Already mentioned several times in our previous articles (allergies, grooming, water rescue), ear infections deserve their own article since they remain one of the most common conditions in the active dog, particularly those that swim regularly or have floppy ears.

Why the active dog is more at risk

Residual moisture after swimming (see our article on water rescue), dust and debris accumulated during outdoor outings, and the heat and humidity created by a poorly ventilated floppy ear all form a particularly favorable environment for bacterial or fungal growth.

Signs to recognize

  • Repeated ear scratching, frequent head shaking
  • Visible redness or swelling of the ear flap
  • Unusual, sometimes foul odor
  • Discharge (excessive wax, pus in more advanced cases)
  • Pain to the touch, the dog reluctant to have the area handled

Main causes

Moisture-related ear infections

Common after swimming without adequate drying, particularly in dogs that regularly engage in water activities.

Allergic ear infections

As mentioned in our article on food and skin allergies, an underlying allergy frequently shows up as recurring ear infections despite rigorous care.

Foreign bodies

Grass awns or debris lodged in the ear canal during outings in brushy terrain, a risk already discussed for the eyes in our article on eye health.

Parasitic ear infections

Mainly linked to ear mites, more common in puppies.

Everyday prevention

  • Careful drying after every swim, especially for dogs with floppy ears
  • Regular cleaning with a suitable product, never using a deep cotton swab, which risks pushing debris further in
  • Systematic visual check after outdoor outings, in keeping with the grooming principles already covered

When to see a vet

An untreated ear infection can develop into a chronic infection that's hard to resolve, or even affect the middle or inner ear in the most severe cases — any suspected ear infection warrants a prompt veterinary visit rather than an attempt at self-treatment, since some treatments require a precise diagnosis of the underlying cause to be truly effective.

A particular issue for the sport dog

For a dog in competition preparation (see our dedicated article), an untreated ear infection can affect balance and concentration, with a direct impact on performance in disciplines demanding high precision.

Also available in English: choosing the right dog club or trainer, the therapy and assistance dog: the calming power of canine presence and the bed bug detection dog: a little-known detection specialty. More translations are added over time.