Dog ear infections often show symptoms like repeated ear scratching, head shaking, ear inflammation, ear discharge, and in severe cases, loss of balance. If your dog has any of these symptoms, they may need a check-up and prompt dog ear infection treatment.
However, dog ear infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, and ear mites—and it’s crucial to provide dog ear infection treatment that targets the specific cause.
In this Sploot Vets guide, we talk about how to treat dog ear infections and provide answers to common questions about dog ear infection treatments.
What Happens If You Ignore a Dog’s Ear Infection?
If you ignore a dog’s ear infection, it can lead to complications such as the following:
- Continued pain & discomfort– without dog ear infection treatment, dogs will keep on experiencing pain, itching, and/or discomfort from the infection, which can affect their sleep and quality of life.
- Dog ear infection spreading – if not treated, an outer ear infection can spread inwards towards the more sensitive areas of the middle and inner ear (located behind the eardrum). Topical treatments alone would NOT be enough in such cases. Surgery may eventually be needed if middle or inner ear infections become chronic or severe.
- Ear hematomas in dogs – repeated head shaking or scratching can rupture blood vessels in the ear flap, causing a painful swelling called a hematoma. This often requires surgery to drain the blood.
- Hearing loss – persistent or severe infections can damage the structures of the ear, potentially leading to partial or permanent hearing loss.
- Facial paralysis – if ear infections spread to the middle or inner ear, it can lead to facial paralysis in dogs because facial nerves run close to these areas.
Can a Dog’s Ear Infection Heal Itself?
In most cases, dog ear infections do NOT resolve on their own. This is why it’s important to seek dog ear infection treatment as soon as you suspect that your dog has an ear infection.
Can You Treat a Dog’s Ear Infection Without a Vet?
It is NOT advisable to treat a dog’s ear infection without a veterinarian’s guidance. A thorough diagnosis and assessment of a dog's ear infection is the first step to proper dog ear infection treatment.
In addition, Sploot veterinarian, Dr. Ashley Yao reminds pet parents: “It is NOT recommended to clean the dog’s ears at home with saline or water, as it can introduce excess moisture into the ear. It's also helpful to note the name of any over-the-counter ear cleaners used prior to the vet visit, as these products can vary widely in their ingredients.”
By seeking veterinary guidance promptly, pet parents can avoid the following:
1. Misuse of Antibiotics & Infection Complications
Dog ear infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi (yeast), and ear mites. In addition, an infection can lead to a secondary infection, meaning there may be two pathogens involved (e.g., yeast and bacteria).
Attempting a trial-and-error approach to dog ear infection treatment can lead to antibiotic misuse, which can:
- Create resistance in some bacteria, making the infection harder to treat.
- Cause a faster spread of fungal ear infections by accidentally eliminating normal flora
- Delay treatment for ear mites since they are not responsive to misused antibiotics or antifungal medication.
2. Dangerous Medications for Perforated Eardrums in Dogs
During a checkup for dog ear infections, vets assess whether or not the eardrum is perforated, which is an important part of determining the safest medication to use.
Eardrum perforation can happen due to infection. An intact eardrum shields the middle ear from medications. Therefore, having a perforated eardrum rules out certain topical medications with ototoxic ingredients (e.g., gentamicin, neomycin, or alcohol), which are not safe for the middle ear and beyond.
Using the wrong medication with a perforated eardrum can lead to:
- Permanent hearing loss – due to damage to the middle or inner ear structures
- Balance issues – due to damage to the inner ear, which plays a part in balance
Dog Ear Infection Treatment at a Vet Clinic: What to Expect
Dog ear infections can affect different parts of the dog’s ear. Typically, however, ear infections start from the outer ear, which is the most exposed to the outside. However, these infections can also spread further inwards.
Depending on which parts of the ear are infected, there are different treatment approaches. Infections involving the outer ear are the easiest to treat, highlighting the importance of prompt dog ear infection treatment to avoid spreading.
1. Dog Ear Infection Treatment - Outer Ear
Treatment may need an ear lavage, which not only helps the vet see the ear more clearly but also clears the area so that topical medications can be distributed more effectively.
Outer dog ear infections can be treated topically or orally, depending on the cause/s of the infection.
- Bacterial ear infections can be addressed with oral or topical medications.
- Ear infections caused by fungi (yeast) and ear mites are typically treated topically.
Note: After the vet visit, the veterinarian may provide instructions for at-home care, using the prescribed topical ear drops or oral antibiotics. Your vet may also suggest a date for a follow-up checkup.
2. Dog Ear Infection Treatment - Middle Ear
Dog ear infection treatment for the middle ear (just behind the eardrum) is slightly more complicated. These ear infections tend to be more painful and swollen. If an ear lavage is too painful, dogs may need to be sedated first.
Next, the middle ear infection is treated, which varies depending on the cause:
- Bacterial and fungal (yeast) infections, the most common types of middle ear infections in dogs, are treated with oral medication.
- In some rare cases, ear mites can also migrate to the middle ear; these are treated with antiparasitic oral/injectable medications (e.g., ivermectin) or transdermal antiparasitic medications (e.g,. Selamectin)
In addition, vets may also prescribe medications to help manage the inflammation and pain associated with middle ear infections in dogs.
Note: After the vet visit, your vet will instruct you on administering any needed oral medications and provide a date for your dog’s follow-up appointment. Diligent at-home care is highly recommended since chronic or severe middle ear infections may require surgery.
3. Dog Ear Infection Treatment - Inner Ear
Inner dog ear infections are typically NOT given an ear lavage. In addition, the treatment is similar to that of middle ear infections.
- For bacterial or fungal infections, oral antibiotics and antifungal medication are given.
- Ear mites rarely spread to the inner ear; however, when they do, the infection is treated with systemic medications, administered either orally, via injection, or transdermally.
Inner ear infections in dogs may also benefit from anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers, similar to middle ear infection treatment. One key difference is that inner ear infections in dogs can affect balance and may thus require antiemetics to control nausea.
Note: After the vet visit, your vet will provide instructions on administering medications and recommend a date for your dog’s follow-up appointment. Diligent at-home care is critical, especially since severe inner ear infections may require surgery as a last resort.
4. [As Needed] Allergy Management
Recurring ear infections could be a sign of underlying allergies in dogs. Canine allergies, whether from food, seasonal causes (e.g. spring allergies, fall allergies) can trigger their bodies to produce excess earwax, which also increases the chances of developing dog ear infections. This is why allergy management may be recommended alongside your dog’s ear infection treatment.
Get All-in-One Veterinary Care at Sploot Vets
Do you have further questions about dog ear infection treatment? Sploot Vets is here for you.
Sploot Veterinary Care offers all-in-one veterinary care for your dog—with primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services all under one roof. With Fear Free techniques and availability 365 days a year, we provide stress-free vet visits for both pets and pet parents!
Schedule an appointment easily online or through the Sploot Vets App.
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