If your dog suffers from recurrent ear infections, it is not enough to treat each episode in isolation. Recurring ear infections usually indicate that there is an underlying cause, such as an allergy, persistent dampness, ear mites, a foreign body, abnormalities in the ear canal or an infection that has not been fully resolved.
Proper treatment requires examining the ear, checking the condition of the eardrum and analysing the discharge to determine whether it contains bacteria, yeast or inflammatory cells. If your dog is scratching its ears, shaking its head, has a foul odour, discharge or is in pain, it is advisable to seek a veterinary dermatology clinic in Benissa.
Do not use ear drops from previous episodes or ear cleansers without veterinary advice. The appearance of the discharge does not indicate which microorganisms are involved, and some products may irritate the ear or be unsuitable if the eardrum is damaged.
Why does my dog’s ear infection keep coming back?
Recurrent otitis often occurs when the secondary infection is treated, but the underlying problem contributing to its development is not identified or managed. Bacteria and yeasts can proliferate in an inflamed, moist or poorly ventilated ear, but there is usually an underlying factor that disrupts the ear canal.
The most common causes and factors include:
- Environmental or food allergies.
- Mites and other parasites.
- Foreign bodies, such as spikelets.
- Frequent exposure to water whilst bathing or swimming.
- Excess moisture or earwax.
- Ear canals that are narrow or have a lot of hair.
- Chronic inflammation and narrowing of the canal.
- Hormonal imbalances or skin conditions.
- Treatments that are incomplete or discontinued prematurely.
- Undiagnosed otitis media.
- Polyps, masses or other abnormalities inside the ear.
If your dog also licks its paws, rubs its face, experiences itching in other areas or has recurring skin problems, an ear infection may be part of an allergic condition. In these cases, the veterinary dermatology for dogs with allergies and ear infections It enables the ear and the skin to be studied together.
Symptoms of ear infections in dogs
Symptoms may affect one or both ears and vary depending on the severity of the inflammation. The most common symptoms are:
- Repeated shaking of the head.
- Scratching of one or both ears.
- A bad smell coming from the ear.
- Brown, yellow, black or pus-like discharge.
- Redness or inflammation of the duct.
- Pain when touching the ear or head.
- Rubbing against furniture, walls or the floor.
- Scabs, sores or hair loss around the ear.
- A floppy ear or an ear held in a different position.
- Irritability or a reluctance to have their head touched.
When otitis is chronic, the ear canal may become thickened and narrowed. This impedes ventilation, encourages the build-up of secretions and may make it more difficult for topical treatments to reach the affected areas.
Signs that an ear infection may be more serious
Seek veterinary care as soon as possible if you notice:
- Severe pain or crying when the ear is touched.
- Constant tilting of the head.
- Loss of balance or uncoordinated movements.
- Rapid, involuntary eye movements.
- Vomiting associated with dizziness or disorientation.
- Facial weakness or asymmetry.
- Bleeding from the ear.
- Marked swelling of the outer ear.
- Fever, listlessness or loss of appetite.
- An ear infection that recurs a few days after treatment.
A tilted head, loss of balance and other neurological signs may indicate that the inflammation is affecting the middle or inner ear. These cases require a specific assessment and should not be treated solely by cleaning the ear at home.
What tests does a dog with recurrent otitis need?
The diagnosis begins with a review of the patient’s medical history: when the problem started, how many episodes they have had, what treatments they have received, whether they bathe frequently or not, and whether they have any allergies, itching or pre-existing conditions.
An examination of the ear is then carried out using an otoscope to assess the ear canal, check for foreign bodies, observe the type of discharge and, where possible, check the condition of the eardrum.
One of the most useful tests is the veterinary cytology of ear discharge. The sample is examined under a microscope to detect bacteria, yeasts and inflammatory cells, which enables treatment to be tailored more precisely.
In cases of persistent ear infections that are very painful, involve heavy discharge or do not respond to standard treatment, a culture and sensitivity test may be recommended. This test helps to identify the bacteria present and select the most appropriate antibiotic where indicated.
