Pocket VetEar infections in dogs
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs see a vet — especially floppy-eared and allergy-prone breeds. Caught early, they're easy to treat.
What it is
Yeast or bacteria overgrow in the warm, moist ear canal, often triggered by allergies, swimming, or trapped moisture. Left untreated, infection can reach the middle ear and become painful and chronic.
Symptoms
- ●Head shaking or tilting
- ●Scratching at the ear
- ●Redness, swelling, or a bad smell
- ●Dark or yellow discharge
- ●Pain when the ear is touched
🔴 When to act now
- ●A head tilt with loss of balance or circling — see a vet promptly (possible middle/inner ear involvement)
Treatment & management
A vet examines the canal, identifies yeast vs bacteria, and prescribes ear drops (and a proper clean). Never poke cotton buds down the canal. For repeat offenders, treating the underlying allergy and drying ears after swimming prevents recurrence.
Seeing these signs in your dog?
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Check my dog nowFrequently asked
Can I treat my dog's ear infection at home?
You can keep ears clean and dry, but an active infection needs vet-prescribed drops matched to the cause (yeast vs bacteria). Wrong or partial treatment leads to chronic, harder-to-fix infections.
Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?
Recurring ear infections usually point to an underlying cause — most often allergies (food or environmental), ear-canal shape, or moisture from swimming. Treating the root cause breaks the cycle.
More dog conditions
Pocket Vet editorial team
Written and maintained by the Pocket Vet editorial team using authoritative veterinary sources. Reviewed June 9, 2026. This guide is informational only and not a substitute for professional veterinary care — see our editorial & safety policy. When in doubt, contact your vet; in a true emergency, go to an emergency clinic immediately.
Sources