Signs of an Ear Infection in Dogs
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The classic signs of a dog ear infection are head shaking, scratching or rubbing the ear, a bad or yeasty odor, redness and swelling, and brown, yellow, or bloody discharge. Ear infections are painful and don't clear on their own — they need a vet, because the treatment depends on whether bacteria, yeast, or mites are involved, and the underlying cause (often allergies) usually needs addressing too.
What are the warning signs?
Watch for these common symptoms, especially if several appear together:
- Head shaking or tilting toward the sore ear.
- Scratching or rubbing the ear against furniture or the floor.
- Odor — a strong, yeasty, or foul smell.
- Redness and swelling of the ear flap or canal.
- Discharge — brown, yellow, or bloody.
- Pain when the ear is touched, or holding the ear differently.
- Crusting or scabs around the ear opening.
In long-standing or severe cases you may also see loss of balance, unusual eye movements, or reduced hearing — signs the deeper ear is involved, which needs prompt veterinary care.
What causes ear infections in dogs?
Most ear infections are secondary — something else sets up the ear, then bacteria or yeast take hold. The biggest driver is allergies (to food or environmental triggers), which inflame the canal. Other causes include trapped moisture from swimming or baths, ear mites, foreign objects like grass seeds, excess ear hair, hormonal conditions, and the anatomy of floppy-eared or narrow-canaled breeds.
Because the cause shapes the treatment, this is why home cleaning alone rarely fixes an infection — and why recurring infections need the root cause investigated.
Which dogs are most at risk?
Any dog can get an ear infection, but some are especially prone: floppy-eared breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds), dogs with hairy or narrow canals (Poodles, Doodles, Shar-Peis), allergy-prone dogs, and dogs that swim a lot or live in humid climates.
If your dog fits one of these groups, weekly ear checks help you catch trouble early — before a mild irritation becomes a painful, established infection.
When to see the vet — and why not to wait
See your vet as soon as you notice the signs above. Ear infections are genuinely painful and tend to worsen, and an untreated infection can spread to the middle or inner ear, potentially affecting balance and hearing. Don't try to treat it yourself with leftover medication or home remedies — the wrong approach can make things worse.
Your vet will examine the canal, check the eardrum, and often look at a sample under the microscope to identify the culprit, then prescribe the right medicated treatment.
Preventing the next infection
Dry ears well after swimming and baths, keep up any vet-recommended maintenance cleaning, and — most importantly — manage the underlying cause. For allergy-driven dogs, controlling allergies with your vet is what actually breaks the cycle of repeat infections.
Tavi tip: Log each ear infection, the date, and the treatment in Tavi. If infections keep coming back, that timeline makes the pattern obvious — and gives your vet the history they need to dig into the underlying cause instead of just treating symptom after symptom.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dog ear infection go away on its own?
No — don't count on it. Ear infections are painful and typically worsen without treatment, and can spread deeper into the ear, risking balance and hearing. They need a vet to identify the cause (bacteria, yeast, or mites) and prescribe the correct medication. Early treatment is easier and more effective.
How can I tell if it's ear mites or an infection?
Ear mites usually produce a dark, dry, crumbly, coffee-ground-like discharge with intense itching, and are more common in puppies and cats. Bacterial or yeast infections tend to smell bad and produce brown or yellow discharge with redness. A vet can confirm which it is under a microscope — the treatments differ.
Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?
Recurring infections usually mean an underlying cause isn't being addressed — most often allergies, but also trapped moisture, ear anatomy, or hormonal issues. Treating each infection without fixing the root cause leads to repeats. Ask your vet to investigate the underlying trigger to break the cycle.
Is a dog ear infection an emergency?
It's not usually a middle-of-the-night emergency, but it is painful and shouldn't wait long — book a vet visit promptly. Seek faster care if you see loss of balance, head tilt, unusual eye movements, or signs of severe pain, which can indicate the deeper ear is affected.
Tavi's guides are informational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC); VCA Animal Hospitals; American College of Veterinary Dermatology; Merck Veterinary Manual
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