When should I contact a vet for my dog’s ear infection?
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Overview
If your dog’s ear looks sore, smells strong, has discharge, or they’re shaking their head a lot, it’s sensible to contact a vet. Ear infections can have several causes, and while some signs are mild, others need proper treatment to avoid ongoing discomfort.
You can often check the ear at home, but you can’t reliably tell how deep the problem goes or whether there’s a wax build-up, inflammation, mites, a foreign body, or a more complex infection. If it’s not improving quickly, or your dog seems painful, a vet visit is the right next step.
Things To Check
1. Notice whether your dog is scratching at one ear, shaking their head, or tilting it more than usual.
2. Look for redness, swelling, heat, discharge, scabs, or a bad smell from the ear.
3. Check whether your dog seems bothered when you touch the ear or head, which can suggest soreness.
4. See if the problem is only in one ear or both, as that can help you describe it clearly to the vet.
5. Think about whether it started after swimming, bathing, grooming, wet weather, or lots of time outdoors.
6. Watch for changes in behaviour such as restlessness, reduced appetite, or seeming flat and uncomfortable.
7. Note how long it has been going on and whether it is getting better, staying the same, or worsening.
8. Check whether there is any visible object, trapped debris, or obvious injury, but don’t probe inside the ear.
Common Causes
The most common cause is irritation and infection linked to moisture, wax build-up, or an underlying skin issue. Dogs with floppy ears can be more prone to this, but any dog can be affected.
Ear mites are another possible cause, especially if there’s dark debris and intense scratching, although they’re more common in some dogs than others.
Allergies, foreign material, a scratch inside the ear, or changes in the ear canal can also lead to signs that look like an infection. Sometimes what looks like a simple ear infection is part of a longer-running issue that needs a proper exam.
What To Do
Keep the ear dry and avoid putting anything into the ear canal unless your vet has told you to do so. You can gently note what you’re seeing, including smell, discharge, head shaking, and whether one or both ears are involved.
If your dog is comfortable, you can carefully look at the outer ear only. If the ear seems painful, swollen, or your dog won’t let you near it, it’s best to arrange veterinary advice rather than trying to manage it yourself.
Try to reduce anything that may be making it worse, such as repeated wetting, muddy walks without drying afterwards, or rough grooming around the ear. If symptoms are persistent, returning, or clearly uncomfortable, a vet can check the cause and advise the right treatment.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the ear smells strong, has discharge, looks swollen, or your dog seems painful, especially if the signs are getting worse or not improving within a day or two. You should also book a vet visit sooner if your dog is head tilting, losing balance, has blood coming from the ear, or won’t let you touch the area.
If your dog has repeated ear problems, your vet can look for an underlying cause rather than just treating the symptoms.
Products That May Help
Useful ear and grooming routines can make it easier to keep an eye on skin, coat and hygiene concerns between vet checks.
Related Questions
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Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.