Dog Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Key Takeaways
Ear infections occur when foreign materials or pathogens enter the ear and cannot drain or be removed. The three types are otitis externa (outer ear — most common), otitis media (middle ear), and otitis interna (inner ear — rare but serious).
Common causes include trapped water or moisture, environmental debris, allergies that cause inflammation and wax buildup, and floppy ear anatomy that prevents airflow.
At-risk breeds include Shih Tzus, Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, Coonhounds, Irish Setters, and Dachshunds — primarily breeds with floppy or furry ears.
Symptoms include ear scratching, redness, foul odor (sweet/musty for yeast, putrid for bacteria), discharge (yellow, brown, or bloody), rubbing ears on surfaces, and head tilting.
Untreated ear infections can lead to aural hematomas from excessive scratching, hearing loss from trauma and blockages, and balance and coordination problems from inner ear involvement.
Prevention focuses on regular ear cleaning after water and outdoor play, using ear wipes and flushes, and thorough drying of floppy ears after bathing or swimming.
Table of Contents
What Causes Dog Ear Infections?
Which Dog Breeds Are Most at Risk?
Signs and Symptoms of Ear Infections
Common Ear Infection Treatments and Relief
At-Home Tips for Preventing Dog Ear Issues
Is your dog's ear red, tender to the touch, and causing visible discomfort? If these symptoms sound familiar, you could be dealing with a dog ear infection or otitis externa. This guide covers how to identify ear infection symptoms, how to prevent ear infections from occurring, recommended at-home treatment options, and everything else you need to know about dog ear infections.
A dog ear infection is a sign that foreign materials or pathogens have entered the ear and either have been there for too long or cannot find a way out. There are three types of ear infections in dogs: otitis externa (outer ear), otitis media (middle ear), and in rare cases, otitis interna (inner ear).
When a dog is experiencing pain or discomfort in the ear, the most common culprit is otitis externa — causing inflammation of the ear flap and ear canal. Common causes include the following.
When water stays in a dog's ear for too long, issues can arise quickly. Water or moisture accumulating in the ear can lead to an overgrowth of yeast and bacteria, both of which can lead to infection.
A dog's ears come into contact with a variety of environmental debris including dirt, plants, and dander or saliva from other animals. Cleaning the ears after outdoor activity helps prevent debris from causing irritation or infection.
Allergies are a common cause of ear infections and are especially troublesome for dogs with existing allergy sensitivities. Food, pollen, and other allergens can cause inflammation and swelling in the ear. The result is wax buildup and an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast that can lead to infection in the ear canal.
While floppy ears are not a direct cause of ear infections, they can make certain breeds more susceptible. If a floppy-eared dog does not have their ears dried completely after bathing, water can get trapped inside the ear. Floppy ears that cover the ear canal can prevent airflow, making it more difficult for water to completely drain.
Shih Tzu. Shih Tzus are known to be affected by ear infections due to the floppy, furry anatomy of their ears. They are also a breed familiar with allergies — another common risk factor for ear infections.
Bloodhound. Bloodhounds are prime candidates for ear infections thanks to their long, floppy ears, which tend to trap moisture inside the ear canal.
Basset Hound. Like Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds have long, floppy ears that prevent proper drying when moisture gets inside the ear.
Coonhound. Coonhounds are a breed with a long history of swimming and outdoor play, meaning they are frequently exposed to conditions that promote ear infections. Their floppy ears make cleaning after outdoor adventures a necessity.
Irish Setter. Irish Setters have floppy, furry ears and a tendency toward atopy — a combination that creates ideal conditions for ear infections. Keeping Irish Setter ears clean and dry after water play or outdoor activity is especially important for otic health.
Dachshund. Both long- and short-haired Dachshunds can be at higher risk for ear infections due to their folded ears. Regular ear cleanings at least once a month are recommended for this breed.
If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, here are the symptoms to watch for.
In the early stages of an ear infection, your dog will attempt to resolve the issue on their own. One common behavior is pawing at the ear to try to remove the irritant and stop the discomfort. The ear is made of delicate tissue and cartilage, so pawing and scratching can cause unnecessary pain and injury — which is why some dogs may whine while scratching.
Redness is a sign of inflammation, which is the body's way of signaling that something is wrong. It is also one of the easiest symptoms to spot. Redness inside the flap of your dog's ear or around the ear canal is a clear sign of irritation and potentially infection.
