Dog Ear Infection Symptoms, 4 Signs To Look For And Then What To Do.

dog ear infection symptoms

Ear Infections In Dogs

Dog ears are such an amazing part of dog anatomy. However, when infected they can cause lots of problems.

From shaking the ears to a full head tilt, dog ear infection symptoms are not something to be left to their own devices.

A lot of people don’t realize that ear problems are in-fact skin problems. The ear canal is just bone and cartilage covered by skin.

So as you can see skin conditions and skin allergies can indeed present via ear problems and infections.

The Anatomy Of A Dog Ear

The anatomy of a dog ear is different from that of a human, their ears are actually “L” shaped. This makes dog ear infection symptoms, harder to see, and especially so, from just looking at the surface of the ear.

A veterinary otoscope is just to look deep down into the ear canal and gives the vet the chance to see the signs of infection in the ear itself.

diagram of dog ear

Dog Ear Infection Symptoms:

Early Signs Of Ear Infections Include:

Head-Shaking – Flapping the head and ears side to side, or even just little flicks of one ear.

Scratching the ear/s – Or pawing at them with both front and hind paws.

Smelly odor – Coming from the ear itself.

Discharge or redness – When examined noticeable redness, inflammation and discharge coming from the ear/s.

Advanced / Chronic Dog Ear Infection Symptoms.

Head tilting – The ear will be very uncomfortable and inflamed, the dog will likely tilt their head down to the infected ears side, in an attempt at relief.

Balance Issues – Ears play a part in balance, so when severe infection enters the deep middle ear, the dog may struggle with walking and keeping their balance.

Foul odor – By now the infection will be causing a distasteful smell, likely noticeable at even a small distance from the dog.

Facial paralysis – The ear contains sensitive nerves so in cases of severe infection and inflammation, these nerves can become aggravated

Pus, blood or large amounts of discharge coming from ear.

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What To Do When You Notice Dog Ear Infection Symptoms.

Take your dog to the vet.

Ear infections that are left will continue to get worse, so when you notice the early signs go to see your vet.

Be cautious of home remedies, without knowing what’s growing/causing the infection, home remedies, or leftover medications can cause things to become worse and irritate the ear further.

Your vet will look to see what’s causing the infection for example bacteria and yeast are common causes. However, they are treated differently.

Remember Ear Disease / Infection Is A Skin Problem!!

If your dog has suffered from reoccurring ear infections. They likely have an underlying skin condition.

If not addressed or discovered the ear infections will continue to return. Always go looking for the cause!

See the many posts I now call the Problem Skin Journey”. Skin problems are diverse and so there are many reasons your dog could be getting re-occurring ear infections.

Take My Itchy Dog Skin Quiz
9 Questions To Help You Find The Cause Of Your Dogs Skin Problem.

How do you know if your dog has an ear infection?

Early Signs Of Ear Infections Include:
Head-Shaking – Flapping the head and ears side to side, or even just little flicks of one ear.
Scratching the ear/s – Or pawing at them with both front and hind paws.
Smelly odor – Coming from the ear itself.
Discharge or redness – When examined noticeable redness, inflammation, and discharge coming from the ear/s.

What does a dog ear infection look like?

Discharge or redness – When examined noticeable redness, inflammation and discharge coming from the ear/s.
Also Smell, Head shaking and scratching are other common signs to look for.

Is an ear infection in a dog an emergency?

Although not considered and emergency. Ear infections will progress and become worse so should not be left long without proper treatment.

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