Quick answer: If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, contact your vet promptly. A head tilt or loss of balance needs a same-day appointment, according to PDSA. Do not try to choose a treatment from the colour or smell of discharge alone.
Medical disclaimer: This is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. This editorial revision draws on the linked PDSA guidance; it has not received a personal veterinary review.
Signs to discuss with your vet
Dog ear infections can cause head shaking, scratching, rubbing the head, redness, swelling, pain and an unpleasant-smelling discharge. Scabs or a swollen ear flap can also occur. These signs need examination rather than a guess at the cause.
Tell the practice immediately about a head tilt or loss of balance. PDSA identifies these as signs that can accompany middle or inner ear infections and recommends a same-day appointment.
Preparing for the appointment
To make the call useful, note when the signs started, whether one or both ears seem affected, and any previous ear problems. Tell your vet about products or medicines already used. Mention recurrent infections even if earlier episodes appeared to clear up.
Underlying causes and veterinary treatment
Bacteria or yeasts can overgrow in the ear, often alongside an underlying problem such as skin allergies, ear mites, excess wax or a growth. Excessive ear cleaning can also contribute. Treating an infection without addressing its cause may allow it to return.
Your vet may examine a sample of the discharge and recommend medicated ear drops, appropriate cleaning and pain relief. Treatment depends on the findings; not every dog needs the same products. Follow the prescribed course and attend the recommended recheck, even if the ear looks better. Contact the practice again if symptoms persist or worsen.
Ear cleaning: ask before choosing a product
Ask your vet which cleaner, if any, is suitable and how often to use it. Do not put cotton buds into the ear canal. A routine shopping recommendation is not a substitute for examining a painful or infected ear.
For dogs with recurring problems, agree an individual ear-care routine with the practice. If episodes follow swimming, discuss cleaning and drying afterwards. There is no single cleaning schedule that is appropriate for every dog.
Source and further reading
Medical source: PDSA: Ear infections in dogs, written by vets and vet nurses. PDSA is a source for this revision, not a reviewer or endorser of Petz.
Related background: dog allergies. Use it for general context, not to diagnose the cause of an ear problem.
