Head Shaking and Smelly Ears: Recognising Ear Infections in Dogs

In this guide

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs are brought to Indian vet clinics, and humidity plays a real role in that. Floppy eared breeds and dogs that swim or get frequently bathed are especially prone.

What causes them

• Bacterial or yeast overgrowth, often encouraged by trapped moisture and warmth
• Ear mites, more common in puppies and dogs with outdoor exposure
• Allergies, food or environmental, which frequently show up first as recurrent ear trouble rather than skin itching
• Excess hair or wax buildup in breeds with hairy ear canals
• Foreign material such as grass seeds or dust lodged in the canal

Signs to watch for

• Head shaking or tilting
• Scratching at the ear repeatedly
• A strong, yeasty, or unpleasant odour from the ear
• Redness, swelling, or visible discharge, brown, yellow, or black depending on the cause
• Sensitivity or pain when the ear or base of the ear is touched
• Rubbing the ear against furniture or the floor

Home care versus vet care

Mild, occasional buildup can be managed with a vet approved ear cleaner after swimming or bathing, used to dry the canal and prevent overgrowth before it starts. An active infection, however, with odour, discharge, or visible discomfort, needs a vet visit, since the correct treatment depends entirely on whether the underlying cause is bacterial, yeast, mite, or allergy related, and using the wrong treatment can let the problem worsen or become chronic.

Prevention in India's humidity

• Dry ears thoroughly after every bath or swim, especially in floppy eared breeds
• Trim or pluck excess hair in the ear canal in breeds prone to this, as advised by your groomer or vet
• Schedule a routine ear check as part of every grooming session
• Address recurring ear infections as a potential allergy sign rather than treating each episode in isolation

Common Questions

Q: Can I clean my dog's ears too often? A: Yes, over-cleaning healthy ears can cause irritation, so it is worth following your vet's guidance on frequency rather than cleaning daily by default.

Q: Do all floppy eared breeds need a routine ear cleaning schedule? A: Most benefit from at least a light routine, especially after swimming or bathing, given how much moisture their ear shape traps.

Article content © S Vejay Anand. All rights reserved.