How to Tell If Your Dog's Ears Are Infected

Ear infections are one of the most common health issues in dogs — and one of the most painful if left untreated. Knowing the warning signs early can save your dog from weeks of discomfort and prevent a minor issue from becoming a serious one.

Common Signs of a Dog Ear Infection

Behavioral Signs

• Scratching at the ear — frequent, persistent scratching with the back paw
• Head shaking — repeatedly shaking the head, especially after being touched near the ear
• Head tilting — holding the head to one side consistently
• Rubbing the ear on furniture or the floor
• Crying or pulling away when the ear is touched
• Loss of balance or disorientation (sign of a deeper infection)

Physical Signs

• Redness or swelling inside the ear flap or canal opening
• Dark brown or black discharge — often looks like coffee grounds (may indicate yeast or mites)
• Yellow or green discharge — suggests bacterial infection
• Strong, unpleasant odor coming from the ear
• Crusting or scabbing around the ear opening
• Hair loss around the ear from excessive scratching

Types of Dog Ear Infections

• Bacterial infections — often cause yellow/green discharge and strong odor
• Yeast infections — dark discharge, musty smell, common in dogs with floppy ears or allergies
• Ear mites — dark, crumbly discharge resembling coffee grounds; highly contagious between pets
• Mixed infections — bacterial and yeast together, common in chronic cases

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

• Dogs with floppy ears (Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Poodles)
• Dogs that swim frequently
• Dogs with allergies (food or environmental)
• Dogs with narrow ear canals
• Dogs with excessive hair inside the ear canal

What to Do If You Suspect an Infection

Do not attempt to clean an infected ear at home — you can push debris deeper and worsen the infection. See your vet for diagnosis and treatment. Ear infections require prescription medication (antifungal, antibiotic, or anti-parasitic drops) to resolve properly.

Prevention: Keep Ears Clean and Dry

Regular ear cleaning with a vet-approved solution like Virbac EPIOTIC Advanced Ear Cleanser is the best way to prevent infections. It maintains the ear's natural pH, removes excess wax, and dries quickly to discourage bacterial and yeast growth.

Final Thoughts

Trust your instincts — if your dog is uncomfortable around their ears, something is wrong. Early detection and a vet visit are always the right call. Prevention through regular cleaning is far easier (and cheaper) than treating a full-blown infection.