How to cure an ear infection in a dog?

A dog’s frequent ear scratching, head shaking, or a foul smell from their ears are clear red flags—chances are, they’re dealing with an ear infection. First, resist the urge to self-treat with home remedies like hydrogen peroxide; these can irritate delicate ear tissue and make the problem worse. Instead, book an appointment with a licensed vet right away—many regions require professional diagnosis for pet health issues, and a vet can tell if it’s bacterial, yeast, or caused by mites.

Once the vet confirms the infection type, they’ll prescribe targeted treatment—usually medicated ear drops or oral meds. Follow the dosage exactly: if the vet says to apply drops twice a day for 10 days, don’t stop early even if your dog seems better. To apply drops correctly, hold your dog’s ear flap up gently, squeeze the recommended amount into the ear canal, then massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds. Let them shake it out afterward—have a towel handy to catch any excess liquid. Also, check local laws about pet medication storage; some areas require prescription meds to be kept out of reach of children and other pets.

Keeping your dog’s ears clean during and after treatment is key to preventing recurrence. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner—avoid products with alcohol, which dries out the ear. For dogs that love swimming or baths (like Labradors or Retrievers), dry their ears thoroughly afterward with a soft cloth or a vet-recommended drying agent. If your dog has floppy ears, lift them occasionally throughout the day to let air circulate—moisture trapped in the ear is a common infection trigger. Remember, over-cleaning can disrupt the ear’s natural balance, so stick to once a week unless your vet advises more.

Watch for signs that the infection isn’t improving: increased redness, swelling, discharge, or your dog avoiding ear touches. If these happen, call your vet immediately—untreated infections can spread to the middle or inner ear, leading to hearing loss or balance issues. Also, be mindful of your dog’s behavior during treatment; if they seem lethargic or stop eating, it could be a side effect of medication—report this to your vet right away. Some areas mandate follow-up vet visits for chronic pet health issues, so don’t skip those even if your dog looks healthy.

With the right vet care and at-home maintenance, most dog ear infections clear up within 1-2 weeks. The key is acting fast, following your vet’s instructions, and staying consistent with prevention. By keeping your dog’s ears clean, dry, and following local pet health laws, you’ll help them stay comfortable and avoid future infections. And since a happy, healthy dog is a playful one, you’ll both be back to your favorite activities—like walks in the park or cuddles on the couch—in no time.