How do I Prevent My Dog from Getting Ear Infections?

Watching your dog deal with ear infections is tough. A dog’s painful ear is uncomfortable, and can lead to bigger health problems if ignored. Let’s explore some effective strategies to keep your furry friend’s ears healthy and infection-free.

Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Smelly Ear Infections?

Smelly ears in dogs are usually a sign of an underlying issue, with ear infections being a common cause. These infections can result from several factors:

Different Dog Ear Infection Types

Understanding the different dog ear infection types is essential for proper treatment and prevention:

• Outer Ear Infections: The most common, with symptoms like redness, swelling, and discharge.
• Middle Ear Infections: Deeper infections causing head tilting, balance issues, and pain.
• Inner Ear Infections: The most severe, leading to coordination problems, hearing loss, and even infection of the brain!

Key Indicators of Ear Infections

Here are some key signs to watch for:

• Redness or swelling in the ear
• Yellow, brown, or bloody discharge
• A foul odor coming from the ears
• Scratching or head shaking
• Signs of pain when the ear is touched

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to take action.

Will My Dog’s Ear Infections Go Away on Their Own?

Unfortunately, most ear infections don’t usually resolve without treatment. In fact, ignoring them often leads to sensitivity of the ears, and reluctance of your pet to allow you to touch them. The sooner you seek help, the better the outcome for your dog. It’s important to note that treatment doesn’t always mean medication - many mild infections can be treated with antiseptic ear rinses. 

How Can I Prevent Ear Infections in My Dog?

Prevention starts with regular care and addressing any underlying issues:

Regular Ear Cleaning

Regularly clean your dog’s ears with a vet-recommended cleaner, but don’t overdo it—this can cause irritation. With so many varieties available, seek vet advice on which is best. If your dog has never had ear problems - ear cleaning can do more harm than good. 

Manage Allergies

Allergies often trigger ear infections. Consult your vet to manage food or environmental triggers with solutions like diet changes, medicated baths, or anti-inflammatory treatments.

Proper Grooming

Dogs with a lot of ear hair need regular grooming to help with airflow. But be careful with ear plucking—it can sometimes make things worse. Your vet can give you the best advice on this.

When Should I See a Vet?

If your dog is scratching at their ear, it’s time to consult your vet. Ears are extremely sensitive, and we’d rather get you help when the problem is only little. 

In very sore cases, we often need sedation to assist with examining the ear canal as employ the help of video otoscopy to get a high resolution inspection of your dog’s ear canal and ear drum, helping us diagnose and treat the root cause effectively.

For recurring infections, explore advanced procedures and options that have transformed the lives of many pets suffering from chronic ear problems. Advanced surgical solutions such as Lateral Ear Canal Resection can offer dramatic relief. This procedure improves ventilation in the ear, reduces infection rates, and enhances your dog’s overall quality of life.

👉 Learn more about this innovative solution!