Signs of Ear Infection in Dogs: How to Tell If Your Dog Has an Ear Infection

How Common Are Ear Infections in Dogs?

Ear infections (otitis externa) are one of the top reasons dogs visit the vet. Studies suggest up to 20% of dogs are affected at any given time. Floppy-eared breeds, dogs that swim frequently, and dogs with allergies are at highest risk. Catching an ear infection early makes treatment much easier.

10 Signs of Ear Infection in Dogs

1. Head Shaking

Frequent, vigorous head shaking is one of the most obvious signs of ear discomfort. Your dog is trying to dislodge whatever is bothering them inside the ear canal.

2. Scratching at the Ear

Pawing at one or both ears, or rubbing the ear against furniture or the floor, indicates itching or pain inside the ear.

3. Dark, Waxy, or Crumbly Discharge

A small amount of light-colored wax is normal. Dark brown, black, or crumbly discharge — especially with an odor — indicates infection. Dark, coffee-ground-like discharge often suggests ear mites.

4. Foul Odor

A yeasty, musty, or foul smell coming from the ear is a reliable sign of infection. Bacterial infections tend to smell more pungent; yeast infections have a characteristic sweet or musty odor.

5. Redness or Swelling Inside the Ear

Gently lift the ear flap and look inside. Healthy ear canals are pale pink. Redness, swelling, or visible inflammation indicates infection or irritation.

6. Pain When the Ear Is Touched

If your dog flinches, pulls away, whimpers, or snaps when you touch or handle the ear, they're in pain. This is a sign the infection may be moderate to severe.

7. Head Tilting

Tilting the head to one side — especially persistently — can indicate an inner or middle ear infection, which is more serious than outer ear infection and requires prompt veterinary care.

8. Loss of Balance or Coordination

Stumbling, circling, or falling to one side alongside ear symptoms indicates the infection has spread to the inner ear, affecting balance. This is an urgent situation — see a vet immediately.

9. Swollen or Thickened Ear Flap

A swollen, fluid-filled ear flap (aural hematoma) can develop when a dog shakes their head so violently that blood vessels in the ear flap rupture. This requires veterinary treatment.

10. Rubbing Face on the Ground

Dogs with ear pain sometimes rub the side of their face on carpet or grass to relieve discomfort. Combined with other ear symptoms, this is a clear signal.

Types of Dog Ear Infections

• Bacterial: Most common. Pungent smell, yellow or green discharge.
• Yeast (Malassezia): Sweet or musty smell, dark brown discharge, often linked to allergies.
• Ear mites: Dark, crumbly, coffee-ground discharge, intense itching, highly contagious.
• Mixed: Bacterial and yeast together — common in chronic cases.

How to Check Your Dog's Ears at Home

1. Gently lift the ear flap in good lighting
2. Look at the color of the skin inside — should be pale pink
3. Check for discharge, odor, or swelling
4. Gently press the base of the ear — a healthy ear won't cause pain

👂 Recommended Tool: Dr Mom Pocket Veterinary LED Otoscope — Lets you see deep into the ear canal at home. Helps you assess severity before deciding whether to treat at home or visit the vet.

Home Treatment for Mild Ear Infections

🧼 Recommended: Virbac EPIOTIC Advanced Ear Cleanser — Gentle yet powerful ear cleaner for dogs and cats. Removes wax and debris, reduces odor, and discourages bacterial and yeast growth.

See our full step-by-step guide on how to treat dog ear infection at home.

When to See a Vet

• Head tilting or loss of balance
• Severe pain or swelling
• Bloody or very thick discharge
• No improvement after 2–3 days of home cleaning
• Recurring infections
• Suspected ear mites (need prescription treatment)