Ear Infections in Dogs: Causes, Treatments, and When to Call a Vet — Expert Guide 2025 🐶👂🩺

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025

Ear infections—also called otitis—are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet. If your pup is shaking their head, scratching at their ears, or recoiling from touch, they may be in pain due to ear inflammation or infection. 👂😞

Let’s break down the types of ear infections in dogs, what causes them, how they’re diagnosed and treated, and what to do if they keep coming back. 🐾

🩺 Types of Otitis (Ear Inflammation)

There are three primary types of otitis in dogs:

• Otitis Externa (OE) – Affects the outer ear canal and pinna (ear flap); the most common type
• Otitis Media (OM) – Affects the middle ear; can occur when infections spread past the eardrum
• Otitis Interna (OI) – Affects the inner ear; may lead to hearing loss or balance issues

🦠 Types of Infections

Ear infections in dogs are usually caused by:

• Bacteria – Often Staphylococcus or Pseudomonas
• Yeast – Especially Malassezia, a fungus naturally found on skin

In healthy ears, these organisms exist in balance. But when inflammation or moisture disrupts that balance, infections develop quickly. 🔬

🐕 What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?

Some dogs are more prone to ear infections due to:

• 🌿 Allergies – Including food and environmental allergens
• 👂 Ear shape – Floppy ears or narrow canals trap moisture and debris
• 🌾 Foreign objects – Like grass seeds or foxtails that irritate the ear canal
• 💥 Trauma – Scratching, shaking, or injury may introduce infection
• 🧱 Otic mineralization – Long-term damage from chronic infections

🔍 Diagnosing an Ear Infection

Veterinarians diagnose ear infections by:

• 🩺 Taking a full medical history (allergies, previous infections, grooming habits)
• 🔦 Using an otoscope to inspect the ear canal and eardrum
• 🧫 Performing ear cytology – collecting discharge and examining it under a microscope

⚠️ It’s important to identify the specific type of infection—bacterial or fungal—so your vet can prescribe the correct treatment.

💊 Treatment Options

Treatment often includes:

• 💊 Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• 🧴 Antifungals for yeast infections
• 💉 Steroids to reduce swelling and itching
• 😌 Pain relief for comfort

🔄 Follow all dosing instructions carefully, and do not stop treatment early—even if symptoms improve. Your vet will likely recheck the ear with another cytology to confirm resolution.

♻️ Recurrent Ear Infections

Dogs who get more than 3 ear infections may need:

• 👨‍⚕️ A referral to a veterinary dermatologist (specialist)
• 🧽 Deep ear cleaning using a video-guided scope
• 🧬 CT scans to assess middle or inner ear involvement

💡 Chronic infections can cause permanent damage. Preventing long-term complications means acting early and staying consistent with care.

👂 Home Care & Prevention Tips

• 🧼 Clean ears regularly with vet-approved solutions
• 🚫 Avoid cotton swabs—they can push debris deeper
• 🪶 Keep ears dry, especially after baths or swimming
• 🧬 Manage allergies proactively with help from your vet

🐶 Certain breeds—like Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, Basset Hounds, and Poodles—may need more frequent monitoring due to ear anatomy and skin sensitivity.

📱 Ask A Vet Can Help

Not sure if your dog has an ear infection? Want help learning how to clean their ears safely? Talk to a licensed vet directly from home via the Ask A Vet app. We’ll guide you through care routines, allergy support, and next steps if you suspect something serious. 🐾

📲 Download the app today and get 24/7 help with your pup’s ear health—no waiting room required!

✅ Summary Checklist

• ✔ Watch for scratching, redness, odor, or head shaking
• ✔ Visit the vet for ear cytology and otoscopic exam
• ✔ Use only prescribed meds—complete the full course
• ✔ Clean ears as directed—never use cotton swabs
• ✔ Follow up with your vet to confirm recovery

Healthy ears = happy dog. 🐶❤️ Stay on top of infections, know the signs, and trust your veterinary team to guide you through effective care!

Need help now? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for expert, real-time support. 👂📱