If your dog is constantly scratching its ears, shaking its head or has a bad smell coming from one or both ears, it may have an ear infection. Recognising symptoms of an ear infection in dogs can prevent pain, hearing issues and even serious complications like hearing loss.
Ear infections are common in dogs and are often a result of yeast, allergies, bacteria or trapped moisture. In this guide, I’ll explain the early warning signs, common causes of ear infections in dogs, when it’s an emergency and when you should seek an online dog vet consultation.
As that “just one scratch” can quickly turn into a painful ear infection if ignored.
Bad Smell and Itching in Your Dog’s Ears
A persistent itching and a foul smell in your dog’s ears are the most classic signs of a dog ear infection. While occasional scratching is harmless, frequent itching accompanied by a foul odour often points to:
· Bacterial or yeast infections
· Ear mites
· Allergies
· Trapped moisture
Foul smell and constant ear scratching are often accompanied by
· Redness
· Waxy discharge
· Repeated head shaking.
Ignoring these symptoms can allow the infection to worsen and spread deep into the ear. If the smell or itching persists for more than a day or two, seek veterinary advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dog Ear Infection?
According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, otitis externa, the inflammation of the ear canal’s lining, is the most common ear infection in dogs. Otitis externa can be caused directly by parasites, objects stuck in the ear canal, allergies and bacterial or yeast infection.
Early Symptoms
Ear infections in dogs usually begin with mild irritation before progressing into more painful stages. Seeking veterinary intervention promptly is the best way to prevent complications.
Early signs of dog ear problems:
- Repeated head shaking
- Frequent ear scratching
- Rubbing the ears against furniture or carpets
- Redness inside the ear flap
- Increased sensitivity when the ears are touched
- Occasional head tilting
A dog may also become less interested in playing because of pain or discomfort.
Advanced Symptoms
With the progression of the infections, the symptoms become more noticeable and painful.
Common advanced signs include:
- A strong or unpleasant dog ear smell
- Yellow, brown, or bloody dog ear discharge
- Swelling or redness inside the ear canal
- Crying or pulling away when the ear is touched
- Constant head shaking
- Whining due to pain
- Loss of balance or walking in circles in severe cases
If your dog shows these advanced symptoms, seek prompt veterinary assessment to prevent damage to the ear canal or deeper structures.
Why Dogs Get Ear Infections
There are several causes that lead to a dog ear infection. Identifying these underlying causes important for successful treatment.
The most common causes of dog ear infections include:
- Bacterial infections
- Yeast overgrowth
- Ear mites (especially in puppies)
- Environmental or food allergies
- Moisture trapped after swimming or bathing
- Grass seeds or other foreign objects lodged in the ear
Ear infections are a common health problem in Labrador retrievers. Other flappy-eared dogs that are at risk of ear infections include Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bloodhounds. These dogs are more at risk because their ear canals retain warmth and moisture.
When Should You Worry?
Some ear infections can worsen rapidly, particularly if the eardrum or deeper parts of the ear become affected.
Contact a veterinarian immediately if your dog has:
- Severe ear pain
- Persistent head tilt
- A strong foul odour
- Blood coming from the ear
- Thick yellow, brown, or bloody discharge
- Hearing loss
- Loss of balance
- Fever
- Significant swelling around the ear
Veterinary Insight: Untreated ear infections can spread deeper into the middle or inner ear, increasing the risk of hearing loss, chronic pain and balance disorders.
What Should You Do?
If you notice signs of an ear infection in your dog, do not try home remedies without veterinary guidance. Acting promptly prevents ear infections from leading to severe complications like hearing loss.
- Prevent your dog from scratching excessively, as it can worsen inflammation.
- Keep their ears clean and dry, especially after bathing or swimming.
- Use vet-recommended dog ear cleaning solutions.
- Do not insert cotton buds or sharp objects into the ear canal.
- Avoid using vinegar, oils, or other home remedies unless advised by a veterinarian.
- Use veterinarian-prescribed ear medications, as treatment depends on the underlying cause.
- Book an online veterinary consultation if symptoms persist or worsen.
Important: Never use leftover ear drops prescribed for another pet, as they may be ineffective or even harmful for your dog’s condition.
Stop the Itch Before It Gets Worse
Book your veterinary consultation online with Conbun before a minor ear problem turns into a painful infection.
Dog ear issues rarely improve without appropriate treatment, and delay in care makes recovery longer and incredibly uncomfortable for both the dog and the owner. If you’re unsure whether your dog’s symptoms are caused by allergies, infections or ear mites, consult a vet on Conbun to get expert advice from home.
With an online dog doctor consultation, you can discuss your dog’s symptoms, share photos of the affected ear and receive prompt guidance on the next steps. Whether you need an instant online vet consultation or require follow-up care after treatment, Conbun connects you with certified veterinarians when you need them the most. A dog health consultation online can also help you determine whether an in-person visit is urgently required.
Ear infections are very painful, and pet owners urgently need quick care and fast relief. If your dog is scratching its ears, shaking its head, or has a foul-smelling ear discharge, Consult a verified vet on Conbun in just 30 seconds.
