Last Updated: 22/03/2026
How to Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs
Prevent dog ear infections with expert vet tips.
Author: Dr Angie Armstrong BVSc
Reading Time: 8 minutes - short read
As pet parents, we hate seeing our furry friends in discomfort. When we see them scratching at their ears or shaking their head, this can be stressful to watch, and for many pets ear issues are a recurring headache. Ear infections are one of the most common reasons for dogs to visit the vet. However, understanding dog ear infection symptoms and learning the right way to maintain ear hygiene can stop many problems before they start.
What do Healthy Ears Look Like?
Before you can spot a problem, you need to know what "normal" looks like. Dogs possess a more complex ear canal structure than humans which features a “L” shape that can make them more prone to trapping both moisture and debris. A dog’s ear consists of 3 different sections, the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear.
A healthy ear in a dog or cat should be:
- Pale Pink: The skin inside the inner fap (pinna) should be a light, healthy pink which indicates healthy blood flow without inflammation.
- Odourless: There should be no noticeable smell (definitely no "yeasty" or "sweet" scents). A healthy ear does not produce a strong smell.
- Clean: A tiny amount of wax is normal, but the ear canal should look mostly clear.
- Pain-Free: Your dog shouldn't flinch or cry out when you gently touch their ears or during a gentle examination at the vets.
Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs
Symptoms of ear infections in dogs may vary depending on the type of infection (bacterial vs yeast), the degree of inflammation present, and the location (only affecting the external ear canal vs affecting the middle ear).
Signs may include:
- Head shaking or tilting of the head
- Constant scratching at the ears
- Redness or swelling in the ear canal
- Discharge and/or a foul smell
- Pain or sensitivity when touching the ears
- Hearing loss or balance issues
Different types of ear infections
Dogs can have different ear infections in the 3 different sections of their ears. Firstly, let's look at what the different sections of the ear icludes. The outer ear includes the pinna (ear flap) and the ear canal; the middle ear includes the ear drum, auditory ossicles (3 tiny bones), the tympanic cavity and eustachian tube; and the inner ear includes the cochlea (the organ of hearing) and the vestibular system (the organ of balance).
- Outer ear infections (otitis externa): These infections mostly happen in the ear canal and are the most common type of ear infection in dogs.
- Middle ear infections (otitis media): These occur when an outer ear infection spreads deeper inside, beyond the ear drum, which can lead to more serious complications.
- Inner ear infections (otitis interna): This occurs when the innermost part of the ear and its internal structures become affected, tending to impact balance and hearing.
Ways to Prevent Ear Infections at Home
Prevention can be simpler than the cure. To keep those ears healthy, our vets recommend a four-pronged approach:
- Regular Ear Checks: Once a week, take a peek inside. Catching a little bit of wax early is much easier than dealing with a full-blown infection later.
- Regular Cleaning: For dogs prone to wax buildup, a routine maintenance clean helps keep the ear canal environment balanced.
- Smart Swimming Habits: Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria. If your dog is a swimmer and prone to issues, try to keep their ears dry or use a drying agent after they've been in the water. This also applies after having a bath in case any water gets down their ears.
- Addressing the underlying cause: Often, itchy ears are the result of an underlying condition such as allergies like atopy or food allergies. Working with your vet to manage the "root cause" (like a specialised diet) can stop ear infections from coming back. This will be discussed in more detail below.
- For more information take a read of our articles: Does your dog have a food allergy? and Atopic Dermatitis in dogs.
Breeds Prone to Ear Issues
While any pet can get an infection, some are more biologically prone to them due to their ear anatomy as well as genetics.
- Floppy-Eared Dogs: Cocker Spaniels, Cavoodles, Basset Hounds and Golden Retrievers, have ears that trap moisture and heat due to reduced airflow.
- Hairy-Eared Breeds: Poodles often have hair growing deep in the canal that can trap wax.
- Water Lovers: Labradors who love swimming often get "swimmer's ear."
- Allergy Pets: Many pets with environmental or food sensitivities show symptoms in their ears first.
How Addressing Underlying Causes Can Help Prevent Recurrence
While topical medications can clear an active infection, recurrent ear issues are rarely a primary problem. In most cases, an ear infection (otitis externa) is a symptom of an underlying health condition. Identifying and addressing these "root causes" is the only way to break the cycle of chronic inflammation and prevent permanent changes to the ear canal, such as thickening or narrowing (stenosis).
Primary Drivers of Chronic Ear Infections
For many dogs, the environment within the ear becomes imbalanced due to one of the following systemic or structural factors:
- Allergies (Atopy and Food Sensitivity): This is the most common cause of recurrent ear infections in dogs. Inflammation from environmental allergens (pollen, grasses) or specific proteins in dog food compromises the skin barrier, allowing yeast and bacteria to overgrow.
