Dog Ear Infections: 6 Signs to Watch For

Although you might not realize it, it is possible for dogs to develop ear infections, and some are more prone to this condition than others. Dogs who have floppy ears that can trap moisture and bacteria may be more likely to develop ear infections, but any dog can come down with this problem at any point.

In the article below, you’ll find information about six of the most common signs of ear infections in dogs. You can use this information to help you figure out when it might be time to seek medical help for your pet’s health problems.

1. Pawing the Ear

One of the most common signs of ear infections in dogs is pawing at the ear. If your dog’s ear is hurting, itching, or feels like it’s filled with fluid, your pet will likely paw at it frequently. She might also scratch it often, and some dogs have been known to scratch their ears so much that they cause them to bleed.

Pawing the ear obsessively like this can also be a sign of mites or ticks in the ear, so it’s important to take your pet to the veterinarian to be checked out if she is exhibiting this symptom.

2. Head Tilt or Shake

If your pet’s ear is hurting her, she might also tilt her head to one side to try to relieve the pressure. She might shake her head frequently as well, particularly if the infection is causing fluid on her ear.

Both symptoms are nothing to worry about if your dog only does them in moderation. If she’s doing either of these things regularly, however, then it’s probably time to go to the vet and have her ears checked out by a professional.

3. Aggression or Fear

Dogs who are in pain may become extremely aggressive, especially if the part of their body that hurts is threatened. If you try to touch your dog’s ear and she growls, snaps, or tries to bite, then this might mean her ear is hurting and she could be at risk of infection.

The same is true of fear. If your dog cowers away when you try to touch her ear, or if she is hiding a lot more often than is normal for her throughout the day, she may be in pain. In this case, she’ll also need to see a veterinarian.

4. Hot to the Touch

Some ear infections can become so severe that they cause the dog’s ear to become hot to the touch. If your dog’s ear is warmer than the rest of her body, and if it’s warmer than normal for her ears, then this is a good indicator that she has an ear infection.

Check your dog for other signs of ear infection as well, especially if this is the only symptom you notice. You might also want to check the temperature of her ear to the touch at other points throughout the day to be sure it is consistently warm.

5. Swollen or Oozing

Ear infections may cause dogs’ ears to become severely swollen, especially in later stages of the infection. If your dog’s ear is very swollen, and especially if that swelling is accompanied by other symptoms listed here, an ear infection could be the cause. Oozing pus or fluid from the ear is another common symptom.

Both signs, however, can also be associated with injuries to the inside of your dog’s ear. Try to look carefully at her ear to determine whether she has been injured, as this can help you figure out when an infection might be happening.

6. Bad Smell

Finally, a dog with an ear infection also tends to have a strong, foul smell coming from inside her ear. This is because of the buildup of bacteria present at the site of the infection, and it’s usually obvious that your dog’s ear doesn’t smell the way it normally should.

If you notice a strong smell coming from your dog’s ear, even if she isn’t showing other symptoms listed here, it’s a good time to go to the vet. This symptom usually means something isn’t quite right somewhere, and she will probably need antibiotics to help clear up the problem, whatever it might be.

In Conclusion

As with any questions or concerns about your dog’s health, be sure to talk to your Boston Veterinary Clinic vet if you’re worried. Your vet can do a thorough exam of your dog in person and let you know what, if anything, might be going on with her health.

Additionally, your vet can recommend accurate and specific treatment or management options that work for your individual dog’s needs. By taking your dog to a trusted vet, you’ll be able to get the right information about your pet and help her get back on the road to health in no time as well.

Use the online form to book an appointment at Boston Veterinary Clinic for your dog’s ear infection!