An older dog who suddenly resists head pats or starts shaking one ear may have an ear problem even if there is no obvious discharge. Ear infections can be painful at any age. In a senior pet, the exam should also consider changes that become more likely with aging.
Recognizing a painful ear
Head shaking, scratching, ear odor, redness, waxy discharge, and reluctance to have the ears touched are common signs. Some older dogs instead become quiet or irritable. Hearing changes can have several causes, including age-related loss, so don’t assume the ear canal is infected without an examination.
What is different in an older dog?
Recurrent allergy-related inflammation can cause a thickened or narrowed canal over time. A new one-sided infection that does not improve may require evaluation for a growth or other obstruction. Chronic health conditions and medications can affect which treatments are appropriate. Your veterinarian may examine the skin as well as the ears and assess the eardrum.
How treatment is selected
Ear cytology can distinguish common patterns of yeast and bacteria. Depending on the findings, the veterinarian may prescribe targeted topical therapy, cleaning, or further tests. The best choice is not necessarily the strongest drug. Especially when the eardrum’s condition is uncertain, do not use old prescriptions, vinegar, alcohol, peroxide, or essential oils in the canal.
Helping a senior dog cooperate with treatment
Ask the team to demonstrate medication administration and whether the ear should be cleaned first. Use a calm setting with good footing, short breaks, and positive reinforcement. If handling causes significant pain, contact the clinic; some ears need professional cleaning or initial pain management rather than forceful home cleaning.
Do not overlook balance problems
A tilted head, stumbling, unusual eye movement, or sudden facial weakness can be associated with disease beyond the outer canal, among other causes. These signs justify prompt veterinary assessment. Likewise, an ear flap that balloons into a soft swelling can indicate a hematoma.
Preventing repeat trouble
Keep scheduled rechecks and ask whether an allergy or chronic skin condition needs a longer-term plan. Don’t clean healthy ears more often than directed. Our chronic ear infection guide covers the recurrence cycle in more detail.
Sources
VCA: Ear Infections in Dogs; Merck Veterinary Manual: Otitis Externa.
General education, not a substitute for an in-person ear examination.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.