Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet. Watch for head shaking, scratching at the ears, redness, odour, or discharge. Because infections can worsen and become painful, an exam is the safest step. The team at Edmonds St. Animal Hospital in Burnaby can find the cause and treat it properly.
Why dogs get ear infections so often
A dog’s ear canal is shaped like an L, which traps moisture and debris and creates a warm environment where yeast and bacteria can flourish. Dogs with floppy ears, lots of ear hair, or allergies are especially prone, and so are dogs who swim or get bathed often. Cats get ear infections too, though far less frequently than dogs.
Signs of an ear infection
Ear infections are uncomfortable and tend to announce themselves. Watch for head shaking, scratching or pawing at the ear, rubbing the head on furniture or the floor, redness or swelling inside the ear, a noticeable odour, dark or waxy discharge, and sensitivity when the ear is touched. In ongoing cases a dog may tilt the head to one side or seem off balance. Any of these is worth a veterinary visit.
What is really causing the infection
An ear infection is often a symptom rather than the root problem. Allergies, to food or to things in the environment, are the most common underlying cause, leaving the ears inflamed and prone to repeat infections. Trapped moisture from swimming or bathing, ear mites, a foreign object such as a grass seed, or excess hair and wax can also be to blame. Identifying the underlying cause is what stops infections from returning again and again.
Why home treatment alone can backfire
It is tempting to reach for a leftover ear product or an online remedy, but this can do real harm. If the eardrum is damaged, certain cleaners and medications can cause serious problems, and using the wrong product can worsen the infection or mask it while it spreads. Our medical services team can examine the ear safely and choose treatment that fits the specific cause, which over-the-counter guessing cannot do.
How your veterinarian diagnoses and treats it
Your veterinarian will look deep into the ear canal with an otoscope to check the eardrum and the extent of the problem, and will often examine a swab under the microscope to see whether yeast, bacteria, or mites are involved. Pet diagnostics like this guide the right treatment, which usually includes a proper cleaning and medication, and sometimes addressing an underlying allergy. Most dogs feel much better quickly once the correct treatment begins.
Preventing future ear infections
Prevention focuses on keeping ears clean and dry and managing any underlying cause. Dry your dog’s ears after swimming or baths, ask your veterinarian whether routine ear cleaning suits your dog, and keep up with allergy management if that is the trigger. Regular checks through our wellness program and pet care services help catch problems early, before they become painful. Edmonds St. Animal Hospital has cared for Burnaby pets since 2008 and is locally owned by Dr. Bharpur Maan, with veterinarians registered with the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia.
Dogs at higher risk, and swimming season
Some dogs are simply more prone to ear infections, and knowing this helps you stay ahead of them. Breeds with floppy ears or hairy, narrow canals trap more moisture and debris, and dogs with allergies are at the highest risk of all because inflamed skin lines the ear canal too. If your dog fits one of these groups, a regular ear-care routine and prompt attention to early signs can save a lot of discomfort.
Summer adds its own challenge. Dogs who swim in lakes, rivers, or pools often get water trapped in the ear, creating the warm, damp conditions infections love. Drying the ears gently after every swim or bath, and asking your veterinary team about a suitable drying routine, goes a long way during the warmer months when dogs are in and out of the water.
Frequently asked questions
Can an ear infection go away on its own?
It is unlikely, and waiting often makes it worse and more painful. Ear infections usually need proper cleaning and the right medication to clear, so an exam is the safest choice.
My dog keeps getting ear infections. Why?
Recurring infections usually point to an underlying cause, most often allergies. Treating each infection helps, but identifying and managing the root cause is what finally breaks the cycle.
Is it safe to clean my dog’s ears at home?
Routine cleaning can help some dogs, but only with a vet-approved cleaner and the right technique, and not while an active infection is suspected. Ask your veterinary team to show you how and how often.
Are some dogs more prone to ear infections?
Yes. Dogs with floppy ears, hairy ear canals, allergies, or frequent water exposure are more prone. These dogs benefit from closer monitoring and a prevention routine.
How quickly will my dog feel better with treatment?
Many dogs improve within a few days of starting the correct treatment, though the full course should always be completed. Follow-up matters, especially for recurring or severe infections.
Can cats get ear infections too?
Yes, though less often than dogs. Cats can develop ear infections from mites, allergies, or other causes, and they show similar signs such as scratching and head shaking. Any persistent ear trouble in a cat is worth an exam.