Quick answer: Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet. Watch for head shaking, scratching at the ears, redness, swelling, a bad smell, dark or yellow discharge, pain when the ear is touched and, in severe cases, head tilting or loss of balance. Common causes include allergies, moisture from swimming and bathing, yeast and bacteria, ear mites, foreign objects like grass seeds and ear shape. See your vet for diagnosis and the right medication, since treatment depends on the cause. Prevent infections by drying ears after swimming, cleaning with a vet-approved cleaner when needed and managing allergies. Never use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal.

How a dog's ear works

A dog's ear canal is shaped like an L, running down and then turning inward toward the eardrum. This shape makes it easy for moisture, wax and debris to get trapped, creating a warm, damp environment where yeast and bacteria can thrive.

Ear infections are grouped by location: otitis externa affects the outer ear canal and is the most common; otitis media affects the middle ear; and otitis interna affects the inner ear, which can cause balance problems. Infections often start in the outer ear and can spread deeper if untreated.

Signs of an ear infection

Look for these common signs:

• Shaking the head or flapping the ears often
• Scratching or rubbing the ear on furniture or the floor
• Redness or swelling inside the ear
• A bad or yeasty smell
• Brown, yellow, black or bloody discharge
• Crusting, scabs or hair loss around the ear
• Pain or whining when the ear is touched
• Head tilt toward one side
• Loss of balance, circling or unusual eye movements (inner ear)
• Swollen ear flap (possible aural hematoma)

If you notice these signs, make a vet appointment. Ear infections usually need prescription treatment.

Many dogs hide ear pain well. If your dog suddenly dislikes having their head touched, tilts their head, or seems grumpy when you stroke their ears, a quick look inside is worth it.

Compare both ears. A healthy ear is light pink, mostly clean and has little or no smell, so any difference between the two sides is a useful clue to share with your vet.

Yeast, bacteria and mites: what's the difference?

Yeast infections are very common and often cause a brown, waxy discharge with a musty or sweet, bread-like smell. The ear may look red and greasy. Yeast often takes hold when allergies or moisture have already inflamed the ear.

Bacterial infections may cause yellow, green or bloody discharge, a strong foul smell and more pain. Some bacteria, such as Pseudomonas, can be stubborn and need specific medication chosen after a culture test.

Ear mites cause intense itching and a dark, dry, crumbly discharge. Many dogs have more than one problem at once, which is why your vet's microscope check is so important before treatment.

Common causes

Ear infections usually have an underlying cause. The most common include:

• Allergies. Food and environmental allergies are a leading cause of recurring ear infections.
• Moisture. Swimming, bathing and humidity create damp ear canals.
• Yeast and bacteria. Often secondary invaders once the ear is inflamed.
• Ear mites. More common in puppies and dogs in contact with cats.
• Foreign objects. Grass seeds and foxtails can lodge in the ear canal.
• Ear shape. Floppy ears and narrow or hairy canals trap moisture.
• Excess wax. Some dogs produce more wax than others.
• Over-cleaning. Cleaning too often or too harshly can irritate the canal.
• Hormonal conditions. Hypothyroidism and other conditions can contribute.

Allergies: the hidden driver

Allergies are one of the most common underlying causes of ear infections in dogs. Environmental allergies to pollen, dust mites and mold, and food allergies, can cause inflammation in the ears, making them more prone to infection.

Dogs with allergies often have other signs too, like licking paws, scratching, rubbing their face and recurring skin infections. If your dog has repeated ear infections, ask your vet about allergy testing and management. Our guide to seasonal allergies in dogs explains more.

Swimming and moisture

Summer means more swimming, bathing and humidity, all of which can leave ears damp. Water trapped in the ear canal creates the perfect environment for yeast and bacteria.

After swimming or baths, dry your dog's ears gently with a soft towel. Your vet may recommend an ear cleaner with a drying agent to use after swims. Our guide to dog water safety and swimming has more summer water tips.

Breeds most prone to ear infections

Dogs with floppy ears, hairy ear canals or narrow canals are at higher risk. Commonly affected breeds include Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Shih Tzus, Bloodhounds, Beagles, Cavaliers and Shar-Peis.

Breeds prone to allergies, such as French Bulldogs, West Highland White Terriers and German Shepherds, also often have ear issues. If your dog is one of these breeds, regular ear checks are especially helpful.

Ear mites

Ear mites are tiny parasites that cause intense itching and a dark, crumbly discharge that looks a bit like coffee grounds. They're very contagious between pets and are more common in puppies and in homes with cats.

Your vet can confirm ear mites by looking at a sample under a microscope. Treatment is usually straightforward, and all pets in the household may need to be treated at the same time.

