Ear infections are no fun for anyone, pets included. Whether you are dealing with a mild case of itching or a full-blown infection, the signs and symptoms of a dog ear infection are usually easy to spot once you know what to look for.
Here is what you need to know about dog ear infections — the symptoms, the most common causes, home treatments you can try, and when it is time to call your veterinarian.
Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs
Pawing at the ear
In the early stages of an ear infection, dogs will try to address the problem on their own. Pawing at the ear is a common attempt to remove the irritant and stop the discomfort. The ear is made of delicate tissue and cartilage, so persistent pawing and scratching can cause additional pain and injury.
Head shaking
If your dog will not stop shaking their head, there is likely something in the ear that should not be there. Like pawing, head shaking is your dog's way of trying to dislodge whatever is causing the irritation.
Redness inside the ear
Redness is a sign of inflammation and one of the easiest symptoms for pet parents to spot. Redness inside the ear flap or around the ear canal is a clear sign of irritation and potentially infection.
Odor
An infected ear produces an obvious and unpleasant smell. A sweet, musty odor is often characteristic of a yeast infection. A putrid smell can indicate a bacterial infection, typically caused by pus formation.
Discharge
Yellow, brown, or bloody discharge coming from your dog's ear likely means an infection is active and warrants immediate attention.
Pain
If your dog is whimpering while showing other ear infection symptoms, the infection is causing pain. Reactive behaviors like pawing and scratching can make the tenderness worse. Some dogs become head-shy, flinching or pulling away when the ear area is touched.
Itching
Itching is one of the primary symptoms of ear infections in dogs and is often the driving force behind scratching and head shaking. As part of the body's inflammatory response, itching and redness frequently occur together.
Holding one ear lower or head tilting
A lesser-known sign of ear infection is tilting the head or holding one ear lower than the other. This can occur when a dog feels pain or pressure in the ear, and may indicate an infection that is deeper inside the ear canal.
There are three types of ear infection in dogs: otitis externa (outer ear), otitis media (middle ear), and otitis interna (inner ear). Infections of the outer ear are the most common, while infections of the middle and inner ear can be more serious. For a comprehensive overview of ear infection types and treatment, see our guide on ear infections in dogs.
4 Common Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs
When a dog is experiencing pain or discomfort in their ear, the most common diagnosis is otitis externa — inflammation of the outer ear, which includes the ear flap and ear canal. The most common causes are:
Water in the ear
When water stays in a dog's ear for too long, trouble follows. Moisture accumulation in the ear can lead to an overgrowth of yeast and bacteria, both of which can cause infection. This is why drying the ears thoroughly after baths and swimming is so important.
Environmental debris
A dog's ears come into contact with plenty of environmental debris during outdoor activity — dirt, plant material, and dander or saliva from other animals. Any of these can introduce irritants or microorganisms into the ear canal.
Allergies
Allergies are a common and often recurring cause of ear infections. Food, pollen, and other allergens can cause inflammation and swelling in the ear, leading to wax buildup and overgrowth of bacteria and yeast that can progress to infection. For more on how allergies affect dogs, see our guide on allergies in dogs.
Floppy ears
While floppy ears are not a direct cause of infection, they make a dog significantly more susceptible. Floppy ears cover the ear canal and reduce airflow, making it much more difficult for moisture to drain naturally after baths, swimming, or rain. Breeds like Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Beagles should have their ears dried and inspected regularly.
All dogs have a deep, L-shaped ear canal that makes them more susceptible to ear infections than humans. This anatomy means that good ear hygiene is especially important — debris and moisture can get trapped in the canal and create the perfect environment for infection.
Home Treatments for Dog Ear Infections
The best way to avoid an ear infection is by practicing good ear hygiene. Since your dog cannot tell you when they need an ear inspection, building a regular hygiene routine is essential.
Preventive ear hygiene
Gently wipe out the ears after every bath or swim. Focus on cleaning the inside of the ear flap, the entry to the ear canal, and the fur surrounding the ear with a soft towel or OticBliss Cleansing & Drying Ear Wipes. 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, ticks, or anything that does not belong in the ear. If you suspect debris has entered the ear canal, use a OticBliss Cleansing & Drying Ear Flush to gently rinse the area.
How to flush your dog's ears
Create a calm environment before you begin — gentle petting or snuggling can help relax your dog before you start. Wipe down the ear area first to prevent additional debris from entering the canal. Using an ear wipe beforehand also helps acclimate your dog to your touch, which is especially important if the area is already tender.
Apply the tip of the ear flush bottle to the ear canal and fill the entire canal with fluid. Gently but firmly massage the base of the ear to distribute the solution. Your dog will likely shake out the excess fluid after this step. Then wipe out any remaining fluid with a cotton pad or soft cloth and dry the ear flap thoroughly to prevent residual moisture from remaining in the canal.
Treating active ear infection symptoms at home
If you suspect your dog already has an ear infection, there are several home treatments that can help manage symptoms while you arrange a veterinary visit.
For itching, redness, and inflammation, an OticBliss Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Fungal Ear Flush can help address yeast and bacterial overgrowth. It contains chlorhexidine, a disinfectant that decreases bacteria, and ketoconazole, an antifungal that targets yeast infections.
For dogs with active infections, medicated ear drops applied daily can address chronic or acute symptoms. OticBliss Vet Strength Ear Drops with MicroSilver BG use silver particles to effectively target itching, redness, and inflammation inside the ear. Keep the area free of wax, discharge, crust, and debris between treatments with OticBliss Cleansing & Drying Ear Wipes.
Explore the full range of ear care products in the OticBliss collection.
If you do not see improvement after a few days of home treatment, contact your veterinarian for next steps. The same applies if you are unable to administer treatments on your own or if your dog is experiencing new or worsening symptoms.
How Vets Treat Ear Infections
Knowing what to expect at the vet can help you prepare yourself and your dog and keep things calm during the visit.
Your veterinarian will likely begin by assessing your dog's pain level through gentle palpation around the ear. They will also do a visual inspection of the outer ear for signs of inflammation, discharge, or redness.
To get a closer look at the ear canal, your vet may use an otoscope — a magnifying tool held inside the opening of the ear. They may also take a swab of the ear to examine under a microscope. This process is called cytology and allows your vet to determine whether an infection is present and whether bacteria or yeast is causing it.
In advanced or chronic cases, your veterinarian may prescribe topical ointments or oral antibiotics. They may also schedule a video otoscopy or CT scan to rule out more serious causes such as foreign objects or ear canal tumors. Biopsy may be recommended if the ear lesions appear sterile and are not caused by bacteria or yeast.
For more on ear infection types, at-risk breeds, and long-term ear health management, visit our comprehensive resource on ear infections in dogs.
