Why Does My Dog Keep Getting Ear Infections?

Common Questions You May Be Asking

Ear problems are one of the most common reasons dogs are referred for dermatology assessment. In many dogs, they are closely linked to allergies, inflammation and secondary infection, rather than being a one-off problem on their own.

If your dog keeps having ear problems, you may be asking:

• Why do ear infections keep coming back?
• Are my dog’s ear problems caused by allergies?
• When should I be concerned about ear problems?
• When to see a dermatologist for recurrent ear infections?

These are some of the most common concerns we see, and they are often linked to the same underlying causes.

What Causes Ear Problems in Dogs?

Ear problems are a symptom pattern, not a diagnosis. Identifying the underlying cause is key to effective treatment and long-term control.

The most common causes include:

• Allergic skin disease (dog allergies) → Learn more
  Allergies are one of the most common underlying causes of recurrent ear inflammation and infection in dogs. Many dogs with allergies develop ongoing ear disease alongside itching, paw licking or skin irritation. They can include environmental allergy (canine atopic dermatitis), food reactions and flea allergy. 
• Ear disease and ear infections → Learn more
  Ear inflammation is commonly associated with allergies and may be a major contributor to discomfort. Bacterial or yeast overgrowth commonly develops once the ear becomes inflamed. Infection is often the most obvious part of the problem, but it is usually secondary to an underlying cause rather than the primary reason the ear disease started.
• Parasites → Learn more
  Ear mites and other parasites can irritate the ears and may contribute to inflammation, particularly in younger dogs.
• Foreign material
  Grass seeds and other material can lodge within the ear canal and trigger sudden irritation, pain or secondary infection.
• Predisposing and perpetuating factors
  Some dogs are more prone to ongoing ear problems because of canal shape, excess moisture, hair within the ear canal, chronic inflammation, or structural change that develops over time. These factors can make future episodes more likely and more difficult to resolve.

In many dogs, more than one of these factors may be involved, particularly where ear disease is ongoing or recurrent.

What Do Ear Problems Look Like?

Ear problems do not always look the same in every dog. Signs can include:

• Scratching at the ears
• Head shaking
• Rubbing the ears on furniture or the ground
• Redness or inflammation within the ear
• Discharge, which may be brown, yellow, waxy or dark
• Odour or smell from the ears
• Pain or sensitivity when the ears are touched
• Swelling or narrowing of the ear canal
• Reduced tolerance to ear cleaning or handling

Some dogs show only mild or intermittent signs, while others have obvious pain, repeated infections or persistent discharge. The pattern, severity and recurrence of ear disease often provide important clues to the underlying cause.

Why Do My Dog’s Ears Smell?

An unpleasant smell can accompany inflammation, discharge or infection. Smell alone cannot identify the cause. If odour keeps returning, or your dog is painful, shaking their head or scratching their ears, arrange a veterinary examination.

Why Does It Keep Coming Back?

In many cases, ear problems become a cycle. An underlying cause such as allergy triggers inflammation within the ear. This alters the ear environment, allowing bacteria or yeast to overgrow. Infection then develops, causing more inflammation, discomfort and damage within the canal.

This is why some dogs experience:

• Repeated flare-ups
• Ongoing discomfort
• Only short-term or partial response to treatment
• Increasing difficulty managing the ears over time

Without identifying and managing the underlying cause, ear infections are likely to recur, even if they seem to improve temporarily with first-line treatment. Over time, chronic inflammation can lead to thickening and narrowing of the ear canal, making future episodes harder to control.

When Should You Seek Help?

If your dog is showing these signs, the first step is to consult your primary care veterinarian, who can assess your dog and begin initial treatment.

Further investigation or referral may be recommended if your dog:

• Has recurrent ear infections or repeated flare-ups
• Is scratching, head shaking or showing ongoing ear discomfort
• Has discharge, odour or visible inflammation in the ears
• Is painful or difficult to manage around the ears
• Is not improving with routine or first-line treatment
• Has chronic or worsening ear disease

In these cases, specialist dermatology assessment starting with a dermatology consultation can help identify the underlying cause and guide more effective, long-term management. 

Early assessment can help prevent progression and reduce long-term discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions