Ear infections in dogs

Ear infections are one of the more common health problems in dogs. While some infections are mild and respond quickly to medication, others can become painful and lead to more serious complications if left untreated.

In many cases, an ear infection isn't the underlying problem itself. Instead, it's a sign that something else, such as allergies, excess moisture, ear mites or a foreign object, has affected your dog's ear. Identifying and treating the underlying cause can help reduce the risk of recurring infections.

If your dog develops an ear infection, veterinary treatment may involve examinations, tests, prescription medication and follow-up appointments. Lifetime dog insurance can help towards the cost of eligible treatment.

What is an ear infection in dogs?

An ear infection, also known as otitis, is inflammation affecting part of the ear. The most common type is otitis externa, which affects the outer ear canal.

A dog's ear canal is long and L-shaped, making it easier for moisture, wax and debris to become trapped. This warm, enclosed environment can encourage bacteria and yeast to multiply, particularly if an underlying condition has already caused inflammation.

If an outer ear infection isn’t treated promptly, it can spread deeper into the ear, causing otitis media (middle ear infection) or otitis interna (inner ear infection). These conditions are generally more serious and may affect your dog's hearing, balance and facial nerves.

Causes of ear infections in dogs

Ear infections can develop for many reasons. Often, bacteria and yeast aren’t the original cause of the problem but take advantage of an inflamed ear canal.

Common underlying causes include:

• Environmental allergies, such as pollen or dust mites.
• Food allergies.
• Excess moisture after swimming or bathing.
• Ear mites or other parasites.
• Grass seeds or other foreign objects lodged in the ear.
• Excessive wax build-up.
• Injuries or trauma to the ear.
• Growths or polyps within the ear canal.
• Hormonal conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease.
• Structural features, including narrow ear canals.

Some dogs experience recurring ear infections because the underlying cause hasn’t been identified or treated. If your dog develops repeated infections, your vet may recommend further investigations rather than simply treating each infection as it occurs.

Commonly affected breeds

Any dog can develop an ear infection, but some breeds are more prone than others.

Dogs with long, floppy ears often have less airflow through the ear canal, allowing moisture to build up. Breeds with hairy or particularly narrow ear canals may also be at increased risk. Dogs with allergies are also more likely to experience recurring ear infections too.

Breeds commonly affected include:

• Cocker Spaniels
• Springer Spaniels
• Basset Hounds
• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• Poodles
• Shar-Peis
• Beagles
• French Bulldogs

However, ear infections can affect dogs of any breed.

Types of ear infection in dogs

Ear infections are classified according to which part of the ear is affected.

Otitis externa

This affects the outer ear canal and is the most common type of ear infection in dogs. It often causes itching, redness, discharge and an unpleasant smell.

Otitis media

This affects the middle ear and may develop if an outer ear infection spreads deeper. Dogs may experience increased pain, hearing changes or swelling around the ear.

Otitis interna

This affects the inner ear and is the most serious form of ear infection. It can interfere with your dog’s hearing and balance and may cause neurological signs that require urgent veterinary attention.

Symptoms of ear infections in dogs

The signs of an ear infection can vary depending on its severity, but common symptoms include:

If the infection has spread deeper into the ear, your dog may also develop:

These symptoms require prompt veterinary attention.

What to do if your dog shows signs of an ear infection

If you notice signs of an ear infection, arrange an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.

Avoid using human ear drops or medications unless advised by your vet, as some products can make the problem worse or damage the ear if the eardrum has ruptured. You should also avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects deep into your dog's ear, as these can push debris further into the ear canal and cause injury.

Until your appointment, try to prevent your dog from scratching excessively, as this can worsen inflammation and damage the skin around the ear.

At what age can dogs develop ear infections?

Ear infections can affect dogs of any age.

Puppies may develop ear infections because of ear mites or infections, while adult dogs are more likely to experience them due to allergies, swimming, foreign bodies or excess wax.

Older dogs can also develop ear infections, particularly if they have long-term skin conditions, hormonal disorders or growths within the ear canal.

Because ear infections can occur throughout a dog's life, it's important to check your dog's ears regularly as part of their routine grooming and healthcare.

How to manage ear infections in dogs

Once your dog's infection has been treated, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of it returning.

These include:

If your dog develops repeated ear infections, speak to your vet about investigating the underlying cause. Successfully managing conditions such as allergies can significantly reduce the number of future infections.

Does pet insurance cover ear infections?

Pet insurance may help towards the cost of diagnosing and treating ear infections, depending on your policy and the cause of the condition.

Lifetime pet insurance can provide ongoing cover for eligible conditions, provided your policy is renewed without a break and cover remains in place.

As with most pet insurance policies, pre-existing conditions aren’t usually covered. Always check your policy documents to understand what is and isn’t included.

Ear infection treatment options

Your vet will examine your dog's ear using an otoscope to assess the ear canal and eardrum. They may also take samples of wax or discharge to identify whether bacteria, yeast or parasites are responsible. In some cases, further tests may be recommended if an underlying condition is suspected.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause but may include:

• Professional ear cleaning.
• Prescription ear drops containing antibiotics, antifungal medication or anti-inflammatory ingredients.
• Medication to treat ear mites or other parasites.
• Pain relief where appropriate.
• Oral medication if the ear canal is severely inflamed or the infection has spread beyond the outer ear.
• Treatment for any underlying condition, such as allergies or hormonal disease.

It's important to complete the full course of treatment, even if your dog's symptoms appear to improve sooner. Stopping medication early can allow the infection to return.

Ear infections - when to speak to a vet

You should contact your vet if your dog:

• Is repeatedly shaking their head.
• Is scratching or rubbing their ears excessively.
• Has red, swollen or painful ears.
• Has discharge or an unpleasant smell coming from the ear.
  Cries out when their ear is touched.
• Develops swelling around the ear.
• Shows signs of hearing loss, poor balance or facial weakness.

Prompt treatment can help prevent an outer ear infection from progressing into the middle or inner ear, reducing the risk of more serious complications and helping your dog recover as quickly as possible.

One thing to remember is that recurrent ear infections can often be a sign of an underlying health issue. Working with your vet to identify the root cause can help improve your dog's long-term ear health and reduce the likelihood of future infections.