How do I treat my dog's ear infection at home?

That constant head shake, the way they pull away when you brush near their ears—ear infections turn even the happiest pup into a grumpy mess. As a dog parent, you want to fix it fast, but jumping into home remedies without a plan can do more harm than good. Those telltale signs—redness, a weird smell, or discharge—are hard to miss, but it’s key to rule out other issues first. A quick vet visit can confirm it’s really an infection, not mites or a foreign object, and that matters for both their comfort and staying on the right side of local pet care guidelines.​

Once your vet gives the go-ahead for at-home care, start with gentle cleaning. Grab a vet-recommended ear cleaner—skip the stuff under your bathroom sink, like alcohol or peroxide, because it burns. Tilt their head, squirt a little in, then massage the base of their ear softly. Let them shake it out and wipe away the gunk with a cotton ball. Q-tips? Big no—they push debris deeper. Stick to once a day; overdoing it irritates already sensitive skin.​

Watch for small wins: less redness, calmer shaking. But if they start scratching more, their ear feels hot, or they seem tired, it’s time to call the vet. Some infections, especially yeast or bacterial ones, need prescription drops—home cleaning alone won’t cut it. Breeds with floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels or Bulldogs, are extra prone because their ears trap moisture, so making checks part of your routine—even when they’re not fussy—saves trouble later.​

Weather and habits play a role too. After a swim or bath, dry their ears well—moisture is a breeding ground for infection. A soft towel works, or a hair dryer on the lowest setting (keep it a few inches away). If your dog loves rolling in grass or mud, a quick ear check afterward catches debris before it turns into a problem.​

Home care thrives on consistency, not speed. Rushing through cleaning or using the wrong products backfires, so take it slow. Ask your vet which cleaners they trust—what’s safe for one dog might irritate another, especially if they have sensitive skin. Following their advice keeps things effective and aligns with what’s expected for responsible pet care in most areas.​

At the end of the day, you’re not trying to replace your vet—just support their treatment. Home care eases discomfort, but knowing when to step back and let the pros take over? That’s part of being a great dog parent. Keep an eye on their cues, have your vet’s number handy, and with a little patience, those ears will be back to normal in no time.