Understanding Otitis Externa in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

There’s nothing better than seeing a healthy, tail-wagging pup living their best life. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the little things when it comes to your dog’s wellbeing—including their ears. Dogs rely on their delicate ear canals to properly hear their favorite squeaky toys, but ears have countless important functions for your pup. If you notice redness, swelling, or excessive scratching or shaking, these may be a sign of an otitis externa dog ear infection. What should you do to remedy this? Read on for our comprehensive guide to identifying and treating dog ear infections (and preventing them in the first place).

Otitis externa is a bacterial infection in the outer ear. Dogs have L-shaped ear canals which can trap bacteria and moisture; this makes the ears prone to blockage, fluid buildup, and inflammation. While otitis externa starts in the ear canal or outer ear, if untreated, it can lead to middle or inner ear infections.¹ Otitis externa can be acute (a short-term or one-off infection) or chronic (a case of persistent or recurrent inflammation).² While otitis externa has a number of potential causes (more on that below), some breeds are more predisposed than others, such as¹:

• Dogs with long, floppy ears – Cocker spaniels, Basset hounds, beagles
• Dogs with hairy ears – Poodles, labradoodles, Old English sheepdogs
• Dogs with small ear canals – Shar peis, bulldogs

That said, any dog can develop otitis externa.

Pups do their best to find every adventure (and mess) they can get their paws on. Unfortunately, they can pick up an infection just about anywhere. As a bacterial disease, otitis externa has lots of possible causes and irritants. In addition to natural predisposition, there are a variety of environmental and infectious factors that can cause otitis externa²:

• Ear mites – These parasites are especially common in puppies. A vet can identify ear mites with the help of a microscope.
• Allergies – Food or environmental allergies can lead to immune weaknesses and (eventually) infections. Allergy tests can determine if your dog is allergic to an ingredient in their kibble, for instance.
• Excess ear wax – Blockages in the external ear canal can lead to moisture retention—and bacteria love a warm, wet environment.
• Foreign objects – As dogs romp around the park, getting grass or mud stuck in their ear can lead to otitis externa.
• Bacteria – Consistent high bacteria counts in a dog’s ear can worsen inflammation or cause inner ear infections that then spread to the outer ear canal.

It’s important to be aware of breed conditions (e.g., floppy or hairy ears) and keep a keen eye out for other potential factors to both identify and prevent otitis externa.

Let’s cover some of the most common signs of otitis externa in your furry friend. Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the level of inflammation in the ear. If your dog is experiencing any of the following, they may be suffering from otitis externa.¹

• Excessive scratching or shaking – It’s normal for dogs to soothe an itch or shake off after a nap; but if they’re doing so more frequently than normal, this discomfort could signal an ear problem.
• Inflammation – Redness and swelling both point to an inflammation of the ear canal potentially caused by otitis externa.
• Odor – Chances are you’re pretty attuned to eau de dog, and you’ll be able to tell if anything is out of the ordinary. If your dog’s ears smell stronger than usual, there may be a bacterial issue at play.
• Cauliflower ear – This type of swelling looks exactly like how it sounds. As the ear canal becomes progressively more blocked and swollen, the affected ear crinkles and thickens until it resembles a cauliflower head.
• Discharge – Just like in humans, routine wax buildup is normal. But excessive or thick discharge is not, especially if it looks like mucus.
• Hearing loss – You may be familiar with your dog’s so-called selective hearing (ignoring commands to come inside but perking right up at the mention of treats). But if their external ear canal is blocked, you may notice that they start to experience all-around hearing loss, which can impact their safety.

• Pain – Otitis externa can cause light discomfort or severe pain. You may notice your dog flinching away when pet on the head, losing interest in playing, or even showing uncharacteristic signs of aggression. Other signs a dog is in pain include whimpering, restlessness, and avoidance.

Knowing how to detect these symptoms early on is key to treating infections proactively and prioritizing your dog’s comfort.

Diagnosing otitis externa as early as possible is crucial to preventing severe side effects or long-term complications. You’re likely an expert on your dog’s typical behavior, so you’ll probably notice if they’re acting out of the ordinary. This behavioral awareness alone could help you discover otitis externa. However, it’s also important to routinely inspect and clean your dog’s ears to proactively prevent discomfort or infection. When it comes to regular dog ear cleaning, try the Vetericyn Antimicrobial Ear Rinse, an at-home formula that can support:

• Routine care and wellness
• Itch relief
• Particle and excess wax flushing
• Preventative maintenance

No matter which product you choose, regular rinsing is a great way to prevent buildup and keep your dog’s ear canals in tip-top shape.

