Signs of Ear Infections in Dogs

Adrienne is a certified dog trainer and former veterinarian assistant who
partners with some of the best veterinarians worldwide.

Floppy eared dogs are prone to ear infections, so you’ll want to keep an eye
out for these symptoms to protect your pup.

a farricelli

The Ear Infection and the Dog

When dogs have an ear infection, they exhibit distinctive signs that cannot be
ignored. Typically, the ear infection so clearly irritates the dog that their
owners promptly schedule a vet appointment just to spare their canine
companion from another miserable day.

Whether the source of the infection is bacterial, viral, or due to the
presence of yeast or ear mites, the range of symptoms is always the same.

6 Signs of Ear Infections in Dogs

Ear infections in dogs may affect the outer ear canal (otitis externa) or the
inner middle ear (otitits media). Infections affecting the outer canal are
generally less severe than the infections affecting the middle ear. However,
left untreated, outer ear canal infections may spread to the middle ear,
creating complications. Following are signs of both types of ear infections in
dogs.

1. Scratching

Dogs affected by ear infections tend to feel discomfort in their ears and may
therefore scratch and paw at their ears. In some cases, dogs may even rub
their ears against furniture or the floor. Many times, the scratching may be
continuous, becoming quite frustrating to watch. This may lead to tissue
damage and a complication known as ”aural hematoma”.

2. Head Tilt

Ear infections are quite painful and often dogs will exhibit a distinctive
head tilt. This is done in an effort to try to remove from their ears
something that is bothering them. In some cases, there may be something
trapped in the dog’s ears (like a fox tail) however, this is a typical symptom
of ear infection.

3. Foul Odor

In some cases, the dog’s ears when affected by an ear infection will assume
quite an unpleasant odor. This may be due to a bacterial or yeast infection.
This odor should go away once treatment has started.

4. Discharge

Infected ears may also produce a higher than normal discharge. The discharge
may appear dark, resembling coffee grounds when affected by ear mites, or it
may be yellowish brown. The discharge is the ear’s way of protecting itself
and attempting to get rid of the foreign invader.

5. Aural Hematoma

As mentioned earlier, the constant head shaking and scratching may cause
visible swelling of the ear flap. This complication is known as aural hematoma
and it is caused by bleeding from the ear’s blood vessels which fills up the
dog’s ear flaps making them look like big marshmallows.

6. Vestibular Disease

When the middle ear is affected, dogs may exhibit signs of vestibular disease.
Such signs include lack of coordination, dizziness, back and forth eye
movements, circling and falling to one side. Such symptoms are often confused
for a stroke. Middle ear infection can be a complication of dogs with a
history of recurrent and untreated ear infections.

Most cases of ear infections will go away with ear drops and a round of
antibiotics. However, some dogs may be prone to repeated ear infections such
as dogs with droopy ears like Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds. Ear cleaning,
the use of cotton balls when bathing and a thorough inspection of the ears is
key to keeping this problem at bay.

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This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It
is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription,
or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional.
Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a
veterinarian immediately.

Comments

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on May 02, 2012:

It’s hard to say without seeing it. It could be a tick, skin tag, dirt, or an
infected area. If the ear area is swollen it could also be an aural
hematoma.https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Dogs-swollen-ears

Kim on May 01, 2012:

My dog just loss his appetite these few days. Yesterday night I found out that
his left ear got red and there’s a brown lump or particle in it. Is that ear
infection? After his bath I use ear gel to remove his stubborn stain in his
ear and I assume I clean it too hard and hurt his ear. Please help! What can I
do?

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on March 15, 2012:

thank you, he makes the hub on dog ear infections look nice!

rachel mcferran on March 15, 2012:

this is a cute dog !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

BIG DOGGY on February 04, 2011:

There is another remedy for ear infections and ear mites. Its called Dr.Dogs
Ear Oil. A friend told me about it I tried it and it works great!! you can get
it at www.drdogs247.com I hope it works for you as good as it did for me =-)

Darlene Sabella from Hello, my name is Toast and Jam, I live in the
forest with my dog named Sam … on January 26, 2010:

Great article, when my dog starts scrating her ears I know it is time to pull
those hairs out. Or she will get an infection. Thank you so much for loving
the wonderful children.