Ear Infections in Dogs 2025: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment 🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

If your dog is scratching their ears, shaking their head, or you catch a whiff of something funky—there’s a good chance they have an ear infection.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet. Let’s go over how to spot them, what causes them, and how to treat them properly.

🧠 Why Dogs Get Ear Infections

• Dogs have L-shaped ear canals that trap moisture and debris
• Floppy ears and hair inside the canal can make it worse
• Most infections are caused by yeast, bacteria, or both

🔍 Signs of an Ear Infection

• Head shaking or tilting
• Scratching or rubbing the ears on furniture
• Red, inflamed ears
• Brown, black, or yellow discharge
• Bad smell from the ears
• Sensitivity or pain when touching ears

📋 Common Causes

• Allergies (environmental or food)
• Moisture buildup from swimming or bathing
• Excess wax or poor ear cleaning habits
• Foreign bodies (grass seeds, dirt, debris)
• Ear mites (less common in dogs than cats)

🩺 How Vets Diagnose Ear Infections

• Physical exam with an otoscope
• Cytology – checking ear debris under a microscope
• Culture and sensitivity testing for recurring cases

💊 Treatment Options

1. Topical Medications

• Most infections are treated with medicated drops (antibiotic + antifungal + steroid)
• Some products are once-daily or even long-acting (e.g., Claro, Osurnia)

2. Ear Cleaning

• Crucial to clear debris and let medication work
• Use vet-recommended cleaner like Epi-Otic or TrizEDTA
• Never use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol

3. Treat Underlying Causes

• Address allergies, remove hair, and dry ears after water exposure
• In chronic cases, food trials or allergy testing may be needed

🚫 What NOT to Do

• Don’t self-diagnose or use leftover meds without vet approval
• Don’t skip rechecks—ears often look better before they’re fully healed
• Don’t dig deep into ears with cotton swabs

🧼 Prevention Tips

• Dry ears thoroughly after bathing or swimming
• Clean ears weekly (more often for floppy-eared breeds)
• Watch for allergy signs: paw licking, itchy skin, frequent ear issues

🔗 Helpful Tools from 

• Explorer Harness – Prevent head-shaking on leash while recovering
• Dual Pocket Dispenser – Carry wipes and meds during walks

👨⚕️ When to See a Vet

• If symptoms last more than 48 hours
• Discharge, odor, or signs of pain
• Recurring infections (could indicate allergies or resistant bugs)

📋 Summary Excerpt

Is it a dog shaking their head or scratching their ears? A vet explains the top signs of ear infections, how to treat them safely, and what to do to prevent them from coming back.

❓ FAQs

• Q: Can I use human ear drops on my dog?
  A: No. Human ear drops may be harmful. Always use veterinary products prescribed for your dog’s specific condition.
• Q: Are ear infections contagious?
  A: No. Most are not contagious to other pets or people—but underlying issues (like mites or allergies) may be.
• Q: How can I prevent my dog’s ear infections?
  A: Weekly cleaning, drying ears after water exposure, and managing allergies are key.