Chronic ear infections in dogs: what owners should know
Why some dogs get ear infections again and again, the signs to watch for, and what to ask your vet.
One ear infection is unlucky. Ear infections that keep returning are a pattern, and patterns usually have a cause. Bella has had recurring ear trouble for much of her life.
Signs of an ear problem
- Head shaking or scratching at one ear.
- Redness, discharge or a strong smell.
- Tilting the head or flinching when the ear is touched.
- Rubbing the side of the face along furniture or the floor.
Why infections keep coming back
Vets often think about ear disease in layers.
- The underlying cause. Allergies are the most common reason for recurring ear infections in dogs. Others include foreign bodies such as grass seeds, ear mites and hormonal conditions.
- Things that make ears vulnerable. Floppy ears, narrow or hairy ear canals, and frequent swimming.
- The infection itself. Yeast and bacteria take advantage of an inflamed ear.
- Long-term changes. Repeated inflammation can narrow the ear canal and make each episode harder to clear.
Treating the infection without finding the underlying cause is why many dogs relapse.
When to see your vet
See your vet promptly for any painful, smelly or discharging ear. Go urgently if your dog has a head tilt, loses balance or seems to be in a lot of pain.
Questions worth asking
- Could an allergy be behind this?
- Should we take a sample to see which organisms are involved?
- How do I clean the ear properly, and how often?
- When should we recheck to confirm it has cleared?
A note on what we sell
This guide is general information for owners. BPC-157 is a research compound. It is not a treatment for ear infections or any other condition.
BPC-157 is supplied for research use only. It is not a veterinary medicine and is not for human or animal consumption.