Ear infections (otitis externa) are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet in the UK — approximately 1 in every 14 dogs experiences an ear infection each year. They range from mildly itchy to excruciatingly painful, and left untreated, can progress to middle and inner ear infections causing permanent damage, deafness, and neurological problems. This guide covers causes, breeds at risk, treatment, and — crucially — how to prevent them.
What Causes Ear Infections?
Ear infections are almost always secondary to an underlying problem:
- Allergies: The most common underlying cause. Allergic inflammation changes the ear environment, allowing bacteria and yeast to overgrow
- Yeast overgrowth (Malassezia): Produces a dark, waxy, foul-smelling discharge
- Bacterial infection: Often produces yellow or greenish pus-like discharge
- Ear mites: Tiny parasites causing intense itching — dark, crumbly discharge
- Foreign bodies: Grass seeds are a common culprit, especially in summer
- Moisture: Dogs that swim frequently or aren’t dried after bathing are at higher risk
- Excess hair: Some breeds grow hair deep in the ear canal, trapping moisture and debris
Breeds Most at Risk
Breeds with long, floppy ears are most susceptible because their ears trap heat and moisture:
- Highest risk: Cocker Spaniels (English and American), Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds
- High risk: Labradoodles, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Poodles, Chinese Shar Peis
- Also prone: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Bichon Frisés, Newfoundlands, Pugs, Bulldogs
- Small dogs under 10 kg generally have lower risk
Signs & Symptoms
- Head shaking, tilting, or rubbing against furniture/ground
- Scratching or pawing at ears
- Redness, swelling, heat in the ear
- Smelly discharge (dark/waxy = yeast; yellow/green = bacteria)
- Pain when ears are touched — may yelp, flinch, or become aggressive
- Swollen ear flap (aural haematoma — from excessive head shaking)
- Emergency signs: head tilt, loss of balance, falling over, circling, vomiting — these suggest middle/inner ear infection. See a vet immediately
Treatment
- Always see a vet — ear infections rarely resolve without treatment and worsen significantly if left
- Vet will examine with an otoscope and usually take a swab for cytology to identify yeast, bacteria, or mites
- Medicated ear drops: Typically contain antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory components
- Ear cleaning: Vet may flush the ear. You’ll be shown how to clean at home with a prescribed solution
- Treating the underlying cause: If allergies are driving recurrent infections, the allergies must be managed — otherwise the infections will keep returning
- Average UK treatment cost: ~£217 (consultation, cytology, medication)
FAQs
How do I clean my dog’s ears safely?
Use a veterinary-approved ear cleaning solution — squeeze a few drops into the ear canal, massage the base of the ear gently for 20–30 seconds, then let your dog shake. Wipe away any debris visible at the ear opening with a cotton pad. Never insert cotton buds into the ear canal — this pushes debris deeper and can perforate the eardrum. Only clean ears that need cleaning — over-cleaning can cause irritation. If your dog’s ears are clean and odour-free, leave them alone.
Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Jenkins, MRCVS
Dr. Jenkins is a fully practicing veterinary surgeon in the UK with over 15 years of clinical experience in small animal medicine and canine behaviour. She reviews and verifies our health content to ensure medical accuracy.
