Ear Infections in Dogs: Signs and Prevention
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Ear infections are common, painful, and often recurring. Here's how to spot them early and keep your dog's ears healthy.
Signs to watch for
Head shaking, scratching at the ears, redness, odor, discharge, and pain when you touch the ears all point to an infection. Some dogs tilt their head or seem off-balance. Catch it early — infections worsen fast.
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Why they happen
Moisture, allergies, ear anatomy (floppy ears trap moisture), and yeast or bacteria overgrowth are common causes. Dogs who swim a lot or have allergies are especially prone.
Prevention
Keep ears dry after swimming or baths, check them weekly, and clean with a vet-recommended ear cleaner as advised. Managing underlying allergies — often with omega-3s and current flea prevention — reduces recurrences.
See your vet for treatment
Ear infections need veterinary diagnosis and medication — over-the-counter guesswork can worsen them. If your dog has recurring infections, ask your vet to investigate the underlying cause rather than just treating each flare.
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Frequently asked
- Can I treat my dog's ear infection at home?
- No — ear infections need a vet diagnosis and prescription treatment. The wrong product can worsen them. You can prevent recurrences with good ear hygiene.
- Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?
- Recurring infections often stem from allergies, moisture, or ear anatomy. Ask your vet to address the underlying cause, not just each flare-up.