Chronic Ear Infections in Dogs

A Practical Guide for Dog Owners
Ear infections (otitis externa) are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet. While they may start as mild irritation, they can quickly become painful and complicated if not treated properly.
This guide explains what causes ear infections, how to recognize them, and why early treatment is important.

What Is Otitis Externa?
“Otitis” means inflammation of the ear.
“Externa” refers to the external ear canal — the part you can see and the canal leading down to the eardrum.
If untreated, infection can spread deeper into the middle or inner ear, becoming much more serious and harder to manage.

Why Do Dogs Get Ear Infections?
Ear infections are usually a symptom of an underlying problem, not just bad luck.
Common Underlying Causes

• Allergies (very common)
  o Food allergies
  o Environmental allergies (pollen, dust mites, grass)
• Excess moisture (swimming, bathing)
• Poor ear ventilation (floppy ears)
• Narrow ear canals
• Hormonal disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism)
• Parasites (ear mites — more common in puppies)
• Foreign material (grass seeds)

What Actually Causes the Infection?
The inflammation creates an ideal environment for:

• Bacteria
• Yeast (Malassezia)

These organisms normally live in small numbers in the ear, but when the ear becomes inflamed, they overgrow and cause infection.

Signs Your Dog May Have an Ear Infection
Watch for:

• Head shaking
• Scratching at the ears
• Redness inside the ear
• Bad smell from the ear
• Brown, yellow, or black discharge
• Pain when touched
• Holding the head to one side
• Crying when chewing or yawning

Chronic or severe cases may lead to:

• Thickened ear canals
• Balance issues
• Hearing loss

If your dog is painful or suddenly oƯ-balance, this is urgent.

Why You Should Not “Just Clean It”
Many owners try over-the-counter drops or repeated cleaning. While cleaning is important, treating without diagnosis can worsen the problem.
Different infections require different medications:

• Yeast infections
• Bacterial infections
• Mixed infections
• Resistant infections

Proper treatment depends on identifying what organisms are present.

How We Diagnose Otitis Externa
At Bryanston Veterinary Hospital, we:
1. Examine the ear canal with an otoscope
2. Take a swab sample
3. Examine it under the microscope (cytology)
Cytology allows us to:

• Identify yeast vs bacteria
• Detect rods vs cocci bacteria
• Adjust treatment appropriately
• Monitor progress

In recurrent cases, we may recommend:

• Culture and sensitivity testing
• Allergy investigation
• Hormonal screening

Treatment
Treatment usually includes:
1. Thorough Ear Cleaning

• Removes debris and discharge
• Allows medication to reach the canal lining

2. Targeted Medication
Ear drops may contain:

• Antibiotics
• Antifungals
• Anti-inflammatory medication (to reduce swelling and pain)

3. Pain Control (if needed)
4. Addressing the Underlying Cause
This is critical in recurrent cases:

• Allergy management
• Dietary trials
• Long-term ear care plans

Why Some Dogs Get Chronic Ear Infections
Repeated infections cause:

• Thickening of the ear canal
• Narrowing of the canal
• Increased wax production
• Reduced ventilation

Over time, the ear becomes permanently altered and much harder to treat. Early and proper treatment prevents this cycle. In severe, end-stage cases, surgery may be required.

How to Prevent Ear Infections
Prevention depends on the underlying cause, but general advice includes:

• Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing
• Use vet-recommended ear cleaners (not harsh products)
• Regular ear checks at home
• Early treatment at the first sign of irritation
• Managing allergies proactively
• Do not use cotton buds inside the ear canal — they push debris deeper.

When to Seek Veterinary Attention
Contact us if your dog:

• Is shaking their head repeatedly
• Seems painful when touched
• Has discharge or a strong odour
• Has recurrent ear issues
• Develops balance problems

The earlier we treat an ear infection, the easier and more comfortable it is to resolve.

Final Thoughts
Otitis externa is common — but it should never be ignored.
Most ear infections are very manageable when diagnosed correctly and treated early.
If your dog is showing signs of ear discomfort, our team is here to help.