Worry about a dog's ears when you notice signs of infection, such as a strong, unpleasant, or sweet/yeasty odor, significant redness, swelling, or thick, dark, or bloody discharge. Other warning signs include frequent head shaking, persistent scratching, pain when touched, or a new loss of balance.

How do I know if something is wrong with my dog's ears?

Ear problems tend to cause swelling, redness, pain, a bad smell, itchiness, and head shaking. Severe ear problems that affect deep inside the ear can also cause symptoms such as loss of balance, a head tilt, and flickering eye movements. Always contact your vet if you think your dog might have an ear problem.

What does an unhealthy dog's ear look like?

Common signs of unhealthy ears include:

Redness and swelling. Sensitive to touch. Head shaking or hitting. Foul odour.

When should I see a vet for dog ear issues?

If your dog has a lot of debris, if their ear is red, inflamed and moist, or if they have a pus-like discharge, then they may benefit from an exam and cleaning under anesthesia. An emergency visit to your veterinarian may be needed if the infection worsens and goes deeper into the middle ear.

What is the most common ear problem in dogs?

The most common disorder of the ear canal in dogs is called otitis externa. This condition occurs when the layer of cells that line the external ear canal becomes inflamed. Signs include headshaking, odor, redness of the skin, swelling, scratching, increased discharge, and scaly skin.

Dog Yeast Ear Infections: Great OTC Home Remedy

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 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 to tell if a dog needs ears cleaned?

Once a week is best to check your dog's ears for signs of irritation, infection, dirt, sensitivity, and parasites such as ear mites. You want to look for redness, discharge, dirt, or waxy buildup.

Should I clean the brown stuff out of my dog's ears?

Yes, you should clean the brown stuff out of your dog's ears, but gently and only if it's normal wax (pale to light brown, no odor), using vet-approved cleaner and cotton balls or gauze to wipe the outer ear; however, if the discharge is dark, has a foul smell, is accompanied by redness, pain, or head shaking, it's a sign of infection (yeast, bacteria, mites) and you must see a vet, as over-cleaning or using the wrong products can worsen problems.
 

What are signs of ear mites in dogs?

Signs of ear mites in dogs include intense ear scratching, head shaking, a dark, waxy discharge resembling coffee grounds, redness and inflammation, an unpleasant odor, and sometimes hair loss or scabs around the ears from excessive rubbing. You might also notice your dog tilting their head, being sensitive to touch, or showing lethargy if the infestation is severe. 

How to tell if an ear infection is Bacterial or fungal?

Symptom Comparison

Understanding these differences helps you communicate better with your healthcare provider and can speed up proper diagnosis: Pain levels: Bacterial infections cause severe, throbbing pain (rated 7-9/10 by most patients); fungal infections typically cause mild discomfort (2-3/10)

What is the most common ear problem?

An ear infection, also known as acute otitis media, is an infection of the air-filled space behind the eardrum, known as the middle ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. Ear infections often clear up on their own.

How will a dog act with an ear infection?

Ear scratching, pain and head shaking are all common symptoms of an infection. A head tilt or loss of balance is a sign your dog's infection has moved deeper into the ear. Contact your vet if you suspect your dog has an ear infection. The quicker your dog is treated, the faster their recovery is likely to be.

Can diet affect my dog's ears?

In dogs, food allergies most often cause itchy skin and ears. This can lead to secondary infections of the skin and ears. In order to be allergic to a particular protein, a dog must be repeatedly exposed. Most dogs have ingested the protein they are allergic to, for months to years prior to developing an allergy.

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 do I tell what is wrong with my dog's ears?

Signs to watch for include:

1. Excessive discharge from the ears.
2. Redness.
3. Swelling.
4. Indications of pain.
5. Foul odor.

What does an ear infection look like?

The only way to know for sure if your child has one is for a doctor to look inside her ear with a tool called an otoscope, a tiny flashlight with a magnifying lens. A healthy eardrum (shown here) looks sort of clear and pinkish-gray. An infected one looks red and swollen.

What is the three finger test for ear?

Three-finger test: Keep one finger at cymba conchae, second finger over posterior border of mastoid and third finger at mastoid tip. Maximum tenderness under first finger signifies tenderness over suprameatal triangle.

How to know if an ear problem is serious?

Seek emergency care if you have any of the following symptoms:

1. Pain in an ear with or without fever.
2. Itching of the ear or ear canal.
3. Loss of hearing or difficulty hearing in one or both ears.
4. Pus or discharge from an ear, especially if it's thick, yellow, bloody, or foul-smelling.

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