Vet examining dog ear for infection

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Short answer: A dog ear infection is inflammation of the ear, most often the external canal, that causes pain, head shaking, odor, and discharge. The three types are otitis externa (outer), otitis media (middle), and otitis interna (inner), and inner ear infections carry the most serious risks. A vet diagnoses the type with an exam and ear testing, then treats the underlying cause with cleaning and medication, so it's worth having one take a look soon after symptoms start.

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs paw at their heads and whine, and the good news is they respond well to treatment once you know what you're dealing with. Catching the signs early makes a real difference in how quickly your dog feels better.

An ear infection can cause inflammation, irritation, and pain for your dog. There are several types, and they differ based on which part of the ear they affect. The three primary types are otitis externa, which affects the external ear canal, otitis media, which affects the middle ear, and otitis interna, which affects the inner ear. Each one carries some risk for your dog and is worth addressing soon after you notice symptoms.

Learn how to spot the signs of a dog ear infection, what causes them, and the treatment options a vet may recommend. 

What are the symptoms of a dog ear infection?

Recognizing the signs is the first step to getting your dog the care they need. Keeping track of what you notice also helps your vet understand the condition and build an effective treatment plan.

The three types of ear infections share many symptoms, but there are subtle differences. The signs of an inner ear infection, for example, often look different from those of an external one. Some early signs can also look like other ear issues, so it helps to know how to tell ear mites apart from ear wax before you assume it's an infection.

Dog having its ear examined

Signs of otitis externa, or inflammation of the external ear canal, include:

  • Shaking of the head
  • An unpleasant odor
  • Redness of the skin
  • Excessive ear scratching
  • Swelling
  • Unusual discharge from the ear
  • Scaly skin

Signs of otitis media, or inflammation of the middle ear, include:

  • Shaking of the head
  • Excessive ear scratching
  • Inflammation of the outer ear
  • Unusual discharge from the ear
  • Rotating the head toward the affected side
  • Facial nerve paralysis
  • Pupil constriction
  • A drooping eyelid
  • A sunken eyeball
  • Protrusion of the third eyelid

A dog with otitis interna, or inflammation of the inner ear, will often show signs similar to the ones above, along with symptoms such as:

  • An extreme head tilt toward the affected side
  • A lack of coordination
  • Difficulty rising or walking
  • Involuntary side-to-side eye movement (nystagmus)
  • Neurologic abnormalities

What causes ear infections in dogs?

A number of factors can lead to ear infections in dogs. Understanding why your dog has one helps you and your vet build a plan that addresses the root of the problem. For otitis externa, possible causes include:

  • An allergic reaction
  • A parasite infestation
  • A foreign object in the ear
  • Genetic predisposition

Graphic outlining causes of ear infections in dogs

Other factors can make an external ear infection worse. Harmful bacteria, yeast, or the development of otitis media can all intensify symptoms. Otitis media and interna, in turn, can be caused by:

  • An external ear infection spreading inward
  • A foreign object penetrating the eardrum
  • Infection spreading through the bloodstream

Once the middle ear is infected, your dog has a higher chance of developing an inner ear infection, which can lead to serious problems such as impaired coordination, deafness, and neurological abnormalities. That's why it helps to have a vet take a look soon after you notice symptoms, especially signs that point to the inner ear.

How do vets diagnose ear infections in dogs?

Your vet will start by reviewing your dog's medical history, assessing symptoms, and doing a physical exam. They'll look at your dog's ears and the surrounding areas for signs of self-trauma, inflammation, redness, and other abnormalities. Examining the skin and nearby areas helps your vet estimate how long the infection has been present. Further testing, such as ear cytology or a culture and sensitivity, may follow to pin down the underlying cause.

