Can Dogs Get Ear Infections?
Head shaking, odor and scratching are the classic signs. Most need vet-prescribed drops.
Yes, dogs get ear infections very often, and floppy-eared or swimming dogs are especially prone. They are usually caused by yeast or bacteria taking hold in a warm, moist ear, often on top of allergies. Signs include head shaking, scratching and a bad smell. Prompt treatment prevents pain and lasting damage.
Symptoms to Watch For
The allergies behind many ear infections can inflame the eyes at once, so a dog with itchy ears is worth checking for eye infections or pink eye too.
| Sign | What you might notice |
|---|---|
| Head shaking | Repeated shaking or tilting of the head |
| Scratching and rubbing | Pawing the ear or rubbing it on the floor |
| Bad smell | A yeasty or foul odor from the ear |
| Redness and discharge | Inflamed skin and dark or waxy buildup |
| Pain or head tilt | Flinching when touched, or loss of balance |
Care and Prevention
- Keep ears dry. Dry them thoroughly after swimming and baths.
- Check regularly. Look and sniff inside the ears once a week.
- Clean gently. Use only a vet-approved cleaner, never a cotton swab in the canal.
- Treat allergies. Manage any underlying allergy, such as a reaction to fleas, that keeps infections coming back.
- See your vet. Get medicated drops for a true infection and finish the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes ear infections in dogs?
Most are caused by yeast or bacteria overgrowing in a warm, moist ear canal. This often happens on top of an underlying issue such as allergies, trapped moisture after swimming or bathing, ear mites, or excess wax and hair. Floppy-eared breeds are especially prone.
How do I know if my dog has an ear infection?
Look for head shaking, scratching or rubbing the ear, a bad smell, redness and swelling inside the ear, dark or waxy discharge, and sensitivity when you touch the head. A dog may also tilt its head or seem off balance if the infection is deeper.
Can I treat a dog ear infection at home?
It is best not to guess. Gentle cleaning with a vet-approved ear cleaner can help mild wax, but a true infection needs a vet to identify the cause and prescribe the right medicated drops. Never poke cotton swabs into the canal, as this can push debris deeper or damage the ear.
How can I prevent ear infections?
Dry your dog's ears well after swimming and baths, check them weekly for redness, smell or wax, keep the ear hair trimmed if your vet advises, and manage any underlying allergies. Regular care catches problems early, before they become painful infections.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
