# Chronic ear infections in dogs: what owners should know | Peps for Pups

> Why some dogs get ear infections again and again, the signs to watch for, and what to ask your vet.

Source: https://pepsforpups.co.uk/learn/chronic-ear-infections-in-dogs
Publisher: Peps for Pups (https://pepsforpups.co.uk)
Last updated: 2026-11-13

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.

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BPC-157 is supplied for research use only. It is not a veterinary medicine and is not for human or animal consumption.