Is your dog shaking its head, scratching at its ear, or tilting its head to one side? After a summer spent splashing around in lakes, rivers, or the sea, these signs are far from trivial. Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs are taken to the vet, and late summer — with its swims and walks through tall grass — is a particularly high-risk season. Here's everything you need to know to spot it, understand it, and above all prevent it.
What is an ear infection in dogs?
An ear infection (otitis) is an inflammation of the ear canal, most often external (otitis externa), affecting the visible, accessible part of the ear. In dogs, the ear forms an L-shaped canal that's especially prone to trapping moisture, wax, and debris. When this environment becomes too warm and too humid, the bacteria and yeast naturally present multiply excessively, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Left untreated, an outer ear infection can progress to a middle ear infection, which is deeper and harder to treat, with a risk of lasting complications.
Symptoms that should alert you
Certain signs are unmistakable and deserve quick attention. A dog that frequently shakes its head, scratches its ear to the point of injury, or rubs it against furniture and the floor is already showing clear discomfort. Also check inside the ear flap: redness, swelling, a brownish, yellowish, or pus-like discharge, and an unpleasant smell are all telltale signs. Some dogs tilt their head to one side, become sensitive to touch near the ears, or lose their appetite and usual energy once the pain sets in. The sooner symptoms are addressed, the simpler and faster the treatment.
Why late summer is a high-risk period
Frequent swims, tall grass, and lingering heat: late summer brings together everything that favors ear infections. Water trapped in the ear canal after a swim in a lake, river, or the sea creates a warm, moist environment ideal for bacteria and fungi to thrive. Walks through tall grass or woodland also expose ears to grass awns — small, sharp plant seed heads capable of burrowing deep into the ear canal and causing irritation, or even an acute infection within hours. Add in lingering ambient humidity on certain days, and all the conditions are in place for inflammation.
Which dogs are most at risk
Any dog can develop an ear infection, but some are more prone than others. Breeds with floppy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, or Labradors, ventilate their ear canals less effectively, which encourages moisture retention. Water-loving dogs, like retrievers or Newfoundlands, get their ears wet more often simply by nature. Dogs with sensitive or allergy-prone skin also have an inflammatory tendency that makes them more vulnerable, as do older dogs whose immune systems may respond less effectively. Finally, excess hair inside the ear canal, common in breeds like Poodles or Bichons, can worsen moisture and wax buildup.
How to prevent ear infections after swimming and walks
The good news is that most ear infections linked to the summer season can be easily prevented with a few simple, regular habits. After every swim, gently dry the inside of your dog's ears with a soft compress — never use cotton swabs, which risk pushing moisture or debris deeper in. An appropriate ear cleaner, used once or twice a week during high-risk periods, helps keep the canal clean and limits bacterial growth. Also remember to check your dog's ears after every walk through tall grass, to quickly catch any grass awn or foreign object. Finally, regular brushing around the ears and, if needed, trimming the hair inside the ear canal with a professional groomer, helps promote better natural ventilation.
What to do if you suspect an ear infection
If your dog shows several of the symptoms described above, it's best to see a vet promptly rather than attempt a home remedy. An otoscopic exam will determine the exact cause of the inflammation — whether bacterial, parasitic, fungal, or due to a foreign object — and rule out any risk of a ruptured eardrum before prescribing treatment. An unsuitable or delayed treatment can turn a mild ear infection into a chronic one, which takes longer and costs more to treat. While waiting for your appointment, avoid cleaning the ear yourself if it looks painful, and don't let your dog swim again until the inflammation has cleared up.
An ear infection in dogs is never inevitable: with careful attention after every swim and a few simple habits, most episodes can be prevented before they even start. Keep an eye on your companion's ears this late summer, and never hesitate to consult a vet at the slightest doubt — prompt care spares you both a lot of trouble.
Frequently asked questions
1. How can I tell if my dog has an ear infection?
The main signs are persistent scratching, head shaking, an unpleasant smell from the ear, discharge, and sensitivity to touch. If in doubt, a vet exam will confirm the diagnosis.
2. Is an ear infection painful for a dog?
Yes, inflammation of the ear canal is often painful, especially if it progresses to the middle ear. That's why prompt treatment is recommended.
3. Can I clean my dog's ears myself after a swim?
Yes, gently drying with a soft compress and occasionally using a suitable ear cleaner is recommended, as long as the ear isn't already inflamed or painful.
4. Are cotton swabs a bad idea?
Yes, absolutely. They risk pushing wax, water, or debris deeper into the canal and can even injure the eardrum.
5. Which breeds are most prone to ear infections?
Breeds with floppy ears such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, or Labradors, as well as dogs with sensitive skin or very hairy ears, are at higher risk.
6. Can an ear infection heal on its own, without treatment?
Rarely. Without proper treatment, the inflammation tends to worsen and can become chronic or spread to the middle ear.
7. How long does treatment for a dog ear infection take?
It varies depending on the cause and severity, but treatment typically lasts one to three weeks, with a follow-up vet check recommended.
8. Can grass awns really cause an ear infection?
Yes, a grass awn lodged in the ear canal can cause intense irritation and an acute infection within hours. A prompt vet visit is then needed to remove it.
9. Should I avoid letting a dog prone to ear infections swim?
Not necessarily, but it's recommended to dry the ears thoroughly after every swim and space out swimming sessions if infections are recurring, in agreement with your vet.
10. When should I see a vet urgently?
If your dog is tilting its head strongly, seems disoriented, won't let you touch its ear, or has heavy pus-like discharge, prompt veterinary care is needed to avoid complications.