Health

Dogs

Ear infections (otitis externa)

An ear infection is inflammation of the ear canal, often with bacteria or yeast. It is painful and common, especially in dogs with allergies, floppy ears or hairy ear canals. The underlying cause must be treated or the infection tends to come back.

What you might notice

• Head shaking or scratching at the ear.
• Bad smell or brown, yellow or pus-like discharge.
• Red, swollen or hot ear.
• Pain when the ear or head is touched.
• A swollen, puffy ear flap.

Common causes

• Skin allergies.
• Ear mites.
• Grass seeds or other objects in the ear.
• Moisture after swimming or bathing.
• Ear shape, narrow canals or hairy ears.

What you can do at home

• Check ears regularly and learn their normal smell.
• Dry the ears gently after swimming.
• Keep your dog from scratching the ear until it is seen.
• Use only an ear cleaner your vet recommends, on cotton wool, not inside the canal.

Book a vet in the next day or two if

• Any signs of an ear infection, because it is painful.
• Ear infections that keep coming back.
• A swollen, fluid-filled ear flap.

Don't

• Do not use cotton buds in the ear canal.
• Do not use vinegar or other home remedies in the ear.
• Do not stop prescribed ear drops early, even if the ear looks better.

Prevention

• Check and smell the ears weekly.
• Keep ears clean and dry, especially after swimming.
• Ask your vet how often to clean your dog's ears.
• Treat underlying skin allergies.

This guide gives general information about common health problems in dogs and cats. It is not a diagnosis and it does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Every animal is different, and signs that look mild can sometimes hide a serious problem, especially in cats, which often hide illness and pain. If you are worried about your pet, or if your pet shows any of the warning signs listed here, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic straight away. Never give your pet human medicines or any medicine not prescribed for that animal by a vet.