How to prevent ear infections in dogs

Ear infections in dogs can be extremely frustrating to deal with, especially when they are recurring. Some dogs breeds, like spaniels and poodles, are more prone to ear infections than others, while other dogs might get an ear infection because of allergies, moisture or foreign objects.

If you have a dog who is prone to ear infections, or want to ensure your dog doesn’t get one, here’s how you can prevent ear infections in dogs.

Dry your dog’s ears after swimming or getting wet

When your dog gets water in their ear, it’s quite difficult for it to come out due to the way the dog’s ear is shaped. This is especially true for dogs with floppy ears. When left on its own, it can grow bacteria or yeast which can lead to an ear infection.

While you should never insert anything in your dog’s ear, you can use cotton wool to wipe the entrance of the ear. There are also several products you can use after your dog goes for a swim that will help dry out the ear canal. Let us know and our vets can advise you on the best products for your dog.

Keep your dog’s ear hair short

It’s not only the shape of the ears that make some dogs more prone to ear infections, it can also be the amount of hair in the ear. You can ask your groomer to make sure your dog’s ears are clipped or you can ask the vet to remove internal hair which is usually done while your dog is under anaesthetic.

Monitor your dog’s ears

Just by looking or smelling (yes, that’s right, smelling!) your dog’s ears, you might be able to notice if anything has changed which could be signs your dog has an ear infection. Often you won’t know until it’s too late and your dog is showing signs like scratching their ears, shaking their head or even a loss of balance. Normal ears should look clean, free of debris or muck and should not smell bad! The ear should be light pink (almost white) in colour and shouldn’t be painful to touch.

If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, you need to see the vet immediately. Ear infections are usually easy to treat, but can be extremely painful for your dog if you leave it. It’s also very important to follow the vet’s instructions for any medication prescribed and attend a follow up appointment after the vet has seen your dog to ensure the issue has been resolved.

If you want more tips on how to prevent ear infections or think your dog might have one, get in touch!