How do I treat an ear infection in my dog at home

I woke up at 6 AM last week to my cocker spaniel, Ruby, shaking her head like a metronome, pawing at her ear so hard I worried she’d scratch it raw. When I leaned in, I caught a faint, yeasty smell—classic signs of an ear infection. If your dog is doing the same—head shaking, ear scratching, or pulling away when you touch their ear—you’re probably wondering how to help them at home. But first, let’s understand why this happens, and when home care works versus when you need a vet.

Ear infections in dogs usually start with moisture trapped in the ear canal—from baths, swimming, or even humid apartment air. Floppy-eared breeds (cocker spaniels, basset hounds) are prone because their ears don’t air out easily, creating a warm, damp spot where bacteria or yeast thrive. Allergies (to pollen, food) can also irritate the ear, making infections more likely. A vet in Denver explained it like this: Think of your dog’s ear as a tiny cave—moisture + warmth = the perfect home for germs. Mild infections might just feel itchy, but left untreated, they can spread, causing pain or even hearing loss. That’s why a vet check first is key—they’ll confirm if it’s bacterial, yeast, or something else, and recommend the right treatment.

For mild, vet-confirmed cases, home care focuses on cleaning and drying. Start with a vet-recommended ear cleaner (avoid homemade solutions—vinegar or peroxide can burn irritated skin). Hold Ruby’s ear flap up gently, squirt in the cleaner, then massage the base of her ear (where it meets her head) for 30 seconds—you’ll hear a squelching sound, which means it’s working. Let her shake her head to dislodge gunk, then wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball (never use Q-tips—they push debris deeper). Do this twice daily for 5-7 days. Reward her with a treat after each session—Ruby now wags when she sees the cleaner, knowing a peanut butter bite is coming. My neighbor’s lab, Max, had a yeast infection; after 10 days of cleaning and vet-prescribed drops, his head shaking stopped.

In apartments, humidity is enemy number one—run a dehumidifier if your home feels damp, and dry your dog’s ears thoroughly after baths (use a soft towel or hair dryer on low, held 12 inches away). Avoid letting water pool in their ears during baths—place a cotton ball gently in the ear canal to block water, then remove it afterward. When walking, if your dog seems painful, skip crowded dog parks—stress can worsen infections, and other dogs might nudge their sore ear. Always carry poop bags (Denver fines $100+ for forgetting) and keep their rabies vaccine current—vets can’t treat infections without confirming basic care is up to date.

Never scold a dog who resists ear cleaning—pain makes them jumpy, and positive reinforcement (treats, praise) builds trust. If their ear is red, swollen, or oozing pus, skip home care and see the vet immediately—those are signs of a severe infection needing medication. With patience, your dog will stop shaking their head, and you’ll both sleep through the night again.