A healthy dog ear will not have any noticeable odor. With an ear infection, the smell will be obvious and distinctly unpleasant. An infected ear will smell unpleasantly sweet and musty, which is often characteristic of a yeast infection. Dog ears can also have a putrid smell when bacteria is present due to the formation of pus within the ear canal.
Yellow, brown, or red (bloody) discharge likely means an infection is active and warrants immediate treatment. Ear discharge can be easy to miss — especially if your dog's ears are extra furry or floppy. Maintaining a regular ear cleaning schedule with OticBliss Cleansing Ear Wipes can increase your odds of catching early signs of discharge.
A combination of discharge, redness, and a sickly-sweet odor can all be signs of a yeast infection in the ear. For more about ear yeast infections, see our guide on yeast infections in dogs.
Dogs who are desperate to scratch an itch or relieve painful pressure in the ear may resort to rubbing their ear along furniture, carpet, or even their owners to relieve the discomfort. This is a sign that the ear needs attention.
A lesser-known sign of a dog ear infection is tilting the head to one side or holding one ear down. This symptom can occur when a dog feels pain or pressure in the ear and is often a sign of infection deeper inside the ear.
Otitis externa refers to infections of the outer ear. This is the most common type of ear infection in dogs. It is often caused by trapped water, environmental debris, or allergens. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and a foul odor. Regular cleaning and ensuring the ear is dry, especially after baths or swimming, can help prevent this type of infection.
Otitis media refers to infections of the middle ear. This type typically develops when an outer ear infection (otitis externa) is left untreated and spreads past the eardrum. Symptoms may include pain when opening the mouth, reluctance to chew, and head shaking. Otitis media often requires prescription medication and veterinary treatment to resolve.
Otitis interna refers to infections of the inner ear. This is the rarest but most serious type. Inner ear infections can affect a dog's balance and coordination and may lead to hearing loss if untreated. Symptoms include loss of balance, circling, nausea, and abnormal eye movements (nystagmus). Otitis interna requires immediate veterinary attention.
If ear issues go untreated, your dog could be at risk for more painful complications — making early detection essential.
Injury and scarring from scratching. If your dog has scratched the ear raw and bloody, injury and scarring can occur. The ear flap (pinna) is very delicate. Skin, cartilage, and fur can all be damaged by excessive scratching, and in serious cases, aggressive scratching can lead to an aural hematoma — a condition where blood pools in the ear flap, making it look thick and spongy. Hematomas require surgery to correct.
Persistent head shaking. Constant head shaking can cause stress and anxiety, affect sleep, and in extreme cases, cause injury to the neck muscles or lead to an aural hematoma.
Hearing loss. Trauma and blockages in the ear canal are two causes of hearing loss related to dog ear infections. Untreated otitis externa is most commonly linked to hearing loss in dogs.
Balance and coordination problems. For ear infections left untreated in the inner ear (otitis interna), balance and coordination can be affected. A loss of balance can put even the most agile dogs at higher risk of injury.
To prevent serious complications, you will need a mix of home and veterinary care.
One of the most effective ways to target bacteria in the ear is with medicated ear drops. A few drops can have a significant impact on reducing inflammation, redness, or bacteria in the ear canal. OticBliss Vet Strength Ear Drops contain hydrocortisone and MicroSilver BG for targeted antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory relief.
Ear flushes can be used at the first sign of infection, or used preventatively for drying and cleaning the ears if you suspect your dog has been in an environment that puts them at higher risk. OticBliss Antibacterial & Antifungal Ear Flush contains medicated active ingredients that help rinse away debris while treating symptoms of irritation deep within the ear. For general cleaning and drying, OticBliss Cleansing & Drying Ear Flush helps remove debris and moisture after water exposure.
Your veterinarian might prescribe antibiotics for a dog ear infection if the cause is bacterial, especially if symptoms are persisting and you have already tried medicated drops, ear flushes, and other treatments at home.
A good rule of thumb is to clean your dog's ears after water play, outdoor play, or social play (dog parks, play dates). Gently wipe out the ears after swim or bath time, focusing on the inside of the ear flap, entry to the ear canal, and the fur surrounding the ear with a soft towel or a drying ear wipe. This step is especially important for floppy-eared breeds.
Inspect your dog's ears after outdoor play. Look for signs of environmental debris like dirt, thorns, bugs like ticks, or anything that does not belong in the ear. If you think debris has already entered the ear canal, use a gentle ear flush to rinse the area.
