The most common ear problems in dogs

Why do dogs have ear problems?

Not all dogs are prone to ear problems. However, in some dogs, specific ear structure or underlying health problems increase the likelihood of ear infections or ear problems. 

Up to 7% of dogs suffer from ear infections each year. Dogs with droopy or V-shaped ears (e.g. Basset Hounds) are at higher risk of ear infections than dogs with "up" ears (e.g. German Shepherds). This is due to several factors, including limited air circulation, increased moisture retention and the specific anatomy of the ear canals.

Breeds with a higher risk of ear infections include:

• Basset
• Chinese Shar-Pei
• Labrador
• Beagle
• Golden Retriever

In addition, some medical conditions, such as allergies in dogs and hypothyroidism in dogs, disrupt the normal skin barrier, including the lining of the ear canal. As a result, dogs with these diseases are more likely to develop ear infections. 

Common ear problems in dogs

Below, we will cover six common ear problems in dogs, but keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive. If you notice an unpleasant odor coming from your dog's ear, redness, dirt buildup or other changes in the ear, be sure to make an appointment with your veterinarian. 

Ear infections

If your dog has a red, painful ear with an unpleasant odor and accumulated debris, he probably has an ear infection. Your veterinarian can diagnose an ear infection at the clinic by looking at a swab of debris from the ear under a microscope. Ear infections can affect one or both ears. Both variants are common. 

Untreated ear infections can cause permanent changes to the ear canal, such as thickening of the skin. This can then lead to narrowing of the ear canal, which can result in the dog becoming deaf. In addition, some ear infections can penetrate through the eardrum into the middle or inner ear, which can cause balance problems in the dog.

Ear scabies

The scabies mite is a parasitic mite that causes a disease called scabies. It is an ectoparasite in the family of the hookworms that lives in the upper layers of the skin, where it burrows tunnels that cause itching. It feeds on tissue fluid and loose cornified skin. It produces waste and excretions that contribute to the formation of dark, crumbly material. A veterinarian can easily diagnose the presence of mange by looking at a sample of sebum from the dog's ear under a microscope.

Ear scabies is transmissible from one animal to another and can lead to infections. Dogs of any age can get it, but it is more common in puppies. Ear scabies causes intense itching, so affected dogs usually scratch their ears a lot.

Allergies

Allergies in dogs are most often manifested by skin and ear problems. Dogs may have allergies to dust or pollen from the environment, food allergies or allergic reactions to parasites such as dermatitis caused by flea bites.

If the dog's ear is only red, itchy, but free of dirt, this may be evidence of an allergy. Allergies in dogs often lead to ear infections. In dogs that have repeated ear infections, allergy is often the main cause. A veterinarian can help determine the type of allergy and the treatment that may be effective for the animal.

Tumours of the ear

Ear tumors are growths on the pinna or inside the ear. Growths can be benign or malignant. Non-malignant tumours, such as warts or polyps, may grow larger but are unlikely to spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumours are cancerous, which means they can spread further in the body.

Tumors cause ear problems in several ways. They can directly change the structure of the ear. For example, if they grow inside the ear canal, they can block it completely, leading to the accumulation of debris and infections. Tumors deep in the ear can affect some sensitive structures of the ear, such as the eardrum, which affects how well the dog hears.

Tumors affecting the inner ear can also affect the dog's balance. Tumors on the pinna or in the canal can be itchy or painful, which can lead to scratching and head shaking.

Haematomas in the ear

Ear hematomas are accumulations of blood in the ear lobe that form a soft, fluid-filled lump. Hematomas are caused by excessive head shaking and ear scratching, which causes injury to the ear lobe.

Treatment of an ear hematoma can be surgical or medical depending on the recommendation of the veterinarian. An untreated ear hematoma can lead to scarring that distorts the appearance of the ear lobe.

If a dog has ear mites or an ear infection, they need to be treated to prevent recurrence of ear hematomas and further damage to the ear.

Vestibular diseases

Vestibular disease is a category of disorders that affects a dog's balance and coordination. In most cases, the cause of vestibular disease is unknown and the condition will improve on its own. However, infections of the middle and inner ear are a common cause of vestibular disease.

In dogs with vestibular disease caused by middle and inner ear infections, head tilt, involuntary eye movement (nystagmus) and unsteady gait (ataxia) are common. The dog may roll repeatedly, fall to one side or circle.

Inflammations of the middle and inner ear are sometimes difficult to treat. Some cases may require surgery to clear the affected area.

Symptoms of ear problems in dogs

Symptoms of ear problems in dogs may include:

• Waxy or lumpy debris in the ear canal
• Redness of the ear
• Unpleasant or yeasty ear odour
• Excessive head shaking
• Scratching on the ear
• Pain on touching the affected ear
• Visible growth on the ear or inside the ear
• Injury behind the ear from scratching
• Loss of hair or scaling of the ear lobe
• Earlobe swelling
• Loss of balance and coordination, rolling or falling.
• Unintentional eye movement (nystagmus)
• Head tilt

How to treat ear problems in dogs

If you observe any problems with your dog's ears, contact your vet. In the case of a ruptured eardrum, it may not be safe to apply certain cleaning agents and medications to the dog's ear. These may cause hearing loss or changes in the animal's balance. Always check with your veterinarian before applying anything to the ear canal.

If your dog scratches his ears excessively, consider wearing a protective collar to prevent him from doing so.

Warning: This article is for information only and does not replace professional consultation or examination of the animal by a veterinarian. If you have any doubts about the health of your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately. 

06.01.2025