Otitis Externa in Dogs

Otitis Externa in Dogs

By: Dr. Debra Primovic

Section: Overview

Otitis externa, commonly referred to as an "ear infection", is an ear condition characterized by inflammation of the external ear canal. It is particularly prevalent in dogs with long, floppy ears. Ear infections represent one of the top 10 reasons dogs present to veterinarians and may affect up to 20 percent of dogs.

Infections are caused by fungus, bacteria or parasites. Laboratory tests can help to determine the underlying cause of the infection.

Several factors may predispose dogs to ear infections, including:

  • Long floppy ears
  • Abnormal ear conformation or anatomy
  • Water or hair in the ears
  • Allergies
  • Trauma
  • Tumors
  • Foreign material in the ears
  • Parasites
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Generalized skin disease

    Ear infections can occur in dogs of any age breed or sex.
    Dogs predisposed to otitis externa include those with genetic predispositions to abnormal ear canals, such as the Chinese shar-pei chow chows and English bulldogs; breeds with hair in the ears like poodles and terriers; dogs with pendulous pinnae such as the cocker spaniel and Springer spaniels; or outside and working dogs that are exposed to water or foreign bodies. Infections are most common in humid environments or during the summer months.

    What to Watch For

    Common signs of an infection include:

  • Scratching or rubbing the ears
  • Head shaking
  • An abnormal odor or discharge from the ear
  • Pain when you manipulate the ear
  • Redness and swelling of the external ear canal

     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Ear Discharge in Dogs

      Some dogs tend to produce more wax than others, and keeping the ears clean helps prevent problems. For others, ear discharge is often a sign of trouble - most often the dreaded ear infection or ear mite. ...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Chronic Ear Problems in Dogs

      Ear disease is one of the most frequent reasons owners seek veterinary help. There are many causes of ear problems, ranging from foreign objects, infections, trauma or even tumors.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Aural Hematoma in Dogs

      Aural hematoma is an accumulation of blood within the cartilage layers of the ear. This problem is most often associated with underlying ear disease, like excessive head shaking, that can rupture blood...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Ear Mites in Dogs

      Ear mites are the most common mite to infest dogs and they are very contagious, usually spreading to most dogs in the household. These mites are tiny crab-like parasites that live in the ear canals.

      Read MoreRead More
  • Related Articles
    • 1Chronic Ear Problems in Dogs

      Ear disease is one of the most frequent reasons owners seek veterinary help. There are many causes of ear problems, ranging from foreign objects, infections, trauma or even tumors.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Ear Discharge in Dogs

      Some dogs tend to produce more wax than others, and keeping the ears clean helps prevent problems. For others, ear discharge is often a sign of trouble - most often the dreaded ear infection or ear mite. ...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Ear Mites in Dogs

      Ear mites are the most common mite to infest dogs and they are very contagious, usually spreading to most dogs in the household. These mites are tiny crab-like parasites that live in the ear canals.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4Aural Hematoma in Dogs

      Aural hematoma is an accumulation of blood within the cartilage layers of the ear. This problem is most often associated with underlying ear disease, like excessive head shaking, that can rupture blood...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Related Articles
    • 1Chronic Ear Problems in Dogs

      Ear disease is one of the most frequent reasons owners seek veterinary help. There are many causes of ear problems, ranging from foreign objects, infections, trauma or even tumors.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Ear Discharge in Dogs

      Some dogs tend to produce more wax than others, and keeping the ears clean helps prevent problems. For others, ear discharge is often a sign of trouble - most often the dreaded ear infection or ear mite. ...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Ear Mites in Dogs

      Ear mites are the most common mite to infest dogs and they are very contagious, usually spreading to most dogs in the household. These mites are tiny crab-like parasites that live in the ear canals.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4Aural Hematoma in Dogs

      Aural hematoma is an accumulation of blood within the cartilage layers of the ear. This problem is most often associated with underlying ear disease, like excessive head shaking, that can rupture blood...

      Read MoreRead More