Cleaning a dog's ears to help prevent infections

Mild signs of infection often point to otitis externa, the most common form of ear infection in dogs. If your vet finds that the eardrum has ruptured, that may indicate otitis media. A diagnosis of otitis media can also suggest how long the condition has been present, since more than half of dogs with long-term inflammation of the external ear go on to develop otitis media.1

Otitis interna tends to bring the most severe symptoms of the three. Your vet may reach this diagnosis if your dog struggles to keep their balance or shows unusual neurological signs. To diagnose otitis media or interna, vets often use tools such as otoscopes, x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.2

How are dog ear infections treated?

Whatever type of ear infection your dog has, dog ear infection treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause while managing your dog's pain and discomfort. Treating the cause directly helps your dog feel more comfortable and lowers the chance that further problems develop.

Vet examining a dog's ear for signs of infection

For otitis externa, treatment aims to clear the underlying cause, whether that's an allergy or a parasite. Your vet may trim the hair around the affected ear, and sometimes inside the ear canal, to make cleaning easier.

Before applying topical medications, which often include antibiotics, antifungal medicine, or glucocorticoids, a vet will generally clean and dry the ears, using anesthesia if your dog is in pain. They can then apply the topical medication and may set up an at-home schedule for continued treatment. Oral or injectable medicine may also be part of the plan.

For otitis media or interna, treatment may be more involved. To address the symptoms of a severe ear infection, your vet may recommend a longer course of antibiotics given by mouth or injection, usually lasting about six to eight weeks. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be prescribed to ease pain and discomfort.

Antibiotic treatment is usually effective for otitis media and interna, though long-term cases can leave permanent neurological problems. Recognizing the signs early and getting treatment gives your dog a better prognosis.

Dog ear infections: frequently asked questions

Can dog ear infections go away on their own?

An ear infection usually won't clear up without treatment, and leaving it alone can lead to more serious complications. If you notice symptoms, having a vet take a look gives your dog the best chance at a quick recovery.

What happens if a dog ear infection goes untreated?

An untreated ear infection can lead to problems that range widely in severity. Otitis externa can cause hearing loss, while otitis interna can lead to coordination trouble and neurological abnormalities. Catching the infection early and keeping it from spreading helps you avoid the worst of these outcomes.

Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?

Recurring ear infections often trace back to an underlying issue, such as allergies, that keeps creating the right conditions for inflammation. Dogs with floppy ears or those who swim often can also be more prone to them. If your dog's infections keep coming back, your vet can look for the root cause and adjust the plan.

Are some dogs more likely to get ear infections?

Yes. Dogs with allergies and those with long, floppy ears that trap moisture tend to be more prone to ear infections. A vet can help you figure out whether your dog's breed, ear shape, or other health factors play a role, and what prevention makes sense.

How can I prevent ear infections in my dog?

The best approach is to prevent infections before they start. Check your dog's ears regularly for inflammation, redness, discoloration, or unusual discharge, and keep up with regular checks of your dog's ears, eyes, and dental health. To clean your dog's ears, follow these steps:

  1. Gather cotton balls and a vet-approved ear cleaning solution.
  2. Fill your dog's ear canal with the cleaner and gently massage the base of the ear.
  3. Let your dog shake their head to loosen the solution.
  4. Use the cotton balls to wipe waxy debris from the ear.
  5. Repeat steps two through four until the cotton balls come away clean.

Can a vet at Dutch help with my dog's ear infection?

Telehealth may be appropriate for some parts of ear infection care, such as reviewing symptoms and discussing next steps, depending on your dog's situation and the regulations in your state. Some cases need an in-person exam and testing to diagnose and treat the infection. A vet at Dutch can help you sort out the symptoms and figure out when an in-person visit is the right call.

Talk to a vet about your dog's ear infection

A dog's ear infection can usually be treated successfully, but long-term infections can lead to complications. Hearing loss, impaired coordination, and neurological damage are a few of the bigger risks of untreated ear infections. That's why it helps to have a vet take a look soon after you notice symptoms.

If your dog is showing signs of an ear infection, a vet at Dutch can review their symptoms and help you put together a treatment plan, available in most states.