Grass seeds and foreign objects

Foxtails and other grass seeds can work their way into the ear canal, causing sudden, intense head shaking, pawing at the ear and pain, often in just one ear. They're especially common in the western US in late spring and summer.

If your dog starts shaking their head suddenly after a walk through long grass, see your vet promptly. Grass seeds usually need to be removed by a vet and can damage the eardrum if left. Our guide to spring hiking with your dog explains how to avoid foxtails.

Infection in one ear or both?

An infection in just one ear can point to a foreign object like a grass seed, a polyp or a localized problem. Infections in both ears are more often linked to allergies or a whole-body cause.

Your vet will consider this when deciding on tests and treatment. Tell them when you first noticed symptoms, whether they started suddenly and whether your dog had been swimming, groomed or walking through long grass recently.

What your vet will do

Your vet will look into your dog's ear canal with an otoscope to check for redness, swelling, discharge, foreign objects and the condition of the eardrum. They'll usually take a sample of the discharge and look at it under a microscope (cytology) to see whether yeast, bacteria or mites are present.

Treatment often includes a thorough ear cleaning and prescription ear drops or ointment with antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Severe or deep infections may need oral medication, pain relief or sedation for cleaning. For chronic infections, your vet may recommend culture tests, allergy management or imaging.

Finish the full course of medication, even if your dog seems better. Stopping early can lead to the infection coming back.

Why you shouldn't treat at home without a diagnosis

Home remedies like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or oils can irritate inflamed ears and may be harmful if the eardrum is damaged. Different infections need different treatments, and using the wrong medication can make things worse or delay healing.

Over-the-counter products can't diagnose whether yeast, bacteria or mites are present. Always have your vet check your dog's ears before starting treatment.

Giving ear medication without a fight

Many dogs dislike ear drops, but a little preparation helps. Warm the bottle in your hands for a minute, since cold drops can be startling. Have treats ready, and if possible, ask a helper to hold and comfort your dog.

Lift the ear flap, apply the correct number of drops into the canal, then gently massage the base of the ear. Let your dog shake, wipe away excess with a cotton ball and reward immediately. Keep sessions short and calm.

If your dog is in too much pain to handle their ears, tell your vet. They may offer a long-acting treatment applied in the clinic or pain relief to make home care easier.

How to clean your dog's ears safely

For healthy ears, regular cleaning may not be needed. For dogs prone to wax or infections, your vet may recommend routine cleaning. Here's how to do it gently:

• Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner. Avoid homemade solutions.
• Lift the ear flap. Gently straighten the ear canal.
• Fill the canal with cleaner. Follow the product's instructions.
• Massage the base of the ear. For about 20 to 30 seconds; you may hear a squishing sound.
• Let your dog shake. This helps bring debris up.
• Wipe the outer ear. Use cotton balls or gauze on the visible part only.
• Reward your dog. Treats make ear care a positive experience.

Never push cotton swabs deep into the ear canal. They can push debris further in or damage the eardrum. If your dog's ears are red, painful or smelly, see your vet before cleaning.

How to prevent ear infections

These habits can help keep your dog's ears healthy:

• Dry ears after swimming and baths. Gently towel-dry the outer ear.
• Use a drying ear cleaner if recommended. Especially for frequent swimmers.
• Manage allergies. Work with your vet to reduce flare-ups.
• Check ears weekly. Look and sniff for changes.
• Keep ear hair trimmed. Ask your groomer about trimming around the ear opening.
• Avoid over-cleaning. Too much cleaning can irritate the ears.
• Watch for grass seeds. Check ears after walks through long grass.

Keep a small ear care kit at home with your vet-approved cleaner, cotton balls and a towel, so cleaning after baths and swims becomes a quick, easy habit.

Aural hematomas

Constant head shaking and scratching can break blood vessels in the ear flap, causing it to fill with blood and swell like a pillow. This is called an aural hematoma. It's usually linked to an underlying ear infection or allergy.

Hematomas need veterinary treatment, which may include draining the blood or surgery. Treating the underlying ear problem is essential to prevent it from happening again.

Make ear checks part of your routine

A quick weekly ear check takes less than a minute. Lift each ear flap and look inside: healthy ears are light pink, clean and don't smell. A small amount of light wax is normal.

Gently sniff. A new yeasty or foul smell is often the first sign of trouble. Check for redness, swelling, discharge or crusting, and notice if your dog pulls away when you touch their ears.

Pair ear checks with brushing, nail trims and teeth checks to build a simple weekly grooming routine. Our guides to how to trim your dog's nails and dog dental care at home can help.

