Head shaking once after a bath may not mean your dog has an ear infection. Repeated shaking, scratching, odor, discharge, or pain is different. Those signs suggest that the ear needs attention, and an exam is the only reliable way to identify the cause.
Go to urgent or emergency care for these signs
A new head tilt accompanied by stumbling, falling, abnormal eye movements, or facial weakness can point to middle or inner ear involvement or another neurological problem. Severe pain, marked swelling, a suddenly ballooned ear flap, or a dog who seems very ill also needs prompt in-person evaluation. Do not wait for a telehealth appointment if balance or coordination is affected.
Book a regular veterinary visit promptly when
- Your dog repeatedly scratches or shakes their head.
- There is a strong odor, discharge, redness, or swelling.
- The ear seems tender when touched or your dog resists having the head handled.
- The problem returns after a previous course of treatment.
- One ear has persistent symptoms, especially after running through grass or brush.
Even mild symptoms that do not improve should not be treated indefinitely with over-the-counter products. Untreated inflammation can become more painful, and repeated episodes can cause lasting changes in the ear canal.
What your veterinarian will do
Ear infections may involve bacteria or yeast, but mites, allergies, foreign bodies, and other conditions can produce similar signs. The clinician may examine the ear with an otoscope, assess the eardrum, and look at a swab under the microscope. The findings help determine whether cleaning, prescription drops, or other treatment is appropriate.
If the ear is extremely painful or blocked by debris, the veterinarian may need a staged plan before a complete examination is possible. In recurrent cases, identifying allergies or another underlying cause is an important part of prevention.
What not to do before the visit
Avoid deep cotton swabs, vinegar, peroxide, essential oils, and leftover medications. An inflamed ear may be irritated by products that would be tolerated in a healthy ear. If the eardrum is damaged, some drops may harm hearing. Keep the ear dry and tell the clinic about anything already applied.
What about a video consultation?
A remote veterinarian can help you describe symptoms and decide how urgently to seek care. But a screen cannot reveal the entire canal, test the discharge, or establish eardrum integrity. Treatment and prescribing depend on examination findings and applicable legal requirements. Read what online ear consultations can and cannot do.
Preventing repeat episodes
Ask your veterinarian whether your dog needs routine ear checks or a specific cleaner. Dogs with allergies may require skin and allergy management, not simply repeated drops. Avoid over-cleaning healthy ears without veterinary guidance. If you notice itching on the body as well as the ears, our guide to dog skin allergy signs may help you prepare for the appointment.
References
MSD Veterinary Manual: Ear Infections in Dogs; VCA: Otitis Externa. Educational information only; not a personal diagnosis or verified veterinary review.
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.