Why does my pet keep getting ear infections?
Treating the infection is only part of the puzzle.
If your dog or cat seems to suffer from ear infections repeatedly, you’re not alone. You might notice head shaking, scratching around the ears, redness or an unpleasant smell, only for the problem to return a few weeks or months after treatment.
But why does this happen?
Our vets explain why ear infections can keep coming back and why finding the underlying cause is just as important as treating the infection itself.
What causes an ear infection?
A healthy ear has natural defences that help keep the ear canal clean and balanced. However, when the environment inside the ear changes, yeast and bacteria can multiply and cause inflammation or infection.
Common signs of an ear problem include:
- Frequent head shaking or scratching.
- Redness or swelling around the ear.
- Discharge or an unpleasant smell.
- Sensitivity when the ears are touched.
- Holding the head to one side or seeming uncomfortable.
If you notice these signs, arrange a veterinary assessment, particularly if the symptoms are painful or recurring.
1. Allergies could be the underlying cause
One reason ear infections repeatedly return is an underlying allergy.
Some dogs experience allergic skin disease triggered by environmental allergens, such as pollen or house dust mites, or by certain food ingredients. The inflammation can affect the ears as well as other areas of the skin.
You might also notice paw licking, itchy skin, recurrent skin infections or redness around the face.
In these cases, treating the infection may settle the symptoms temporarily, but the underlying inflammation can remain. Identifying and managing the allergy may therefore be an important part of preventing future flare-ups.
2. Your pet’s ear anatomy can play a part
Some pets are more prone to ear problems because of their ear shape, narrow ear canals, or hair and moisture around the ears.
Dogs with floppy ears may have less airflow around the ear opening, although floppy ears alone do not mean a dog will develop infections.
Swimming, bathing and excessive moisture can also contribute to problems in susceptible pets.
Your vet can advise whether your pet’s ear structure, lifestyle or grooming routine might be contributing to recurring symptoms.
3. The infection may need more investigation
Not every ear infection has the same cause. Different bacteria and yeasts may be involved, and some infections can be more difficult to resolve than others.
Your vet may examine the ear canal and examine a sample of the discharge under a microscope to help identify what is causing the problem.
If infections are severe, persistent or repeatedly return despite appropriate treatment, further investigations may be needed. These can include checking for changes within the ear canal, a foreign body or, in selected cases, taking samples for laboratory testing.
This helps your vet choose the most appropriate treatment rather than repeatedly treating the symptoms without understanding why they are returning.
4. Cleaning the ears isn’t always the answer
It might seem sensible to clean your pet’s ears more frequently if they are prone to infections, but excessive cleaning or using the wrong product can irritate the ear canal.
Some ear cleaners are unsuitable for particular ear conditions, especially if the eardrum is damaged.
Avoid using cotton buds inside the ear canal or putting home remedies into the ears. Ask your vet whether cleaning is appropriate, which product to use and how often.
Why shouldn’t repeated ear infections be ignored?
Ongoing inflammation can make the ear canal increasingly thickened and narrowed, making future infections harder to manage. Chronic ear disease can also be painful.
Seek prompt veterinary advice if your pet has recurring symptoms. If they develop a head tilt, loss of balance, sudden hearing changes or severe pain, they need urgent assessment.
How can you help prevent another infection?
Depending on the cause, your vet may recommend:
- Managing an underlying allergy.
- Following the prescribed treatment for the full recommended course.
- Using an appropriate ear cleaner if advised.
- Keeping the ears dry when appropriate.
- Attending follow-up checks to make sure the infection has resolved.
The takeaway
If your pet keeps getting ear infections, there may be more going on than an ear that needs cleaning. Finding and managing the underlying cause can make a real difference to their comfort and help reduce the risk of future flare-ups.
If your pet is repeatedly scratching their ears or shaking their head, contact MKVG to arrange an assessment. Our team can help investigate the cause and find the right approach for your pet.