- Conformation and Breed Genetics: Dogs with long, pendulous ears (like Cocker Spaniels) or narrowed canals (like Shar Peis) have poor natural ventilation. This creates a warm, moist "microclimate" ideal for pathogens.
- Endocrine Disorders: Hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, can alter the skin’s immunity and oil production, leading to persistent ear challenges.
- Foreign Bodies: Especially during spring, grass seeds can enter the canal, causing acute pain and secondary infection.
- Moisture Trapping: Dogs that swim frequently or are bathed without proper ear protection often struggle with "swimmer’s ear," where trapped water macerates the skin.
Strategies for Long-Term Prevention
Preventing recurrence requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond simply cleaning the ears. By managing the underlying triggers, pet parents can significantly improve their dog’s quality of life.
Targeted Nutrition and Allergy Management
If allergies are suspected, a veterinarian may recommend an elimination diet either with a hypoallergenic diet or a novel protein such as venison, duck or fish. For environmental allergies, supporting the skin barrier with Omega-3 supplements can reduce overall inflammation. A stronger skin barrier means that fewer allergen proteins can penetrate the surface of the skin and cause a reaction, it also promotes a quicker healing and repair time.
Proactive Maintenance Cleaning
For dogs predisposed to moisture buildup or waxy debris, regular use of a pH-balanced dog ear cleaner is essential. Cleaning helps remove the "biofilm" that bacteria hide in, making it harder for an infection to take hold. It is important to always dry the ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing.
Routine Veterinary Screening
Regular check-ups allow for early detection of polyps, masses, or systemic diseases. Addressing a thyroid imbalance or managing an allergy flare-up early can prevent the secondary ear infection from ever occurring.
Want to know more? Find out more about skin allergies in dogs.
Shop Novel Protein and Hypoallergenic Diets
Step by Step: How to Clean Dog Ears
Important Note: If your dog's ear is currently red, painful, or has a heavy discharge, avoid cleaning and see a vet first. Cleaning an active infection can be very painful, and if the eardrum is ruptured, some cleaners can cause permanent damage. Regular cleaning can help to reduce build-up and moisture, which in turn can help lower the risk of infection.
If your dog’s ears are healthy and just need a maintenance clean, follow these steps:
- Use a Dedicated Ear Cleaner: Never use water or vinegar. Use a vet-approved, pH-balanced dog ear flush.
- Apply the Solution: Gently lift the ear flap and squeeze the liquid into the canal.
- The "Squish" Massage: Massage the base of the ear (where you feel the "tube") for 30 seconds. You should hear a "squelching" sound—this is the cleaner breaking up the wax.
- The Shake: Let your dog shake their head! This is their natural way of bringing debris to the surface.
- Wipe the Surface: Use a cotton pad to wipe the visible part of the ear. Never use a Q-tip/cotton bud inside the canal, as this can push debris deeper.
- Treats!: Give your dog treats and praise to make the experience a positive one.
It is best to set up a specific routine for your dog according to your vet’s recommendations. If you are unsure about cleaning your dog’s ear don’t be afraid to ask your vet to show you how to clean the ears effectively and safely.
A Note on Cats: Unlike dogs, routine ear cleaning is not recommended for cats unless specifically instructed by your vet. Cats have very sensitive ears and are more prone to ototoxicity (ear damage caused by certain ingredients).
When to See a Vet
If your prevention efforts aren't enough, it’s time for professional help. You should book a vet appointment if you notice:
- Intense Redness or Swelling: The ear looks "angry" or feels hot.
- Persistent Odour: A "yeasty" smell.
- Pain: Your pet yelps or pulls away when the ear is touched.
- Head Tilt or Balance Issues: This could indicate a deeper middle-ear infection.
A diagnosis is important to ensure the best treatment
If your dog is displaying any symptoms of a possible ear infection it is imperative to take them to the vet for an appointment. The vet will determine firstly if an ear infection is present and secondly what type of infection is present. A sample of the ear discharge may be examined to reveal if the dog has a yeast or bacterial infection and this is required as different pathogens often require different medications.
The vet will also examine the ear canal with an otoscope to determine if the ear drum is intact, as some medications can be toxic if the membrane is not intact.
Preventing ear infections in dogs is possible with a routine of regular ear cleaning, addressing any underlying causes and ensuring prompt veterinary assessment if an ear infection is suspected.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed Mar 11 2026
Written by Dr Angie Armstrong BVScDr Angie Armstrong BVSc
BVSc
Dr Angie Armstrong graduated from the University of Queensland in 2008 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland.
