Ear Infections in Dogs and Cats: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Ear infections (otitis) are one of the most common reasons for vet visits. Learn about the different types, why they recur, and how to keep your pet's ears healthy.
Ear infections (otitis) are extremely common in dogs, especially breeds with floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Labrador Retrievers. In Macau's humid climate, ear infections can be particularly persistent. Understanding the causes and signs helps you catch them early.
- Ear infections affect up to 20% of dogs at some point
- Floppy-eared and hairy-eared breeds are most at risk
- Allergies are the most common underlying cause
- Signs include head shaking, odor, discharge, and scratching at ears
- Untreated infections can lead to hearing loss
- Regular ear cleaning can prevent many infections
What Causes Ear Infections?
The most common causes are allergies (food and environmental), moisture trapped in the ear canal (especially after swimming or bathing), ear mites, foreign bodies like grass seeds, and excessive hair growth in the ear canal. Dogs with floppy ears are more prone because less air circulates in the ear canal, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria and yeast thrive.
Recognizing the Signs
Watch for frequent head shaking, scratching at the ears, redness and swelling of the ear canal, dark or yellow discharge, a strong yeasty or foul smell, and sensitivity when the ears are touched. In severe cases, your dog may tilt their head, lose balance, or show signs of pain. Chronic infections can cause the ear canal to thicken and narrow.
How Vets Treat Ear Infections
Your vet will examine the ear with an otoscope and take a sample to identify whether bacteria, yeast, or mites are causing the problem. Treatment typically includes ear cleaning followed by medicated ear drops (antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatories). If allergies are the underlying cause, long-term allergy management is essential to prevent recurrence.
Prevention Tips
Keep your dog's ears dry — after swimming or bathing, gently dry the ear canal with a cotton ball. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner weekly. Pluck excess hair from hairy ear canals (or have your groomer do it). Address allergies promptly. Check your dog's ears regularly for redness, odor, or discharge.
- Your dog is shaking their head constantly
- You smell a strong, unpleasant odor from the ears
- There's dark, yellow, or bloody discharge
- The ear is red, swollen, or hot to touch
- Your dog cries or snaps when you touch their ear
- Head tilting or loss of balance
RVC
RVC's team can quickly diagnose and treat ear infections using video otoscopy and laboratory testing. We provide thorough ear cleaning, targeted medication, and allergy management to prevent recurrence. For chronic cases, we develop long-term ear care plans. Call +853 6677 6611.
+853 6677 6611