Skin & Allergies

Ear Infections in Dogs: Signs and Care

6 min read Vet-informed guidance

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet, and they’re often linked to allergies. They’re itchy, sore and tend to recur — but with prompt treatment and good routine care, you can keep your dog’s ears healthy and comfortable.

Why dogs get ear problems

A dog’s ear canal is long and L-shaped, which traps moisture and wax — perfect conditions for yeast and bacteria. Allergies are a very common underlying trigger, as are moisture from swimming, grass seeds, and ear shape (floppy-eared breeds are more prone).

Signs of an ear infection

Ears that are bothering your dog are usually obvious once you know the signs.

Head shaking or tilting
Scratching or pawing at the ears
An unpleasant smell from the ears
Red, inflamed or waxy ear flaps and canals
Pain when the ears are touched

Keeping ears healthy

Prevention and gentle routine care reduce recurrence.

Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or baths
Check ears regularly, especially in floppy-eared breeds
Keep the fur around the ear opening tidy
Address underlying allergies, a common root cause
Avoid poking anything deep into the ear canal

Signs to look for

Head shakingScratching earsOdourRed ear flaps

When to see your vet. See your vet for a suspected ear infection — they need the right cleaning and medication, and it’s important not to use leftover or human products. Recurrent infections usually point to an underlying cause like allergies worth investigating.