The short version
The ear canal carries sound to the eardrum. The most common disorder of this canal in dogs is otitis externa—inflammation of the ear canal’s lining.
Signs include head shaking, foul odor, skin redness, swelling, scratching, ear discharge, and scaly skin. The ear can be painful or itchy. One or both ears can be affected, and signs can be sudden or ongoing.
Treatment
Treatment requires finding and correcting underlying causes and relieving pain. Hair around the ear is usually clipped for better cleaning and treatment. Hair inside the ear canal can be removed under anesthesia when needed.
Topical medications (applied to the skin) can be inactivated by discharge or wax, so vets usually clean and dry the ear before treatment. Dogs with painful ears often need anesthesia for proper cleaning. Follow your vet’s instructions for home cleaning.
Ideally, topical medication should coat the canal lining as a thin film. Medication given by mouth or injection might be added for long-term inflammation or suspected middle-ear inflammation. Most ear drops combine antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-inflammatories, and your vet will choose an appropriate product.
Preventive Care
Preventing outer ear inflammation involves regular ear checks for temperature change, skin discoloration, sudden presence of moisture, or other changes. Prompt veterinary attention is needed when changes appear. If your dog often develops ear infections, your vet may ask you to clean the dog's ears regularly. If you clean your dog's ears, be sure to follow your vet's instructions carefully.
How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Don't use anything that pushes debris deeper in the canal. Don't use cotton swabs.
Use real cotton balls (not polyester or other synthetics) and an ear-cleaning solution recommended by your vet (saline eye solution from a pharmacy is often suggested). Avoid over-the-counter wax removers unless your vet approves.
Put enough cleaner in the ear to fill the canal. Gently massage the base of the ear until you hear the solution “squish.”
Frequently asked questions
Ear infections otitis externa dog?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. The ear canal carries sound to the eardrum. The most common disorder of this canal in dogs is otitis externa—inflammation of the ear canal’s lining.… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.
Otitis externa dog ear infection treatment?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. The ear canal carries sound to the eardrum. The most common disorder of this canal in dogs is otitis externa—inflammation of the ear canal’s lining.… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.
Otitis externa dog cause?
The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. The ear canal carries sound to the eardrum. The most common disorder of this canal in dogs is otitis externa—inflammation of the ear canal’s lining.… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.