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There are a number of things you can spot from across the room when you live with pets long enough.

• A tail that says something’s up.

• A “normal” itch that all of a sudden becomes constant.

• And that helicopter head shake that starts showing up every few minutes, like your dog is trying to fling water out of their ear… even though they haven’t been swimming.

If you’re here because your pet is scratching, shaking, rubbing their face on the carpet, or you’ve noticed a funky odor coming from their ear, take a deep breath. Ear infections are very common in dogs and cats, and they’re also one of the most treatable issues we see… when we catch them early and treat the actual cause.

This article will walk you through:

• what ear infections look like  

• what causes them (and why they come back)

• what treatments actually work

• what you can do to prevent chronic ear problems

• and when it’s time to involve a vet

A Simple “Is This an Ear Infection?” Checklist

If your pet has two or more of these signs, an ear infection is a good possibility:

• Constant head shaking

• Scratching at one ear  

• Redness or swelling inside the ear flap

• Brown, yellow, or chunky discharge

• A sour, yeasty, or “corn chip” smell

• Pain when you touch the ear

• Head tilt, clumsiness, or balance changes (these are more urgent)

One thing we hear often is, “But their ears look fine.”

That’s incredibly common, because the infection is typically down further in the ear canal, not on the surface.

What Actually Causes Ear Infections in Dogs and Cats?

Ear infections usually aren’t “random.” They almost always have something going on behind them.

Primary vets and veterinary dermatologists categorize ear infections by where they are located in the ear:

• Otitis externa (outer ear canal)

• Otitis media (middle ear)

• Otitis interna (inner ear)

Most start as otitis externa, and if left untreated, they can spread deeper. 

The most common ear infection triggers we see in pets:

1) Allergies (the biggest offender)

Food sensitivities and environmental allergies can cause chronic inflammation inside the ear, which creates a perfect environment for yeast and bacteria to grow.

If your pet’s ear infections continuously keep coming back, allergies are usually part of the story.

2) Moisture (especially after swimming or bathing)

Warm, dark, damp ear canals can become a yeast-and-bacteria playground fast.

3) Ear mites or debris

Cats sometimes get ear mites, and dogs can get all kinds of “stuff” lodged in the canal like grass, seeds, dirt, etc.

4) Breed Susceptibility

Floppy ears, narrow ear canals, or an abundance of hair growth around the canal can reduce airflow and trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria buildup. 

5) Hormonal or immune-related conditions

Less common, but important to mention - especially in pets who have other skin concerns, recurrent infections, or unusual symptoms.

Why Ear Infections Keep Coming Back (and Why It’s Important to Notice)

A pattern we see often goes like this:

“My dog gets an infection, we use ear drops, it clears up… then two months later the infection is back again.”

That usually means the ear drops treated the infection, but not the underlying cause, which is often allergies, chronic inflammation, or narrowing of the canal.

Recurring ear infections aren’t just annoying. Over time, chronic inflammation can thicken the ear canal, trap debris, and make infections harder to treat. In severe cases, pets can develop hearing loss, balance problems, or constant pain.

Don’t Try to Treat Pet Ear Infections at Home (Here’s Why)

The urge is understandable. It’s late. Your pet is miserable. You’re looking at the medicine cabinet thinking, “Maybe I can just clean it and see if it helps?”

But ear infections in pets are one of those conditions where the wrong remedy can:

• Make inflammation worse

• Mask symptoms temporarily

• Cause serious pain (especially if the eardrum is damaged)

• Make the infection harder to treat later

The AKC recommendation (and that of the HVD team) is very direct here: ear infections require a veterinary diagnosis, don’t try to treat at home.  If your pet is showing signs of an infection, get them in for a vet exam - whether with your primary vet or a veterinary dermatologist.

What Does a Vet Do for a Suspected Ear Infection?

A thorough ear exam usually includes:

1) An ear exam + internal look with an otoscope

Vets look for swelling, debris, odor, foreign material, and signs that the infection is located deeper in the ear.

2) Cytology (a microscope test)

This is one of the most valuable steps. A small sample of ear discharge is examined under a microscope to identify whether the culprit is:

• yeast

• bacteria

• inflammatory cells

• mites  

At Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, cytology is a routine part of making sure we treat the right problem with the right medication. 

