Ear infections in dogs can cause severe itching and pain, and they require veterinary treatment. Symptoms are usually noticeable early in an infection, including ear redness, and dogs with itchy or painful ears will often shake their heads or scratch their ears. Infections may arise from bacterial or fungal overgrowth due to several precipitating factors, and identifying the cause is necessary for effective treatment. Dogs with floppy ears are particularly prone to infection.

What Are Ear Infections?

Ear infections are inflammatory reactions to bacterial or fungal (yeast) overgrowth in a dog's inner or outer ear canal. They can occur only in the outer portion of the ear but will progress and inflame the inner portions of the ear if left untreated. The deeper the infection, the harder it is to treat and the more serious damage it can inflict.

Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs

Ear infections can be extremely painful for dogs. If your dog is displaying any physical or behavioral changes that may indicate pain or discomfort, especially in or around the ears, pay a visit to your vet right away.

Numerous symptoms can signify an ear infection in your dog, many of which are readily observable. Head shaking, scratching, and rubbing are telltale signs, but you may also see your dog tilting its head, holding one ear down, and being reluctant to have its head or ears touched.

Sometimes the ear infection will cause a foul odor and create ear discharge. Occasionally, hair loss or blood will be seen from constant scratching and rubbing on the ear. Ear hematomas may form on the outside of the ear from the trauma. If the infection has progressed into the middle or inner ear, then hearing loss, abnormal eye movements, and a loss of balance can occur.

What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?

There are several causes of ear infections in dogs. Understanding the factors contributing to the infection will help you prevent future pain and discomfort for your dog.

Ear Mites

Ear mites are tiny, incredibly itchy parasites that can live in a dog's ear canal. An ear mite infestation may lead to ear infections due to the environment in the canal created by the parasite. The symptoms of ear mites are almost identical to those of an ear infection, even if the mites haven't caused a secondary infection. If you suspect your dog has either condition, pay a visit to your vet right away.

Allergies

Dogs that have allergies may be particularly susceptible to ear infections. Food allergies and environmental allergies, especially skin irritants like pollen or dust, can cause secondary, recurring ear infections.

Water in Ears

Moisture in a dog's ear creates an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. If the moisture itself doesn't cause an ear infection, the bacteria in the water can.

Excessive Hair Around Ear

Hair around a dog's ear can transport moisture or bacteria that can cause ear infections. Hair can also carry parasites and irritants that can enter and infect the ear canal.

Growths

Ear tumors or growths, benign or not, can lead to ear infections. Polyps can form in clogged wax-producing glands and cover the ear opening, impeding proper bacterial and yeast regulation and causing infection.

Basset hounds, Chinese Shar-Peis, Labradoodles, beagles, and golden retrievers are especially susceptible to ear infections because their ear flaps reduce airflow to the outer ear canal.

How Do Vets Diagnose Ear Infections in Dogs?

To diagnose an ear infection, your veterinarian will begin with a physical examination of the ear. Your vet will use an otoscope to look inside your dog's ear and then may swab the ear canal to obtain and test a bacterial sample. The vet will look for any abnormalities in the canal through the otoscope, like swelling, discharge, growths, and redness. A biopsy may be performed in severe cases or if your vet finds a growth that carries a risk of malignancy.

How to Treat Ear Infections

Ear infections in dogs are usually treated with topical medications in the form of ear drops or ointment. However, if the affected ears are very painful, your vet may prescribe oral medications for pain and inflammation.

Before applying topical medications to the ear, the ear must be clean. Your vet may prescribe a medicated ear cleaner or recommend an over-the-counter solution. Once the ear is properly cleaned, the topical medication can be applied and gently massaged into the ear canal. If the ear is extremely dirty or painful, your dog may need to be sedated or anesthetized and have its ear cleaned by a vet.

While uncommon, if a dog has developed severe chronic inflammation and medications are no longer effective, surgery may be needed to remove the ear canal. This procedure is called a total ear canal ablation (TECA). TECA surgery may also be recommended if tumors or polyps are present in the ear canal. 

Prognosis for Dogs with Ear Infections

Swift ear infection treatment is essential to the health and wellbeing of your dog. Ear infections are prevalent but nearly all cases are easily treatable with topical medications. Typically, within a few days, your dog will begin to feel better. After one to two weeks, the infection will be resolved.

Some ear infections are challenging to treat and can be resistant to medication. Additionally, if an ear infection is left untreated for a prolonged period, it can cause severe inflammation, permanent damage to the eardrum, and impact your dog's hearing.

How to Prevent Ear Infections

There are a few easy ways to help prevent your dog from developing an ear infection. Cleaning and drying your dog's ears after a bath or a swim is one of the best preventive measures you can take. Additionally, if your dog has a lot of hair in and around its ear opening, clipping or plucking excess hair can reduce some heat and moisture in the ear that can contribute to an ear infection.

If your vet suspects that an allergy causes your dog's ear infection, you will need to regulate allergens through diet changes or limiting exposure to irritants. If a growth has formed in or around the ear canal, removing it can help prevent future infections.

Are Ear Infections Contagious to Other Animals?

Ear infections are not usually contagious to other animals, but there are exceptions. If the ear infection results from an ear mite infestation, another dog or cat can easily contract these parasites and develop a secondary ear infection. Additionally, if the type of bacteria in the ear infection is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP), it is spreadable to other animals.

Are Ear Infections Contagious to Humans?

Ear infections in dogs are not usually contagious to humans. Still, if the infection is due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP), it could be spread to humans. This is rare, especially in non-immunocompromised people.