If you’ve ever watched your dog tilt their head like they’re confused, or scratch at their ear until they whimper, you might be seeing signs of an ear infection. New dog owners, like my cousin who has a 1-year-old basset hound named Daisy, often miss these clues at first. Daisy started shaking her head so hard after baths that her floppy ears slapped against her cheeks, and my cousin thought it was just cute—until Daisy yelped when her ear was brushed. A quick vet visit confirmed an infection, and within days of treatment, Daisy was back to her playful self. Knowing the signs of an ear infection can help you get your dog relief fast, before the discomfort gets worse.
Ear infections happen when bacteria, yeast, or even mites take hold in a dog’s ear canal, causing inflammation and pain. Breeds with long, floppy ears (like Daisy) or those who love swimming are more at risk because their ears stay moist, creating a cozy environment for germs. The ear canal is a warm, dark space, and when wax builds up or water gets trapped, it’s the perfect storm. Think of it like getting water stuck in your own ear after a swim—annoying at first, but if it lingers, it can turn into something painful. Your dog can’t tell you their ear hurts, so they show it through their actions.
The first signs to watch for are changes in behavior and physical clues. If your dog is pawing at their ear, shaking their head excessively, or pulling away when you touch their ear, those are red flags. Physically, check for redness inside the ear flap, a foul smell (like rotten cheese), or discharge that’s yellow, brown, or black. Daisy’s ear had a thick, dark discharge and smelled like damp socks—classic signs of a yeast infection. To check safely, gently lift their ear flap (never stick anything inside) in a well-lit area. If you see these signs, call your vet—they’ll clean the ear and prescribe drops or antibiotics. In apartments, dry your dog’s ears thoroughly after baths with a soft towel, and avoid letting them stick their head out car windows (wind can irritate ears).
Caring for a dog with an ear infection ties into responsible pet ownership. Keep their rabies vaccine current—all U.S. states require it, and a healthy immune system helps fight off infections. When walking, carry poop bags (fines for littering hit $150 in many cities) and keep your dog from digging in damp soil, which can introduce germs to their ears. If your dog loves water, use ear drying solutions recommended by your vet after swims to prevent moisture buildup. Never scold a dog for pawing at their ear—they’re in pain, and positive reinforcement (like treats for letting you check their ears) makes care easier. With early detection and treatment, most ear infections clear up quickly, letting your dog get back to chasing squirrels and napping in the sun.
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If you’ve ever watched your dog tilt their head like they’re confused, or scratch at their ear until they whimper, you might be seeing signs of an ear infection.
