What to Do If Your Dog Has an Ear Infection: A Guide for Dog Owners
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Time to read 4 min
If your dog’s been scratching their ears more than usual, shaking their head like mad, or you’ve noticed a strange smell wafting from their ears — it might be more than just a bit of wax. Ear infections in dogs are common and uncomfortable, but thankfully, they’re also treatable. Here’s everything you need to know (and do!) if you suspect your dog has an ear infection.
Spotting the Signs: How to Tell If Your Dog Has an Ear Infection
Before you can help, you need to recognise the symptoms. Some of the most common signs of a canine ear infection include:
Excessive scratching or pawing at the ear
Head shaking or tilting
Redness or swelling in or around the ear
A yeasty or unpleasant smell
Discharge that’s yellow, brown or bloody
Sensitivity or pain when you touch their ears
Loss of balance or hearing (in more severe cases)
If your dog is showing any of these signs, don’t wait too long to act — the sooner you get it sorted, the better for your dog.
Step 1: Book a Visit to the Vet
Ear infections aren’t something you should try to fix on your own. Your vet will examine your dog’s ear canal (usually using an otoscope) to check how deep the infection goes and what’s causing it — it might be bacteria, yeast, or even an allergy.
In some cases, your vet might take a swab to be analysed under a microscope, or they could send it to a lab for further testing. This ensures the right type of treatment is prescribed.
Step 2: Follow the Treatment Plan to a T
Depending on the cause and severity, your dog might be given:
Ear drops (to fight infection and reduce inflammation)
Oral medications (especially for more serious or recurring infections)
Ear cleansers (to keep things clean and help the medication work properly)
Stick to the full course, even if symptoms improve quickly. Stopping too soon can lead to the infection coming back — and possibly worse.
Step 3: Keep Those Ears Clean (But Gently!)
Once your vet gives the green light, regular ear cleaning can help prevent future infections. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and follow these steps:
Squeeze the cleaner into your dog’s ear canal (don’t worry, it might feel strange for them).
Massage the base of the ear to loosen any debris.
Let your dog shake it out — they’ll do it instinctively.
Wipe away any gunk with a soft cotton pad or gauze (never use cotton buds!).
Don’t over-clean though! Too much fiddling can actually irritate the ear canal.
Step 4: Understand the Underlying Cause
If ear infections are a recurring issue, there could be an underlying trigger. Some common causes include:
Allergies (to food, pollen, or dust mites)
Excessive hair in the ears (especially in breeds like Poodles and Schnauzers)
Moisture build-up (common in dogs who swim a lot)
Mites (tiny parasites that cause intense itching)
Your vet can help identify what’s going on and guide you on how to manage or avoid future flare-ups.
Prevention Tips for Happy, Healthy Ears
Once your dog’s ear infection is treated, keeping it from coming back is key. Here are a few tried-and-tested tips to help prevent future flare-ups:
Dry their ears thoroughly after baths or swimming — moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.
Trim any excess hair around the ear canal, especially in breeds prone to hairy ears.
Regularly check for signs of redness, discharge, or bad odours.
Clean ears weekly using a vet-recommended ear cleaner (but only if advised by your vet).
Feed a high-quality diet to support their immune system from the inside out.
Boost Their Gut = Protect Their Ears
Did you know your dog’s ear health is closely linked to their gut health? A balanced gut microbiome helps support the immune system, which in turn can help reduce inflammation and sensitivity — especially in dogs prone to allergies or chronic infections.
Our Super Tummy Daily Plus is a fantastic daily supplement that supports your dog’s gut health with a powerful blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics . These friendly microbes:
Help maintain a balanced gut microbiome
Support your dog’s natural defences against yeast and bacteria
Reduce the likelihood of recurring ear infections linked to allergies or sensitivities
Promote overall health and wellbeing, from the inside out
Adding Super Tummy Daily Plus to your dog’s routine is a simple yet powerful way to keep them feeling — and hearing — their best.
When in Doubt, Speak to Your Vet
Your dog’s ears are delicate — so if something doesn’t look or smell right, don’t wait it out. Early intervention means less discomfort for your pup and less stress for you.
Got questions or a particularly wriggly pooch who hates ear drops? Speak to your vet for tips or demonstrations. You’re not alone in this!
Final Woof
An ear infection might sound scary at first — and let’s be honest, it’s no walk in the park for your pup — but with the right care, it’s absolutely manageable. Whether it’s their first flare-up or a stubborn, recurring issue, acting quickly and following through on treatment can make a world of difference to your dog’s comfort and wellbeing.
As dog parents, we know how easy it is to spot when something’s "off" — those sad eyes, the head shaking, the pawing at their ears. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait it out. A quick vet visit, a dose of TLC, and some gut-loving support like Super Tummy Daily Plus could be all it takes to turn things around.
And remember: prevention is always better than cure. Keeping those ears dry, clean, and supported from the inside out can help your dog live a happier, itch-free life. Just like us, dogs thrive when their bodies are in balance — and it all starts with good gut health and regular care.
So here’s to healthy ears, waggy tails, and many more snuggles (without the ear fuss)!
