Ear infections in dogs
PetPort EditorialLast reviewed
Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?
Warm, folded ears trap moisture, which is why floppy-eared and swimming dogs are worst affected. A single infection is bad luck. Repeat infections almost always point to an underlying allergy that keeps the ear canal inflamed. Treating the ear without addressing the allergy is why the problem returns.
General guidance for pet parents, not a diagnosis. Every animal is different — confirm anything that concerns you with your veterinarian.
Quick reference
| Highest-risk breeds | Cocker spaniels, retrievers, basset hounds — any heavy drop ear |
|---|---|
| Never insert | Cotton buds — they push debris against the eardrum |
| Recurring on the same side | Suggests an allergy or a foreign body, not bad luck |
| Dry ears after | Every bath, swim and monsoon walk |
| Urgent signs | Persistent head tilt, loss of balance, bleeding — possible eardrum rupture |
What is happening
Warm, folded ears trap moisture. Floppy-eared and swimming dogs are affected most, and repeat infections usually point to an underlying allergy.
Signs to watch for
- Head shaking, or tilting the head to one side
- Dark or yellow discharge and a yeasty smell
- Yelping when the ear is touched, or scratching it raw
What you can do
- Dry the ears thoroughly after baths and swims
- Use only a vet-recommended ear cleaner — no cotton buds inside the canal
- Note which ear and how often, so a pattern is easy to spot
See a vet if
There is bleeding, a foul smell, a head tilt that persists, or loss of balance — the eardrum may be involved.
In India specifically
Monsoon is peak ear-infection season across India. Rain walks, damp bedding and high humidity keep the canal wet for hours. If your dog swims, or is bathed at a groomer, dry the ears deliberately afterwards rather than assuming they will air out. Ear mites are also common in adopted Indian street dogs and puppies, so a new rescue with dark ear debris is worth an early check.
Common questions
Can I clean my dog's ears with hydrogen peroxide or spirit?
No. Both irritate an already inflamed canal, and peroxide leaves moisture behind — the opposite of what you want. Use a cleaner your vet recommends, fill the canal, massage the base, then let your dog shake it out and wipe only what you can see.
Why does only one ear get infected?
Repeated infection confined to one side is a specific clue. It commonly points to a foreign body such as a grass seed, an ear-canal growth, or an anatomical narrowing. Tell your vet the pattern — it changes what they look for.
Is a smelly ear always an infection?
A yeasty or foul smell almost always means microbial overgrowth. Healthy dog ears have very little odour. Ear mites, which are common in puppies and in dogs from shelter or street backgrounds, produce dark crumbly debris that looks like coffee grounds.
How long until an ear infection clears?
A straightforward infection settles within one to two weeks of the correct drops. Finish the full course even once the shaking stops — stopping early is a leading reason infections come back resistant. If there is no improvement in a week, go back for a swab.