Ear infections are among the top reasons Orange County dog owners visit OC Vet Animal Hospital. While common, ear infections cause significant discomfort and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Signs Your Dog Has an Ear Infection
- Head shaking or tilting
- Scratching or pawing at ears
- Odor coming from the ears
- Redness or swelling of ear canal
- Discharge (yellow, brown, or bloody)
- Pain when ears are touched
- Loss of balance or unusual eye movements (severe cases)
What Causes Dog Ear Infections?
Multiple factors contribute to ear infections: bacteria or yeast overgrowth, allergies (very common in Southern California), ear mites (especially in puppies), moisture trapped in ear canals after swimming, foreign objects like grass seeds, and anatomical factors in floppy-eared breeds.
Never use human ear drops or home remedies without veterinary guidance. Certain medications can cause permanent hearing loss if the eardrum is ruptured.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your Laguna Woods veterinarian will examine the ears with an otoscope, take samples for cytology to identify bacteria or yeast, and may recommend ear cleaning, prescription ear medications, oral antibiotics or antifungals for severe infections, pain medication, and allergy management if needed.
Preventing Ear Infections
Keep ears dry after swimming or bathing, clean ears regularly (ask your vet for proper technique), address allergies promptly, and schedule regular check-ups to catch problems early. Dogs with chronic ear issues may benefit from prescription ear cleaners or allergy testing.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Contact OC Vet Animal Hospital immediately if your dog shows loss of balance, head tilt, unusual eye movements, severe swelling closing the ear canal, bloody discharge, or extreme pain. These signs may indicate a serious infection spreading to the middle or inner ear.
About Dr. Ashvin Dhankhar, DVM
Dr. Ashvin is a dedicated veterinarian at OC Vet Animal Hospital, passionate about keeping pets healthy through preventive care.