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Medically reviewed by

Dr. Kate Elden, DVM

Frequently asked questions

Dutch is an online veterinary telehealth service. With a membership, pet parents get unlimited video consults with licensed vets for up to 5 pets, plus prescription medication shipped to your door in most U.S. states. Members can treat 150+ common conditions without leaving home, typically for less than the cost of a single in-person vet visit.

Sign up with your pet's information and book a video consult with a licensed vet at Dutch. The vet reviews your pet's symptoms, medical history, and any photos you share, then recommends a treatment plan. If medication is appropriate, it's prescribed and shipped directly to your door, typically within 1-3 business days. Members get unlimited follow-up consults at no extra cost.

Our vets can provide care and prescriptions for more than 150 issues — and over 90% of cases can be treated virtually. 

The vet can diagnose your pet based on your description of their symptoms, their medical history, seeing them during your video call, and, if needed, through uploaded photos and videos. They may ask you to do a few simple checks during the call. We also offer a number of at-home lab test kits for dogs and cats.

The health and safety of pets is our top priority. In the rare case that a vet determines a pet needs to go to a local clinic, they’ll provide a referral and offer advice on how to care for them until they can be seen. 

Some things that require in-person care include emergencies, wounds that need stitches, and issues that require blood work, imaging (X-rays or ultrasounds), or surgery.

Our vets are always available for second opinions and follow-up care after in-person vet visits — so you don’t have to navigate health issues alone.

You and your pet will have a 10-minute video call with a licensed veterinarian. Here’s what to expect:

Before the call

When booking the call online, you'll be asked a few questions about your pet. Depending on the issue, you may need to fill out a longer questionnaire about their symptoms or share photographs of them so our veterinarians can better understand what’s going on. You’ll then pick an appointment time. Make sure your pet will be with you at that time — the vet will need to see them on the call.

During the video call

One of our vets will talk to you about the symptoms your pet is experiencing, ask you questions, review your pet’s medical history if you’ve provided it, look at your pet on camera, and answer any questions you have. They may ask you to perform some simple checks on your pet, like raising their gums, if needed.

After the call

The vet will send you a message with a custom treatment plan to help your pet feel better, including a link to buy any recommended prescription or over-the-counter medications. Place your order and we’ll ship it free. If you have any questions, you can message your vet anytime or book another appointment with the same vet to follow up.

Vets at Dutch are licensed to provide care in most U.S. states. Coverage expands as new state licenses are added. The current state availability list is on the membership plans page on dutch.com.

Dutch is an annual membership service. At $132/year ($11/month), the annual membership covers unlimited video consults for up to 5 pets and is designed to cost less than a single typical in-person vet visit. Prescription medication costs are separate and shown transparently at checkout before any purchase. Detailed pricing is on the membership plans page.

Yes, in most states. Vets at Dutch can prescribe medication after a video consult that establishes the required vet-client-patient relationship. Prescriptions are shipped directly to your door, typically within 1-3 business days. State licensing and federal telehealth rules apply.

Same-day video consults are available in most states. After signing up, you can book an appointment that fits your schedule, including evenings and weekends. For non-emergency situations that need urgent attention, the intake questionnaire helps the vet prioritize the right care path.

Yes. Every vet at Dutch is a licensed veterinarian credentialed in the state where they provide care. Many have years of clinical practice experience alongside telehealth expertise. Medical oversight is led by Dutch's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kate Elden.

Dutch isn't pet insurance itself. It's a membership for direct telehealth care. Many major pet insurance plans reimburse for telehealth consults and prescription medication. Dutch can provide an itemized invoice to support reimbursement claims with your insure provider

Vets at Dutch offer convenient video consults from home, well-suited for non-emergency conditions, prescription refills, allergy and anxiety management, and follow-up care. In-person vets remain essential for vaccinations, surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, dental procedures, and emergencies. Many pet parents use both: Dutch for routine and chronic-condition care, in-person for hands-on needs.

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