Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?
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Overview
If your dog keeps getting ear infections, there’s usually an underlying reason rather than bad luck. Common causes include moisture in the ear, allergies, excess wax, ear shape, foreign material or a skin problem that keeps the ear irritated.
You can often spot useful clues at home, but you usually can’t tell the exact cause just by looking. Repeated infections are worth taking seriously because they often come back if the underlying trigger isn’t addressed.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the problem seems to flare up after swimming, bathing, muddy walks or wet weather.
2. Look for redness, swelling, discharge, a bad smell, scratching or head shaking.
3. Notice whether one ear or both ears are affected, as that can give a useful clue.
4. Check for other itchiness, licking, paw chewing or skin irritation, which can point to a wider skin issue.
5. See whether your dog has floppy ears, lots of hair in the ears or narrow ear canals, as these can make ears harder to keep dry and airy.
6. Think about any recent changes in food, treats, bedding, grooming products or flea control that line up with the problem starting.
7. If you’ve been cleaning the ears, note whether the problem seems to come back soon afterwards, as the routine or product may not be suitable.
Common Causes
One of the most common reasons is moisture trapped in the ear after swimming, bathing or getting very wet.
Allergies are another frequent cause, including environmental allergies and sometimes food-related sensitivity. These often show up as recurring ear irritation along with skin itching.
Wax build-up and poor air flow in the ear can also make infections more likely, especially in dogs with floppy ears or hairy ear canals.
Less commonly, a foreign body, such as grass seed, or an underlying skin condition may be involved. Repeated infections can also happen if an earlier problem never fully settled.
What To Do
Keep a simple record of when the ear problems appear, which ear is affected and what was happening beforehand. That often helps spot patterns.
Keep the ears as dry as you reasonably can after bathing or wet walks, and avoid putting anything into the ear unless you’ve been shown how to do it safely.
If your dog is prone to ear issues, stay alert for early changes such as extra scratching, head shaking or a slight smell, because early care is often easier than waiting until the ear is very sore.
Review your dog’s wider routine too, including skin care, grooming and any signs of allergy or irritation elsewhere on the body.
If the same problem keeps returning, it’s sensible to ask your vet to check for an underlying cause rather than just treating each flare-up separately.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the ear is very painful, your dog is holding the head to one side, there’s a strong smell or thick discharge, or the problem keeps coming back. Repeated ear infections often need the underlying cause checking, and the sooner that happens, the easier they can be to manage.
Products That May Help
For dogs with recurring ear issues, gentle grooming and regular ear-care routines can help support day-to-day hygiene and make it easier to keep an eye on changes.
Related Questions
Why does my dog keep shaking their head?
How can I tell if my dog has an ear infection?
Should I clean my dog’s ears at home?
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.