Dog Ear Infection: Symptoms, Causes & When to Call a Vet

A dog ear infection is one of the most common reasons owners reach out to a vet. It is also one of the most uncomfortable problems for your dog. Ear infections rarely clear up on their own, and the sooner you spot the signs, the easier they are to treat. This guide is general information and not a diagnosis.

Signs of a dog ear infection

• Scratching at the ears or rubbing them on the floor or furniture
• Head shaking or tilting the head to one side
• Redness or swelling inside the ear flap or canal
• Dark, yellow or brown discharge
• A strong, musty or sour smell
• Pain when you touch the ear, or flinching away
• Hair loss or crusty skin around the ear

Common causes

Dogs have an L-shaped ear canal that traps moisture and wax, which makes infections more likely. The most common causes include:

• Yeast or bacteria overgrowth: the most frequent culprits
• Allergies: food and environmental allergies often show up as recurring ear problems
• Ear mites: more common in puppies and dogs that spend time with other animals
• Moisture: swimming and baths without drying the ears
• Foreign material: grass seeds, hair or debris
• Anatomy: floppy ears and hairy ear canals trap warmth and moisture

What not to do at home

Avoid putting hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, vinegar or cotton swabs into your dog's ear. These can irritate the canal and, if the eardrum is damaged, cause serious harm. Never use leftover ear drops from a previous infection without checking with a vet, since the cause may be different this time.

What a vet will do

A vet will look into the ear and often take a sample to check under a microscope. This tells them whether yeast, bacteria or mites are involved, which decides the treatment. Treatment commonly includes a professional cleaning and medicated ear drops. Chronic or repeat infections may point to an underlying allergy that needs its own plan.

When to get help quickly

Contact a vet promptly if your dog has severe pain, a head tilt, loss of balance, eye flicking, swelling around the ear or a discharge that is bloody. These can signal a deeper infection. A first-time infection should always be checked, because untreated infections can spread to the middle and inner ear.

How to help prevent ear infections

• Dry the ears after swimming and baths
• Clean ears only with a vet-approved cleaner and only as advised
• Treat underlying allergies
• Check ears weekly for redness, smell or discharge

If your dog is scratching and you are not sure whether it is serious, you can talk to a licensed vet on Waggle Vet, any time of day, and share photos of the ear. If your dog needs an in-person ear exam, find a vet near me.

FAQs

Can a dog ear infection go away on its own?

Rarely. Most need treatment, and waiting often makes the infection harder to clear.

Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?

Recurring infections are often linked to allergies, moisture or ear shape. A vet can help find the underlying cause.

Is a dog ear infection an emergency?

Usually not, but severe pain, a head tilt or loss of balance should be seen promptly.

Worried about your dog's ears? Chat with a licensed vet on Waggle Vet. Check current Waggle Vet access and eligibility terms.

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