What the smell and discharge can tell you

Your vet needs to look at a sample under the microscope to know for sure, but the look and smell of an ear can offer clues worth mentioning:

• Yeasty or musty smell with brown, waxy discharge. Often linked to yeast, common in dogs with allergies.
• Strong, foul smell with yellow or green discharge. Can point to a bacterial infection.
• Dark, crumbly discharge like coffee grounds. A classic sign of ear mites, especially in puppies.
• Bloody discharge. Can mean a deep infection, injury or growth.
• No smell but constant head shaking. Could be a grass seed or foreign object.

Don't try to diagnose at home. Different causes need different treatments, and the wrong product can make things worse or delay healing.

Ear infection myths

A few common misunderstandings:

• Cleaning ears daily prevents infections. Over-cleaning can irritate the ear. Most dogs need cleaning only when dirty or as your vet advises.
• Cotton swabs are the best tool. Swabs can push debris deeper and damage the eardrum. Use cotton balls or gauze on the outer ear only.
• Home remedies like vinegar work. They can sting inflamed ears and won't treat most infections.
• Once the ear looks better, you can stop the medication. Stopping early is a common reason infections come back. Finish the full course.
• Only floppy-eared dogs get infections. Any dog can, especially dogs with allergies.

What an ear infection visit usually involves

A typical ear infection visit includes an exam with an otoscope, a swab of the discharge checked under a microscope (called cytology) and prescription ear medication. Severe, painful or recurring infections may need sedation for a deep clean, a culture to identify stubborn bacteria, or allergy testing.

Costs vary by region and severity. Treating early, and finishing every dose, is usually the cheapest path. For dogs with frequent infections, managing the underlying allergy often saves money and discomfort in the long run. Some pet insurance plans cover ear infections as an illness.

How to give ear drops without a fight

Many dogs dislike ear medication, especially when their ears are sore. A calm routine and plenty of treats make it much easier for both of you.

• Warm the bottle. Hold it in your hand for a few minutes. Cold drops are a shock.
• Choose a calm moment. After a walk, when your dog is relaxed.
• Get help if needed. One person feeds treats or holds a lick mat while the other gives drops.
• Lift the ear flap and aim down. Fill the canal with the amount your vet prescribed.
• Massage the base of the ear. Gently, for 20 to 30 seconds, to spread the medication. You'll hear a squishing sound.
• Let them shake. Stand back, then wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball.
• Reward generously. End every session with praise and a favorite treat.

If your dog cries, snaps or won't let you near their ear, stop and call your vet. Very painful ears may need pain relief or a longer-acting medication applied at the clinic.

Ear problems through the year

Ear infections often follow the seasons. Spring and summer bring pollen allergies, swimming and grass seeds, all common triggers. Fall can bring more allergies, and winter heating can dry and irritate skin.

Check your dog's ears weekly, more often during swim season or after hikes through tall grass. Dry ears thoroughly after swimming and bathing, and ask your vet about a drying ear cleaner for water-loving dogs. If infections come back at the same time every year, that pattern is a strong clue that allergies are involved.

Recurring ear infections

If your dog has ear infections again and again, there's usually an underlying cause, most often allergies. Chronic infections can thicken and narrow the ear canal over time, making future infections harder to treat.

Work with your vet to find and manage the cause. This might involve allergy testing, a food trial, regular ear cleaning, long-term medication or referral to a veterinary dermatologist. Consistent care can make a huge difference.

• Know the signs. Head shaking, scratching, redness, odor and discharge are common.
• Allergies are a big cause. Recurring infections often have an allergy behind them.
• See your vet for diagnosis. Treatment depends on whether yeast, bacteria or mites are present.
• Dry ears after swimming. Moisture is a major summer trigger.
• Clean gently and correctly. Use a vet-approved cleaner and never push swabs deep into the ear.

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Summer picks

What are the signs of an ear infection in dogs?

Head shaking, scratching, redness, swelling, odor, discharge and pain when the ear is touched.

What causes ear infections in dogs?

Allergies, moisture, yeast, bacteria, ear mites, foreign objects and ear shape.

Can I treat my dog's ear infection at home?

It's best to see your vet first. Different infections need different treatments.

How do I clean my dog's ears?

Use a vet-recommended cleaner, fill the canal, massage the base, let your dog shake and wipe the outer ear.

Can swimming cause ear infections in dogs?

Yes. Moisture trapped in the ear can lead to infection. Dry ears after swimming.

Which dogs get ear infections most?

Floppy-eared breeds and breeds prone to allergies, like Cocker Spaniels, Labradors and Basset Hounds.

What do ear mites look like?

A dark, crumbly discharge that looks like coffee grounds, plus intense itching.

Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?

Often because of an underlying allergy. Work with your vet to manage the cause.

Should I use cotton swabs in my dog's ears?

No. They can push debris deeper or damage the eardrum.

Can ear infections cause balance problems?

Yes. Inner ear infections can cause head tilt, circling and loss of balance. See your vet.