If your dog is shaking their head, scratching at an ear or there's a whiff coming from one side, an ear infection is one of the first things that springs to mind, and often it's exactly that. The short answer: ear infections are common, usually painful, and they need a vet to diagnose and treat properly. What we can do as owners and groomers is spot the early signs, keep ears clean and dry, and get help quickly.
I want to be clear from the start: I'm a groomer, not a vet, and I can't diagnose an ear infection or tell you what's causing it. What follows is to help you recognise when something's off and act on it.
Signs to look out for
Ears are sensitive, and a dog will usually tell you when they're bothered. Common signs include:
- Shaking the head or tilting it to one side
- Scratching or rubbing an ear against furniture and carpet
- A red, swollen or hot-looking ear flap or canal
- Discharge, waxiness or a noticeable smell
- Whining or flinching when you touch near the ear
- Being generally quieter, grumpier or off their food
If you spot a head tilt, loss of balance or your dog seems dizzy, treat that as more urgent, it can mean the infection has reached deeper in the ear. The PDSA's guide to ear infections in dogs is a helpful, vet-written overview.
What causes them
Ear infections are usually the end result of something else going on. Common triggers include:
- Allergies: skin allergies are one of the biggest underlying causes of repeat ear problems
- Moisture: water trapped after swimming or bathing creates the warm, damp conditions bacteria and yeast love
- Ear shape and hair: floppy-eared and hairy-eared breeds trap more heat and moisture
- Ear mites: more common in puppies
- Foreign objects: grass seeds are a classic summer culprit here in Yorkshire
- Wax build-up: too much wax stops the ear self-cleaning
Because so many infections have an underlying cause, dogs who get one often get more, which is why your vet may want to look at the bigger picture rather than just the ear in front of them.
Groomer's tip: After a bath or a swim, gently dry your dog's ear flaps and the entrance to the canal with cotton wool. Never poke cotton buds down inside the ear, you can pack wax down or cause damage. If in doubt, leave it and ask your vet or groomer.
The role ear care plays in grooming
Ear care is part of a proper groom, and it's often where problems are first noticed. During a groom we'll:
- Check the ears, look for redness, discharge or a smell, and flag anything that looks off
- Gently clean the visible outer ear where needed
- For breeds prone to hairy ear canals (Poodles, Doodles, some terriers and Spaniels), manage the excess hair around the opening so air can circulate
What we won't do is treat an infection or push anything deep into the ear, that's firmly vet territory. If we spot something suspicious during your dog's visit, we'll always tell you so you can book a vet appointment. Regular grooming simply means more chances to catch an issue early, one reason a one-to-one groom is worth it for ear-prone breeds.
When to see the vet
Please book a vet appointment if you notice:
- Any discharge, strong smell, redness or swelling in the ear
- Persistent head shaking, scratching or rubbing
- Signs of pain when you go near the ear
- A head tilt, loss of balance or dizziness (treat this as urgent, and if it's out of hours see Vets Now)
- Repeat infections that keep coming back
Ear infections don't clear up on their own, and home remedies can make things worse if the eardrum is affected. Your vet will examine the ear, work out what's behind it, and prescribe the right treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my dog has an ear infection?
Common signs are head shaking, scratching, redness, discharge, a smell and pain around the ear. Only a vet can confirm it's an infection and what's causing it, so if you spot these signs, book an appointment rather than guessing.
Can I clean my dog's ears at home?
You can gently wipe the visible outer ear with cotton wool, and dry the flaps after swimming or bathing. Don't use cotton buds inside the canal, and don't use ear cleaner on a sore or smelly ear without checking with your vet first, as it can worsen an active infection.
Do certain breeds get more ear infections?
Yes. Floppy-eared breeds like Spaniels and Basset Hounds, and hairy-eared breeds like Poodles and Doodles, are more prone because their ears trap warmth and moisture. Dogs with skin allergies also get repeat ear problems.
Will an ear infection go away on its own?
It's very unlikely, and waiting usually means more pain for your dog and a harder infection to clear. Ear infections need proper veterinary treatment, so it's best to see your vet promptly.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. Ear checks and gentle outer-ear care are part of every groom, and we'll always flag anything that looks worth a vet's attention. Book a one-to-one groom for your ear-prone pup.