Symptoms of a Canine Inner Ear Infection

Bacteria thrive in warm moist areas, often causing ear infections. This especially occurs in those dogs with droopy ears or with much hair in their ears. Outer ear infections often lead to the more serious inner ear infections, so it is important to see your veterinarian quickly to successfully treat the problem before it becomes more serious. PetEducation.com recommends prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage.

  1. Pain

    • As with outer ear infections, your dog will have a severe earache. You will notice its pain if the dog shakes its head, or constantly rubs or paws at its ear. If your dog has had outer ear infections in the past, you may notice that the inner ear infection seems more painful. Your dog may not want you to touch its head or ear.

    Discharge

    • With an inner ear infection, the infection will drain through the outer ear. You may notice a black or yellow discharge, and it could be blood-tinged.

    Facial Paralysis

    • Sometimes a canine inner ear infection will inflame the facial nerve, causing paralysis on one side. The Mar Vista Animal Medical Center's website describes this as a slack-jawed appearance. Your pet may have a drooping eyelid or have trouble swallowing.

    Loss of Balance and Dizziness

    • The inner ear helps control balance. When the inner ear is infected, the dog may have problems with balance. It may stumble when walking and tilt its head constantly downward or to one side. The dog may not want to walk at all, and act fearful of leaving a reclining position. The dog's eyes may jerk back and forth erratically. According to the Health Guidance website, your dog may walk in circles and even vomit.

    Hearing Loss

    • A canine inner ear infection can cause deafness if allowed to progress untreated. The Pet Wave website lists ear infection as a cause of deafness. Treatment by a veterinarian may save or improve your dog's hearing.