Dog Ear Infections: Time for an Uncomfortable Conversation

Dog Ear Infections can sneak up on even the most attentive pup parent. And the signs of an ear infection in dogs aren't always easy to spot.

Early yesterday morning, I was sitting with my lab mix, Bruno, in Dr. Emily's waiting room. She's everyone's favorite veterinarian—or at least in our neighborhood. My waiting bench companion and neighbor, Eugenia, sat with about a person's length between us, cradling her Shih Tzu, Lucky.

Poor baby had a possible ear infection, Eugenia told me. He had no enthusiastic tail wag and zoomie behaviors—just sleeping more than usual, tilting his head, and pawing at his little floppy ears. When my neighbor lifted the ear to look inside, she confirmed something definitely wasn't right. But Dr. Emily could help. She always knows what to do.

Signs of an Ear Infection in Dogs

Dogs don't speak human. But they can certainly tell us when something hurts—if we're paying attention.

I have a lab mix, and while he's not as prone to ear infections as a purebred, he has had his share—especially in the early days after I brought him home from the shelter.

Here's what I watch for:

• Frequent head shaking or tilting
• Pawing or scratching at the ear
• Redness or swelling inside the ear
• Bad odor coming from the ear
• Discharge (yellow, brown, or black gunk)
• Sensitivity when touching the ear

What Causes Dog Ear Infections?

Ear infections happen when bacteria, yeast, or allergens mixed with a bit of water create the perfect storm inside your dog’s ear.

Here’s what can set off an infection:

• Moisture buildup – Dogs who love swimming or baths like Bruno are at higher risk. I try to take my pups to the local lake at least a couple of times a month in warmer months. And I'm definitely on the lookout for signs of ear infections.
• Allergies – Food and environmental allergies can trigger chronic ear problems, as they lead to inflammation that causes moisture seeping in the ear canal.
• Excess earwax – Some dogs naturally produce more wax, which can trap bacteria. I don't have any waxy ones in my home. But my neighbor's poodle needs extra attention.
• Ear mites – More common in puppies, but incredibly itchy and irritating.
• Underlying health conditions – Things like hormone imbalances or immune issues can make inflammation more prevalent and infections more frequent.

What Dog Breeds Get The Most Ear Infections

It may not surprise you that floppy ear dogs get more ear infections, so...

• Cocker Spaniel
• Basset Hound
• English Bulldog
• Poodle
• Labrador
• Golden Retriever

Not only do their ears hold in moisture, creating the perfect breeding ground for pathogens. It's also harder for doting dog parents like you and me to see in the ear unless we inspect regularly.

Floppy-ear dogs are a more recent "development" in dog breeding. My dog's ancestral wolves didn't have floppy ears. As dog ears became more floppy over the years, their immune systems didn't adapt to the changes.

How to Prevent Dog Ear Infections in Vulnerable Breeds

Proper home ear cleaning with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner can substantially reduce the risk of ear infections. If you have a floppy ear dog or dog who is prone to infections for other reasons, ear cleaning will become part of your routine.

Dog nutrition is also a key factor in both ear infection risk and dog health. A diet rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E and Omega 3 healthy fats can reduce the risk of ear infections.

If your dog is on an all-kibble diet, they may be missing key immune system-supporting nutrients because high-heat cooking and extrusion (turning solids into sludge) destroy certain nutrients like C and healthy fats. Supplement nutrition with grass-fed beef marrow-filled dog bones.

Grass-fed beef contains 2.5X the omega 3s, and a slow and low heat roasting process preserves healthy fats, vitamin C, and other nutrients. It also happens to maximize the flavor. My dogs love big, juicy dog bones.

And they keep their immune systems strong.

How Often Should I Clean My Dogs' Ears?

It depends mostly on their breed, age, and dog health status.

Floppy ear dogs and older dogs need ear cleaning every 1-2 weeks, depending on their ear infection history.

Healthy pointy-ear dogs need ear cleaning once a month.

Dogs who swim in lakes may need cleaning the next day to remove dirt and debris acquired from lake water. Properly sanitized swimming pools may only be a problem for floppy ear dogs that hold in moisture.

Dogs that have allergies leading to wet ears may need cleaning every day. Please speak with their vet before starting a regimen this frequently, as it could do more harm than good.

How to Clean Dog Ears at Home

Before grabbing Q-tips (spoiler: don’t do it), here’s the right way to clean your pup’s ears.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need:

• A vet-approved ear cleaner
• Cotton balls or gauze
• Dog Treats (because good dogs deserve rewards!)

Pro tip: Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol—they can dry out and irritate the ear canal—causing the immune system to fight back with inflammation.

Step 2: Apply the Ear Cleaner

1. Hold your dog’s ear flap up and gently squeeze the cleaner into the ear canal.
2. Let it sit for a few seconds while your dog gives you a very betrayed look.

Pro Tip: Touch your dogs' ears gently and regularly from a young age (or as soon as possible) and give them high-value treats when they stay calm. They'll learn to associate ear touching with good sensations first.

Step 3: Massage and Wipe

1. Massage the base of the ear for 20-30 seconds to loosen debris.
2. Let your dog shake their head—this helps bring the gunk up.
3. Use a cotton ball to wipe out any visible wax and debris.

Pro Tip: When you're done, give them a substantial treat, like a meaty beef marrow dog bone. This helps them create positive memories around what can be an uncomfortable experience for both of you. For more ways to use positive reinforcement training to support your dog's best behavior, sign up for K9 Connoisseur's 7-Day Training Challenge

Best Ear Drops for Dogs: What I Look For

If you have a dog that is likely to get more infections than most, your vet may recommend something. I will always defer to your vet. Like Dr. Emily, vets have training and years of experience behind their recommendations.

I have anecdotal experiences from having 3 dogs plus significant time spent Googling this stuff on reputable sites. Here's what I've learned.

The best ear drops for dogs typically:

• Contain antifungal and antibacterial ingredients
• Reduce inflammation and itching
• Help dry out excess moisture

You can find some interesting things on Amazon—including medicated drops. But a vet visit is always a good idea before using medicated drops, especially if you’re unsure what’s causing the infection.

How Chewing on Dog Bones Prevents Ear Infections

Not only do meaty marrow-filled bones contain ample nutrition. The chewing action can support a healthy jaw and ears, reduce inflammation, promote healthier gums, and support immunity. All of these can reduce a dog's risk of disease.

The act of chewing on dog bones also relieves anxiety and promotes mental health in dogs. Many don't realize that anxiety negatively impacts the immune system, so anything I can do to strengthen mental wellness also promotes overall dog health.

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