Dog Ear Infections Explained – Vet Diagnosis and Treatments for 2025 🐶🦻

Ear infections, or otitis, are a common source of discomfort in dogs. From itchy ears to foul odors, understanding this condition helps ensure your dog gets the relief they need. In this guide, Dr Duncan Houston outlines the types, causes, signs, diagnostics, and treatments of canine ear infections, helping pet parents take action early and prevent complications. 🐾🩺

🔍 What Is Otitis?

Otitis means inflammation of the ear. Depending on how deep the inflammation goes, there are three main types:

🦻 Otitis Externa (OE)

Inflammation of the external ear canal and pinna (ear flap). This includes both vertical and horizontal segments of the L-shaped canal. It's the most common form.

🎯 Otitis Media (OM)

Inflammation of the middle ear, starting behind the eardrum. Can result from untreated or severe external ear infections. Close to nerves affecting balance.

🌀 Otitis Interna (OI)

Inflammation of the inner ear, where sensitive structures related to hearing and balance live. This is the most severe form and can lead to long-term neurological problems.

⚠️ Common Types of Infections

1. Bacterial Otitis

• Staphylococcus: Common skin bacteria
• Pseudomonas: Often resistant, occurs after repeated treatments

2. Fungal Otitis

• Malassezia pachydermatis: Normal yeast that overgrows when the ear is inflamed

🧫 Why Ear Infections Happen

In healthy ears, bacteria and yeast are in balance. Inflammation causes that balance to tip, creating ideal conditions for microbes to overpopulate. Contributing factors include:

• 🐕 Allergies: Food or environmental allergens that inflame the ear canal lining
• 👂 Breed anatomy: Droopy ears, narrow canals trap heat and moisture
• 🌿 Foreign bodies: Grass awns or dirt can enter the canal and rupture the eardrum
• 🔁 Repeated treatments: Can disrupt normal flora, allowing resistant organisms to grow
• 💥 Ear trauma or surgery: May scar or narrow the ear canal, creating a chronic issue

🔎 Diagnosis of Ear Infections

If your dog shows signs like scratching, head shaking, or ear odor, it’s time for a vet visit. Diagnosis typically includes:

• Medical history: Allergies, previous infections, overall skin health
• Otoscope exam: Looks deep into the ear canal and eardrum
• Ear cytology: A sample of debris is stained and viewed under the microscope to identify bacteria, yeast, or inflammatory cells

🧠 Cytology helps guide treatment—no one-size-fits-all solution works for every infection type.

💊 Treatment Options

📦 Medications

Depending on the cause, your dog may be prescribed:

• 🔹 Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• 🔹 Antifungals for yeast infections
• 🔹 Steroids to reduce inflammation
• 🔹 Pain relief for severe cases

⚠️ Never stop medications early without your vet’s approval. Doing so can worsen the infection or cause resistance.

🔄 Recheck Visits Are Essential

Follow-up visits allow your vet to perform repeat cytology and confirm the infection is gone. This helps:

• 📉 Avoid overtreatment
• 🚫 Prevent antibiotic resistance
• ✅ Ensure full recovery

🔁 When Infections Keep Coming Back

If your dog has more than three ear infections in a year, deeper causes should be investigated. Chronic ear issues may result in:

• Otic mineralization: Bone-like buildup in the ear canal
• Osteomyelitis: Infection spreads into bone around the ear

📅 What to Expect from a Specialist Referral

Veterinary dermatologists are the go-to experts for chronic otitis. They can offer:

• 🔬 Advanced cytology and cultures
• 🧼 Deep ear flushes with endoscopic tools
• 🖥️ CT scans to assess the middle and inner ear structures

Some infections—especially those involving Pseudomonas—produce a thick biofilm that shields them from medication. Breaking through that requires precision cleaning and targeted therapies.

🧽 Ear Care at Home

• Clean ears weekly: Use vet-approved cleaners only
• Dry ears after water exposure: Swimming or bathing can increase infection risk
• Manage allergies: With food trials or medications
• Check ears regularly: Especially if your dog has floppy ears or a history of infections

🐶 Breed Risk Factors

Certain breeds are predisposed due to their anatomy:

• Cocker Spaniels: Floppy ears + narrow canals
• French Bulldogs: Allergies and ear folds
• Shih Tzus & Poodles: Hair growth inside the canal

📞 When to Contact Ask A Vet

If your dog’s ear is red, itchy, or smelly—or they’re scratching more than usual—don’t wait. Ear infections can worsen quickly.

• 🗣️ Talk to a vet via the Ask A Vet app
• 📸 Share photos of your dog’s ears
• 🧴 Get personalized recommendations on treatments and cleaners

Download the Ask A Vet app today and take the guesswork out of ear care. 🐾📱