Ear Conditions in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Ear problems are among the leading reasons dog owners visit the vet, with many conditions being easily treatable when caught early. This guide covers the most frequent ear issues seen in veterinary practice, explaining symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment to help you recognise problems and care for your dog responsibly.
1. Ear Mites (Otodectes cynotis)
Symptoms: Commonly identified by dark brown, coffee grain-like deposits inside the ears, ear mites cause intense itching, head shaking, and scratching.
Treatment: Effective ear drops combined with ear cleaners are usually sufficient. Spot-on anti-parasitic treatments may also be prescribed.
2. Ear Infection (Otitis Externa)
Symptoms: The most common ear affliction, bacterial or yeast infections lead to redness, swelling, bad odour (often yeasty), discharge, and noticeable discomfort causing head shaking and ear scratching. Dogs may resist touch due to pain or show aggression when ears are handled.
Diagnosis and Treatment: A vet examination includes:
- Visual inspection of the ear flap for redness, hair loss, or trauma signs
- Using an otoscope to assess the ear canal and eardrum condition
- Smelling for characteristic yeast odour indicating infection
For chronic or recurring infections, swabs may be taken to guide antibiotic choice. Treatment typically involves medicated ear drops and regular ear cleaning to remove debris and allow medicines to penetrate effectively. Severe cases might need sedation and professional cleaning at the clinic.
3. Foreign Body in the Ear
Symptoms: Grass seeds and debris often lodge in the ear canal, especially during seasons when dogs explore long grass. Signs include frantic ear scratching, head shaking, and sometimes blood if the canal is irritated or inflamed.
Diagnosis and Treatment: An otoscopic exam confirms the presence of a foreign body. Small objects may be flushed out, but grass seeds often require removal under sedation or general anaesthesia using special forceps. Post-removal, antibiotics and pain relief are prescribed to aid healing. Dogs with floppy ears, like Springer Spaniels, are more prone to this problem.
4. Aural Haematoma
Symptoms: Vigorous shaking can cause blood vessels in the ear flap to rupture, resulting in painful swelling filled with blood known as an aural haematoma.
Diagnosis and Treatment: Visible swelling of the ear flap is diagnostic. Treatment options usually performed under sedation or anaesthetic include:
- Draining the blood with a needle (often temporary as it may refill)
- Draining and suturing the ear flat to prevent refilling
- Using Penrose drains to continuously drain the haematoma over several days
- Bandaging to keep the ear flat, though this is less commonly used due to dog discomfort
5. Preventing Further Trauma and Supporting Recovery
Using an Elizabethan collar can stop dogs from scratching and worsening ear damage. In some cases, bandaging paws prevents scratching too. Understanding proper medication use and following vet instructions is essential for a successful recovery and minimising repeat visits.
6. When to See a Vet
Prompt veterinary evaluation is crucial for any ear problem to accurately diagnose the issue, prescribe appropriate treatment and avoid chronic issues or hearing loss. Never attempt deep ear cleaning or foreign body removal without professional advice.
Caring for your dog’s ears with regular checks and hygiene is the best preventive step. If your dog has floppy ears or has had previous ear infections, consult your vet about recommended cleaning routines.