A dog ear infection is moderately urgent: it's usually not a life-threatening emergency but needs prompt veterinary attention (within a day or two) to prevent spreading to the middle/inner ear, which causes severe pain, balance issues, deafness, or facial paralysis, leading to chronic problems or surgery. See an emergency vet immediately if your dog shows signs like extreme pain, loss of balance, severe swelling, or bleeding, as these indicate a serious, deeper infection.

Is a dog's ear infection an emergency?

Ear infections can be a very common problem for dogs, with some breeds being more prone to them than others. Your daytime vet can routinely manage ear infections in dogs, but if your dog is in a lot of pain, you may want to consult an emergency vet.

How long can a dog go with an ear infection?

With treatment in the early stages, an uncomplicated ear infection will typically clear up within just a week or two. If your dog's ear infection is more severe or is caused by an underlying health condition, treatment may be more challenging and may take months to resolve.

How do I know if my dog's ear infection is serious?

If you notice any signs of a middle or inner ear infection (loss of balance/head tilt), this is more serious and requires a same-day appointment. Be sure to tell your vet if your dog has regular ear infections or has had more than 2-3 in its lifetime.

What happens if dog ear infections go untreated?

If outer ear infections aren't detected or treated, they can often lead to middle and inner ear infections in dogs. Inner or middle ear infections in dogs can turn very serious and sometimes lead to vestibular symptoms, in addition to deafness and facial paralysis.

The #1 Cure for Dog Ear Infections—No More Vet Trips!

Can a dog's ear infection go away without antibiotics?

In most cases, dog ear infections do not go away on their own. And, if you wait too long to treat an ear infection, it can become much more difficult to get under control. An untreated ear infection can lead to hearing loss, chronic health issues, and sometimes the need for expensive surgery.

How long is too long to leave an ear infection untreated?

Sometimes you do not need antibiotics for middle ear infections. Severe middle ear infections or infections that last longer than 2–3 days need antibiotics right away.

What can be mistaken for an ear infection in dogs?

While bacterial ear infections are the most common, other potential causes of these conditions in dogs can include:

• Ear mites.
• Trauma.
• Foreign objects lodged in the ear.
• Tumors or polyps.
• Yeast.
• Fungus.

How quickly do ear infections develop?

Ear infections can develop quickly and often overnight. Often after the symptoms of acute otitis media clear up, fluid remains in the ear. Acute otitis media then develops into another kind of ear problem called otitis media with effusion.

How do dogs act when they have ear infections?

The most common signs of dog ear infections include head shaking, odor, redness, swelling, and discharge from the ear. Ear infections are one of the most frequent reasons dogs visit the veterinarian.

When should I see a vet for an ear infection?

Signs That Require a Veterinary Visit

You should schedule an appointment if your pet displays persistent ear scratching or head shaking, noticeable swelling, discharge, or an ongoing foul odor. Sudden hearing loss, difficulty maintaining balance, or signs of severe pain require immediate attention.

What is an end stage ear infection in a dog?

Severe end-stage ear infections are associated with middle ear infections, pain, and hearing loss in many dogs. Once ears have become 'end stage,' medical management becomes futile and surgical intervention is indicated.

How to tell if a dog has a yeast infection in the ear?

If your dog has a yeast ear infection you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

1. Red or brown waxy discharge in the ear.
2. Itching, scratching & pawing at the ear.
3. A cheesy or musty smell coming from the ear.
4. Red or irritated ear.

How long can I wait to treat my dog's ear infection?

When to contact your veterinarian. Persistent Symptoms: If your dog's symptoms persist for more than a few days, it's time to consult a vet. If you are in Austin, TX, contact us today. Severe Pain: If your dog seems to be in severe pain, crying out, or unable to sleep, seek immediate veterinary attention.

Is an ear infection considered urgent?

Seek emergency care if you have any of the following symptoms: Pain in an ear with or without fever. Itching of the ear or ear canal. Loss of hearing or difficulty hearing in one or both ears.

Can ear infection spread to dog brain?

A severe inner ear infection can spread to the part of the brain that controls your dog's breathing and heart rate, although this is quite rare. Two potential long-term complications of inner ear infection include a permanently altered sense of balance and persistent signs of Horner's syndrome.

What are the early stages of an ear infection?

The symptoms of an ear infection usually start quickly and include:

• pain inside the ear (earache)
• a high temperature.
• difficulty hearing.
• discharge running out of the ear.
• a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear.
• itching and irritation in and around the ear.
• scaly skin in and around the ear.

How do you flush out an ear infection?

Use a clean dropper to put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into the ear; you should use just enough to fill the ear. Wait for the liquid to fizz and then let it drain out of your ear.

What dog breeds are prone to ear problems?

Breeds Prone to Ear Infections and Signs to Watch For

• Basset Hound.
• Bloodhound.
• Afghan Hound.
• Coon Hound.
• Springer Spaniel.
• Cocker Spaniel.
• Cavalier King Charles (high rate of Glue Ear)
• Daschund.

What time of year do dogs get ear infections?

Ear infections in dogs can occur any time of year (especially in the summer months) for a variety of reasons: Moisture: Pups who love to swim or have their ears cleaned too often can retain moisture in their ear canals— a perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive.

How long is too long to wait for an ear infection?

Call your healthcare professional to discuss whether your child needs a recheck or antibiotics if your child does not feel better or still has ear pain after 2-3 days.

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