Chronic ear infection in dogs
Otitis is the second most common cause of veterinary consultation in dogs. Can be acute (days) or chronic (weeks/months). Never use cleaner or medication without cytology — each type (bacteria, Malassezia fungus, mite) requires specific medication.
🚦 Urgency triage: yellow vs red flag
🟡 Yellow flag — monitor / vet in 24-72h
- mild smell / increased wax / itching 1x day
🔴 Red flag — emergency NOW
- persistent head tilt / bleeding / pain on touch
Signs of otitis
- Dog constantly shakes head
- Scratches ear with paw
- Head tilted to one side
- Strong unpleasant ear odor
- Discharge (brown, yellow, bloody)
- Redness inside pinna
- Pain when touching ear (cries, bites)
- Hearing loss
Most affected breeds
- Cocker Spaniel (moist floppy ear)
- Labrador (frequent swimming)
- Golden Retriever
- Bulldog (narrow canal)
- Basset Hound
- Poodle (hair in canal)
- Shar-Pei (canal folds)
Treatment and care
| Type | Cause | Typical treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial | Bacteria (Pseudomonas, Staph) | Topical antibiotic + oral if severe |
| Fungal | Malassezia (fungus) | Topical antifungal + cleaning |
| Mite (Otodectes) | Parasite | Ivermectin + cleaning |
| Allergic | Atopy, food | Treat underlying allergy + topical |
| Foreign body | Seeds, hair | Removal under sedation |
Correct home cleaning
- Use ONLY vet-prescribed cleaner
- Fill canal (2-3 drops for small, 5-6 for large)
- Massage ear base for 30 seconds
- Let dog shake head
- Clean only VISIBLE part with cotton (never deep cotton swab)
- Do 1x/week if prone breed, or as vet directs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean dog's ear?
No. Peroxide irritates inflamed tissue and can cause burns. Use only veterinary ear cleaners (Epi-Otic, MalAcetic).
Do dogs that swim a lot always get otitis?
Predisposition yes, but not mandatory. Drying ears well after swimming and bath with absorbent towel drastically reduces risk.
Does otitis spread to humans or other pets?
Bacterial otitis doesn't spread. Ear mites can transmit to other dogs/cats via direct contact. Malassezia isn't transmissible.
How much does otitis treatment cost?
Consult + cytology: $50-150. 15-day topical medication: $30-80. Oral antibiotic if needed: $40-100. Typical total: $120-330.
Does recurrent otitis always come back?
Only if underlying cause isn't treated. Allergic otitis returns until atopy is treated. Predisposing anatomy may require permanent care.