Common Ear Problems in Dogs

Ear problems are common in dogs. There are several reasons a dog can have ear problems, so it's important that you figure out the cause, or treatment may be difficult. Dogs with floppy ears, such as Labrador retrievers, cocker spaniels and poodles, are more susceptible to ear problems, but any dog can be affected. Signs of ear problems include odor, discharge, scratching the ears or rubbing and shaking the head.

  1. Allergies

    • An allergic reaction is the most common reason for a dog's ear problems. Also, ear pain or discharge may be the first sign that your dog has an allergy. Dogs can be allergic to a variety of things, such as food, pollen or dust. Switch your dog to a higher quality dog food to see if that helps. Treating the ear infection may help for a time, but unless the allergy is addressed, the ear problems are sure to return.

    Ear Infections

    • Bacteria and yeast can cause ear infections. These are more common in floppy-eared dogs, where the ear hangs down, creating a moist, warm environment for bacteria. A bacterial ear infection normally smells bad. If the infection is only in one ear, your dog may tilt his head to the side. Your veterinarian can prescribe ear drops or medications to treat ear infections. Keeping your dog's ears clean will help.

    Parasites

    • Ear mites, which are small bugs, can cause ear irritation. Some dogs are particularly sensitive to ear mites and will scratch vigorously. Ticks and fleas also can get inside a dog's ears and irritate them. Use a flea and tick treatment to rid your dog of those parasites. Ear mite ointment is available at pet stores and veterinarian offices.

    Debris

    • Just as debris such as thorns, small sticks and stickers can get caught in a dog's fur, they can get inside his ears as well. When you groom your dog, don't neglect his ears. This is especially true for dogs with longer hair, such as cocker spaniels or golden retrievers. If debris gets stuck in the ear canal, it can cause painful irritation, swelling and infection. Don't try to remove a foreign object from the ear canal yourself.

    Trauma

    • Trauma caused by an animal bite, excessive scratching or other injury can lead to an ear problem. Blood and other fluids can collect between the skin and the ear's cartilage. This is called a hematoma. If the fluid is not drained and the hematoma surgically removed, the ear could be permanently disfigured.