Understanding Ear Infections

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet. They can be painful, irritating, and if left untreated, may lead to permanent damage to your dog’s ears and hearing.

At Bohle Veterinary Surgery, we commonly see ear infections in pets throughout the year — especially in pets who love swimming, spending time outdoors, or who suffer from seasonal and non seasonal allergies.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, can help you recognise ear problems early and get your pet the care they need before they worsen.

What Causes Ear Infections in Pets?

Pet ear infections are usually caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast inside the ear canal.

Your Pet’s ear canal is shaped like an “L”, which makes it easy for moisture, wax, and debris to become trapped inside. The warm, humid environment creates the perfect conditions for infection to develop.

Ear infections can also develop secondary to other underlying problems, including:

  • Allergies or skin disease 
  • Excessive wax build-up
  • Ear mites or other parasites
  • Grass seeds or foreign bodies
  • Frequent swimming
  • Hormonal conditions such as thyroid disease
  • Growths or tumours inside the ear canal
  • Over-cleaning the ears

Some dogs are naturally more prone to ear infections than others.

Dogs at Higher Risk Include:

  • Dogs with long, floppy ears
  • Dogs with allergies
  • Labradors and breeds prone to excess wax production
  • Dogs that swim regularly
  • Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors

Signs of a Pet Ear Infection

Most ear infections begin in the outer ear canal. Without treatment, infections can spread deeper into the middle and inner ear, causing more serious complications.

Common signs of an ear infection include:

  • Redness inside the ear 
  • Swelling or heat around the ear
  • Dark waxy discharge
  • Blood or pus
  • A bad smell from the ear
  • Crusting or scabs
  • Pain when the ear is touched
  • Swelling of the ear flap (aural haematoma)

You may also notice your pet:

  • Shaking their head
  • Scratching at their ears
  • Rubbing their head on the ground or furniture
  • Whimpering or flinching

Signs of a More Serious Ear Infection

If the infection affects the middle or inner ear, symptoms can become more severe and may include:

  • Head tilt
  • Loss of balance
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty hearing
  • Walking in circles

These signs require urgent veterinary attention.

What Should You Do if You Suspect an Ear Infection?

If you think your dog may have an ear infection, it’s important to book a veterinary appointment as soon as possible.

Ear infections are painful and can quickly worsen if left untreated. Trying to treat the problem at home without knowing the underlying cause can sometimes make the infection worse or delay appropriate treatment.

At Bohle Veterinary Surgery, we perform a thorough ear examination to identify the cause of the infection and recommend the most effective treatment plan for your pet.

How Are Pet Ear Infections Treated?

Treatment will depend on the severity and underlying cause of the infection.

Your veterinarian may recommend:

Ear Cleaning

Cleaning helps remove wax, debris and discharge from the ear canal. We may clean the ears in clinic or show you how to safely clean them at home using a veterinary ear cleaner.

Medicated Ear Drops

Most ear infections require prescription ear medication containing:

  • Antibiotics 
  • Antifungal medication
  • Anti-inflammatory medication

These help treat infection while reducing pain and swelling.

Oral Medication

More severe infections may require oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and/or pain relief.

Parasite Treatment

If ear mites or parasites are present, specific parasite treatments may be prescribed.

Removal of Grass Seeds or Foreign Bodies

Grass seeds are a common cause of painful ear infections in dogs, especially during spring and summer. In some cases, sedation or general anaesthesia is needed to safely remove foreign material from the ear canal.

Can Ear Infections Be Prevented?

While not every ear infection can be prevented, regular ear care can significantly reduce the risk.

Tips to Help Prevent Ear Infections:

  • Keep ears clean and dry
  • Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing
  • Avoid over-cleaning the ears
  • Manage allergies early
  • Regularly check for redness, smell or discharge
  • Keep hair around the ears trimmed if recommended

Routine ear checks are especially important for dogs prone to recurrent ear infections.

When to See Your Vet

If your pet is shaking their head, scratching their ears, or has smelly or painful ears, don’t wait for the problem to worsen.

Early treatment can prevent chronic ear disease and long-term damage.

If you are concerned your pet may have an ear infection, contact Bohle Veterinary Surgery to book an appointment to see one of our veterinarians.