Why is it important to have your eardrum checked?
The eardrum separates the outer ear from the middle ear. Before using certain ear cleansers or medicines, it is important to check that it is intact, as some products may cause irritation or damage if they reach deeper structures.
Inflammation, pain, discharge or a narrowing of the ear canal may prevent a clear view of the eardrum during an initial examination. In some patients, it is necessary to treat the inflammation first or to carry out a more thorough examination under sedation.
When a dog is in a great deal of pain or will not allow its ear to be examined, the protocols for veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia They enable examinations, deep cleaning or the taking of samples to be carried out with greater safety and comfort.
How is recurrent otitis treated?
Treatment depends on the cause, the microorganisms present, the degree of inflammation and the condition of the eardrum. It may include controlled drainage, topical medication, pain management and measures to treat the underlying condition.
Not all cases of otitis require the same medication. Ear drops may contain different combinations of antibiotics, antifungals and anti-inflammatories, so they should be selected based on the results of the examination and cytology.
Treatment should be continued for the recommended duration, even if the odour, discharge or itching improves before then. Stopping treatment prematurely may leave inflammation or microorganisms in the ear and increase the risk of a relapse.
What is the link between ear infections and allergies?
Allergies are a common cause of recurrent ear infections in dogs. Some dogs show skin symptoms, but in others, ear inflammation may be one of the first or main signs.
Environmental allergies may be linked to pollen, dust mites, mould or other allergens. An adverse reaction to food can also cause ear infections, itching, paw licking and skin lesions.
If a food reaction is suspected, it may be necessary to follow a strict elimination diet for the period specified by the vet. A veterinary nutritional assessment for dogs with allergies It helps you plan your pet’s diet and avoid treats, supplements or ingredients that might interfere with the diagnosis.
When might a veterinary CT scan be necessary?
In cases of chronic or recurrent otitis, particularly if there is deep-seated pain, head tilt, balance disturbances, facial paralysis or a suspected mass, it may be necessary to examine the middle ear and adjacent structures.
The Veterinary CT scan to examine the ear It provides detailed images of the ear canal, the middle ear cavity and the bony structures. It may be useful when conventional examination fails to explain recurrent episodes or when surgical treatment needs to be planned.
How to clean a dog’s ears if it has an ear infection
Cleaning should only be carried out using the product and at the frequency recommended by your vet. Not all dogs need regular cleaning, and excessive handling can irritate the ear canal.
Do not insert cotton buds into the ear canal, as they may push wax further in or damage the ear. Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, essential oils or home remedies either.
If your ear is very painful, swollen or full of discharge, do not try to clean it yourself. It may be necessary to have it cleaned at the clinic after the eardrum has been examined and the pain managed.
How to reduce the risk of further ear infections
Prevention depends on the identified cause. Some measures that may help are:
- Complete the course of treatment and attend the scheduled check-ups.
- Manage allergies and skin conditions.
- Keep the pest control plan up to date.
- Gently dry your ears after a bath or a swim.
- Only use cleaning products recommended for your dog.
- Avoid excessive or harsh cleaning.
- Check the smell, appearance and discharge from the ear regularly.
- Seek advice at the first signs, before the inflammation gets worse.
Follow-up appointments are important, even if your dog appears to have recovered. The disappearance of the unpleasant odour or the scratching does not always mean that the infection and inflammation have completely cleared up.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Book an appointment if your dog has repeated bouts of ear infection, shows symptoms again shortly after treatment, is in pain, has a heavy discharge, or develops a tilted head and balance problems.
At Benivet Benissa, we can carry out a canal examination, otoscopy, cytology and the necessary tests to identify microorganisms and determine the cause of relapses. The aim is not only to manage the current episode, but also to reduce the frequency and severity of future ear infections.
If your dog suffers from recurrent ear infections and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta, you can Contact Benivet Benissa to book a veterinary dermatology consultation.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
