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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.