speak to your vet, as an alternative may be available.

• If your dog's symptoms do not improve, or return after treatment, arrange a recheck with your vet. Recurrent ear problems may need further investigation into an underlying cause.

• Speak to a vet as soon as you notice signs of an ear problem. Ear disease is generally easier to manage before the ear becomes thickened or narrowed.

• Make sure your dog has appropriate parasite prevention. Your vet can advise you on this.

• Only use an ear cleaner recommended by your vet. Cleaning may be helpful as part of treatment or for dogs prone to ear problems, but excessive cleaning can irritate the ear.

• A protective collar can help prevent your dog from scratching or causing further injury to the skin around the ears.

• If underlying allergies are contributing to your dog's ear problems, your vet may recommend dietary management, medication or other treatments depending on the suspected cause.

• Your vet may also recommend supplements to help reduce itching and support the skin barrier.

Our Joii vets are available 24 hours a day for advice.

Tips on how to live with a dog with ear problems

Ear problems can be frustrating to diagnose and treat, especially if they keep coming back frequently. However, with the right management, most dogs can have a good quality of life.

• Some dogs respond well to a course of medication and may never have another ear problem. Others may experience flare-ups or need more than one type of treatment.

• The outlook is generally good when the underlying cause is identified and managed, although some dogs may need long-term treatment to prevent flare-ups.

• Dogs with underlying allergies or other conditions often need ongoing medication, dietary management or regular ear care.

• More complex cases may involve additional costs, particularly if allergy treatment, repeated investigations or surgery is needed.

• Learn to recognise the early signs of an ear problem and speak to your vet as soon as they return. Early treatment can help prevent the ear from becoming severely inflamed or damaged.

Tips on how to prevent ear problems in dogs

Some causes of ear problems cannot be prevented, but there are ways to reduce the risk of flare-ups and keep the ears healthy.

• Reduce moisture: Dry your dog's ears after bathing or swimming. Avoid putting anything deep into the ear canal.

• Get your dog used to handling: Gently handling your dog's ears from a young age can make routine checks and cleaning easier and less stressful.

• Manage underlying allergies: If your dog has allergies, following your vet's advice on diet, medication and other treatments can help reduce recurrent ear problems.

• Keep parasite prevention up to date: Use appropriate parasite prevention recommended by your vet.

• Check the ears regularly: Look for redness, discharge, swelling, a bad smell or other changes.

• Only clean the ears when needed: Some dogs benefit from regular ear cleaning, while others may not. Your vet can recommend an appropriate ear cleaner and advise how often to use it. Over-cleaning can irritate the ear and make problems worse.

• Avoid routinely plucking hair from the ear canal: Some dogs may benefit from trimming excessive hair around the ear opening, but this is not necessary for every dog. Ask your vet what is appropriate for your dog.

• Check your dog's ears after walks: Look for foreign material such as grass seeds. If you find something lodged in the ear, don't try to remove anything that is deep inside the canal yourself; contact your vet as soon as possible.

When you should be worried about ear problems in dogs

Seek help from your local vet if

• Your dog's ears are extremely itchy or painful

• Your dog has a head tilt or loss of balance

• Your dog’s ear infection has not cleared with the medication they provided

• Your dog's ears are swollen

Speak to one of our Joii Vets if

• You have any questions about what ear cleaners are safe for dogs

• You want advice on how to clean your dog's ears

• Your dog has repeated problems with ear infections and you are not sure what to do next

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