Wipe down your dog's ears after visits to the dog park or any area where they interact with other animals. Bacterial or viral pathogens, parasites, and allergens passed from other animals can be impossible to see with the naked eye.
One of the easiest ways to clean your dog's ear is with an ear wipe. The type of ear wipe you use might depend on the size and shape of your dog's ear. Breeds with short or pointy, upright ears can use standard OticBliss Cleansing Ear Wipes. For breeds like Basset Hounds or Bloodhounds, OticBliss XL Ear Wipes help reach every surface of long, floppy ears.
An ear rinse can be an effective first treatment for a suspected infection. Here are the basics for performing an ear flush at home:
Create a calm environment for your dog before you begin. Start by wiping down the area to prevent additional debris from entering the ear — using an ear wipe can also help your dog acclimate to the feeling of your touch, which is especially important if the area is already tender. Apply the tip of the ear wash bottle to the ear canal and fill the entire canal with fluid, then gently but firmly massage the base of the ear. Your dog will often shake out the excess fluid after this step. Wipe out the remaining fluid with a cotton swab, makeup remover pad, or soft cloth and dry the ear flap to prevent residual debris or moisture from remaining in the ear canal.
Browse the full OticBliss ear health collection for ear drops, flushes, wipes, and XL wipes.
If you have tried every at-home remedy and are still watching your dog struggle with ear discomfort, it is time to call your veterinarian.
At your visit, your veterinarian will start by gently palpating (touching) the area around the ear to assess your dog's pain level. They will also check for signs of inflammation, discharge, or redness with a visual inspection of the outer ear.
To get a closer look inside the ear canal, your vet might use an otoscope — a magnifying tool that is held inside the opening of the ear. They may also swab the ear flap or opening of the ear canal to examine under the microscope. This is called cytology, which allows them to diagnose whether an infection is present and whether bacteria or yeast are causing it.
In advanced or chronic cases, your vet may prescribe topical ointments or oral antibiotics. In some cases, they may schedule a video otoscopy — a procedure in which a thin, flexible camera is inserted into the ear canal to view the inside. Depending on your dog's comfort level with having their ears touched, they may need to be sedated to ensure safety during the procedure.
CT scans may also be recommended to rule out more serious causes related to foreign objects or ear canal tumors. Biopsy — a collection of tissue from the affected area — might be recommended if the ear lesions are sterile (not caused by bacteria or yeast), to rule out more serious conditions like cancer.
While ear infections left untreated can become serious, your dog will typically show early warning signs. Regular ear hygiene using ear wipes, ear flushes, and medicated drops can prevent most infections and keep your dog's ears healthy.
Common causes include water or moisture trapped in the ear (leading to yeast and bacterial overgrowth), environmental debris like dirt, plants, and dander from other animals, allergies (food, pollen, and other allergens that cause inflammation and wax buildup), and floppy ear anatomy that prevents airflow and traps moisture in the ear canal.
Breeds with floppy, furry ears are most at risk because the ear flap prevents proper airflow and traps moisture. Commonly affected breeds include Shih Tzus (floppy ears combined with allergy predisposition), Bloodhounds and Basset Hounds (long floppy ears that trap moisture), Coonhounds (history of swimming and outdoor play), Irish Setters (floppy ears plus atopy), and Dachshunds (folded ears prone to wax buildup).
Symptoms include scratching or pawing at the ear (sometimes with whining), redness inside the ear flap or around the ear canal, a foul sweet or musty smell (characteristic of yeast infection), yellow, brown, or bloody discharge, rubbing the ear on furniture or carpet, and holding one ear lower than the other or tilting the head to one side.
The three types are otitis externa (outer ear infection — the most common, involving the ear flap and ear canal), otitis media (middle ear infection — occurs when an outer ear infection spreads past the eardrum), and otitis interna (inner ear infection — rare but serious, can affect balance, coordination, and hearing).
Prevention includes regular ear cleanings after water play, outdoor play, or social interaction with other dogs. Wipe and dry the inside of the ear flap and ear canal entry after baths or swimming. Inspect ears for environmental debris like dirt, thorns, and ticks. Use cleansing ear wipes or a gentle ear flush to remove debris, and maintain regular ear cleaning at least once a month for breeds prone to infections.
Contact your veterinarian if home treatments have not resolved symptoms, if you see yellow, brown, or bloody discharge, if your dog has scratched the ear raw or bloody, if there are signs of hearing loss or balance problems, if the ear is severely swollen (possible aural hematoma), or if the infection keeps recurring despite regular cleaning and prevention.
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