Ear infections are one of the most common conditions that dogs may have. Dog breeds with floppy ears—such as Basset Hounds, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Labradoodles, Golden Retrievers, and Shar Peis—are especially prone to ear infections. Estimates are that a full one-fifth of dogs suffer from some kind of ear infection in one or both ears.
What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs
The most common causes of ear infections in dogs include:
- Moisture trapped in the ear, promoting the growth of bacteria or yeast
- Excessive leaning
- Wax build-up
- Foreign objects
- Allergies
- Ear mites
- Injuries to the ear canal
- Endocrine disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs
Your dog can't tell you he has pain, or that his ear is infected. However, there are usually signs that you can detect if you're vigilant. Some symptoms to watch for include:
- Shaking of the head
- Frequent scratching of the ear, or rubbing his ears on the carpet and/or against furniture
- Any signs of pain or itchiness
- Foul odor coming from the ear canal
- Dark colored discharge
- Redness, swelling, crust, or scabbing around the inside of the ear
- The dog appears to have trouble hearing
If you suspect your dog may have an ear infection, you should call the vet right away. Ear infections in dogs can lead to deafness, facial paralysis, or vestibular disease (a canine form of vertigo). The ear is a complicated organ, and only a vet can examine your dog to properly diagnose and treat the condition.
Things Your Vet Will Need to Know
- A list of symptoms your dog has exhibited
- How long it has been since you've noticed the symptoms
- If your dog has any known allergies or health conditions
- Details about your dog's diet
- Any ear cleanings your dog has had, as well as the name of any products used
- If your dog has recently been bathed, swimming, or has gotten wet
- If your dog has been groomed recently, particularly if he has had any hair cut or plucked around the ears
- Any previous ear infections your dog may have had, and how they were treated
How We Can Help
The Animal Doctors have been serving pets and their owners in the San Francisco Bay area for 40 years. Our highly qualified staff of veterinary nurses, technicians, and doctors care for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages.
We are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the only organization in the United States and Canada that offers veterinary accreditation. Only 15% of veterinary clinics in the U.S. are accredited with the AAHA, which requires adherence to the utmost standards of cleanliness, service, and veterinary care.
Call us if you are worried that your dog is suffering from an ear infection. We offer services in the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