Detecting otitis externa early on minimizes the risk of related infections. For instance, it’s common for otitis externa to lead to otitis media, a middle ear infection that causes further inflammation and carries a higher risk of hearing loss. Studies show that 50% of dogs with otitis externa develop otitis media, which is why early detection and proper care are crucial. Left untreated, otitis externa can also cause otitis interna: an inner ear infection.² Less common but even more serious, otitis interna can cause long-term hearing loss and other health issues for pups. However, it’s treatable: if you suspect that your dog has a severe ear infection, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.

You’ve noticed some head-shaking and extra scratching. After a quick peek under your dog’s ear flaps, you discover some redness and swelling—and you suspect a case of otitis externa. Luckily, external ear infections are relatively simple to treat at home; with proper care, your pup will be good as new in no time. Let’s break down what that treatment process looks like and what to do if you suspect that their infection has worsened.

So, how to treat a dog infection without a vet? If you notice signs of otitis externa, consider using a specialized ear solution to provide immediate relief and pave the way for healing. Try Vetericyn’s Triple-Action Ear Treatment: a formula designed to:

• Relieve itching
• Flush out wax, dirt, and debris buildup
• Reduce swelling
• Soothe irritation and ear inflammation

This 7-day formula is the perfect first step for treating otitis externa. Triple-Action Ear Treatment contains a powerful blend of hydrocortisone, Otizyme™, and Botaniplex™ to relieve the itch, remove buildup, and aid natural healing

In some cases, at-home ear treatments aren’t enough to totally nip an infection in the bud. If your pup’s symptoms have intensified or they’re battling repeat infections, it’s time to seek professional help. During your visit, a vet will:

• Examine your dog’s ears for obvious signs of infections (using specialized tools)
• Flush or drain your dog’s ears if necessary
• Prescribe a pharmacy-grade solution for at-home treatments

In addition, your vet may choose to clean and drain your pup’s ears before their examination. Cleaning out wax, discharge, and bacteria makes it easier to inspect the ear; plus, starting with a clean slate can improve the effectiveness of at-home treatments.¹ If you’re worried or unsure about otitis externa (or any pet illnesses), it’s always best to get a vet’s opinion.

If an infection persists, a vet will likely prescribe or recommend dog ear infection medicine to treat bacteria buildup or allergies. Your dog may receive¹:

• Ear drops or an ear flush solution
• Allergy shots
• Topical or oral antibiotics

In the short term, your furry friend may also benefit from topical anti-inflammatory treatments like glucocorticoids like hydrocortisone, which can help reduce swelling, alleviate pain, disrupt bacterial formation, and prevent chronic ear issues.²

After following an ear medication regimen at home, head back to the vet for a follow-up appointment to make sure the canine ear infection is completely gone. If the otitis externa hasn’t cleared up, or quickly comes back, there is likely an underlying condition your vet can help with.

Just as you stay on top of your dog’s grooming schedule and annual vaccines, it’s key to incorporate ear care into your furry friend’s everyday routine. At Vetericyn, we’re here to help with high-quality products and expert tips to keep your dog’s ears feeling and hearing great. Here are a few highlights from our product line that pet parents can use to ward off ear infections and promote overall wellness:

• Our new Triple-Action Ear Treatment is designed to fight on the front lines of ear inflammation and infection. It’s an excellent first-line treatment for suspected cases of otitis externa. This specialty formula uses a 7-day treatment schedule:
  • • Hydrocortisone soothtes itching, swelling, and redness in the ear.
    • Otizyme enzymatic blend removes buildup and optimizes the ear environment for healing.
    • Botaniplex natural extracts help restore healthy balance in ears.
  Plus, the flex spout applicator makes it easy to treat the affected area without damaging your pup’s delicate ear canal.
• For everyday ear care, look no further than our Antimicrobial Ear Rinse for non-toxic, antibiotic-free preventative care. Whether flushing sand out after playing fetch on the beach or performing a routine monthly clean, our Ear Rinse has your dog covered.
• Top off your dog’s healthcare routine with our ALL-IN Dog Supplements, a holistic way to support key canine needs in all stages of life. ALL-IN supports bone & joint health, cognitive function, digestion, skin and coat health, immune responses, and more.

At Vetericyn, we’re passionate about helping pet parents boost their furry family’s quality of life. We’re constantly innovating and exploring new ways to enhance at-home pet care. Our products are vet-developed; they’re safe for all animals at all life stages, free of antibiotics and harsh compounds (like tea tree oil), sting-free, and used by real vets around the world. Ready to discover the Vetericyn difference? Shop online today or find your favorite Vetericyn products in a store near you.