3) Sometimes Necessary: culture, allergy investigation, or deeper evaluation

If infections are recurrent, severe, or not responding to usual treatment, we may recommend some additional diagnostics to diagnose what is going on.

Treatment Options That Work (and Why They Differ)

Ear treatment depends on:

• The severity of the infection

• Whether it’s yeast or bacteria (or both)

• How inflamed the ear canal is

• Whether allergies or anatomy are part of the equation

Med management (most common)

• Topical prescription ear medications are often used for yeast/bacteria and to help reduce inflammation 

• Oral medications for deeper or more severe infections 

• Professional ear cleaning (often used for more stubborn cases) 

• Advanced treatment (for chronic or complicated cases)

Some pets need more than routine treatment, especially those with other health concerns or ear disease.

At Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, we may recommend:

• Video otoscopy for a clearer view of the canal and eardrum (helpful when canals are narrowed or blocked) 

• Laser therapy / CO₂ laser procedures to remove any growths and reduce chronic tissue changes in some cases 

• Surgical options (like TECA) when infections cause irreversible changes to the ear canal, recurring pain and affect quality-of-life despite other treatment  

Prevention: Small Routines That Make a Big Difference

If your pet is prone to ear infections, consistency is a major player in prevention.

Here are the routines that help the most:

Dry ears after water exposure

Swimming, baths, even walks in the rain or snow can trap moisture. Drying the ears after exposure to water is one of the easiest ways to reduce flare-ups. 

Check ears weekly 

Look for:

• redness

• discharge

• odor

• sensitivity

Use cleaning products only if your vet recommends them. Not every pet requires frequent ear cleaning. Over-cleaning can irritate the ear canal and make inflammation worse. 

Address allergies early

If your pet has itchy feet, seasonal skin flare-ups, recurrent hotspots, or chronic ear infections, allergies may be causing the entire cycle.

“Do I Need a Veterinary Dermatologist for This?”

You don’t always, but there are some situations where a specialist can be a huge help:

• Ear infections that occur multiple times a year

• Infections that don’t fully clear-up with routine treatment

• Severe swelling, narrowing canals, or suspected masses

• Pets with chronic allergy symptoms along with their ear issues

• Pets who need advanced diagnostics or long-term management 

How Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology Can Help

At Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, ear infections aren’t treated as a quick “ear drops and done” problem.

We focus on:

• Finding the root cause (especially allergies and chronic inflammation)

• Using tools like cytology and video otoscopy for accurate diagnosis 

• Offering advanced treatment options when necessary (such as laser surgery and cryosurgery) 

• Building realistic, long-term prevention that fit your family and pet’s lifestyle

If your dog or cat has chronic ear infections, or you’re tired of the same cycle, we’re here to help your pet get comfortable and stay that way. You can learn more about our team and approach here: Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology.

A Few Questions We Hear Often:
 

“What does a yeast ear infection smell like in dogs?”

Many pet owners describe a yeasty ear as smelling musty, sweet, or like corn chips. Any strong odor plus head shaking and discharge signals a vet visit.

“Can ear infections in cats go away on their own?”

Sometimes mild irritation will improve on its own, but actual ear infections typically require treatment, especially when mites, bacteria, or yeast are involved.

“How fast can an ear infection get worse?”

Some infections worsen over days, especially after being exposed to moisture or if there are allergy flare-ups. If your dog or cat seems like they are in pain, or the ear is swollen shut, treat that as urgent and see a vet right away.

“Is it normal for dogs to shake their head after ear drops?”

Head shaking right after medication is common. Persistent shaking, yelping, or worsening redness is not, and should be reported to your vet.

Final Thoughts

The worst thing about ear infections is that pets don’t get to tell you how much it hurts, they just deal with it. They shake, scratch, hide, or quietly become less playful.

But the good thing is, with the right diagnosis and a plan that treats the cause (not just the flare-up), most pets do very well.

If you’re worried your pet might have an ear infection, or if you’re stuck in the “it keeps coming back” cycle, reach out. We’ll help you figure out what’s driving it, and get your pet comfortable again.