How to treat my dogs ear infection?

If you’ve noticed your dog scratching their ear nonstop, shaking their head more than usual, or catching a whiff of a foul odor from their ears, chances are they’re dealing with an ear infection. It’s one of the most common issues vets see—especially in floppy-eared breeds like Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds—and ignoring it can turn a mild irritation into a painful problem. The first step here isn’t to grab a random cleaner from the shelf; instead, take a breath and remember that proper care starts with understanding what’s going on.

Ear infections in dogs usually happen when moisture, dirt, or bacteria get trapped in the ear canal, which is L-shaped in most pups—making it easy for gunk to build up. For example, if your dog loves swimming or you bathe them often without drying their ears thoroughly, that dampness creates the perfect environment for germs to grow. Before you do anything else, schedule a vet visit: they’ll check if it’s a bacterial infection, yeast overgrowth, or something else and prescribe the right meds—never use human ear drops, as they can hurt your dog.

Once you have your vet’s go-ahead, here’s how to care for your dog’s ears at home. First, gather a vet-recommended ear cleaner and some cotton balls. Hold your dog gently but firmly—if they’re wiggly, ask a friend to help, or give them a small treat to stay calm. Lift their ear flap, squirt a little cleaner into the canal, then massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds—you’ll hear a squelching sound, which is normal. Let your dog shake their head to get rid of excess cleaner, then wipe the inside of the ear flap with a cotton ball. Do this once or twice a day as your vet directs.

While treating the infection, it’s also key to follow local rules and keep your dog comfortable—especially if you live in an apartment. If your dog is in pain, they might be more irritable, so avoid rough play and give them a quiet spot to rest. When you take them outside for walks, keep their ears dry; if it’s rainy, put a waterproof ear cover on them. Also, never punish your dog for scratching their ear—they’re not being naughty, just uncomfortable. Positive training techniques, like rewarding them for sitting still during ear cleanings, will make the process easier for both of you.

Treating your dog’s ear infection takes patience, but with the right vet care and at-home routine, they’ll be back to wagging their tail and playing fetch in no time. The most important thing is to act fast—if you wait, the infection could spread and cause more pain. And once your dog is better, ask your vet about tips, like regular ear cleanings or adjusting their diet if allergies are the root cause. Your dog relies on you to keep them healthy, and a little extra care for their ears will go a long way.