Dog Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Call a Vet
If your dog has been shaking its head, scratching its ears, or giving off a strange smell from the ears—you might be dealing with an ear infection. They’re common, painful, and can worsen fast without treatment.
At TelaVets, our licensed online vets diagnose and treat dog ear infections through secure video consultations, with prescriptions delivered right to your door.
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Common Signs of Dog Ear Infections
Keep an eye out for these telltale symptoms:
•Frequent head shaking or tilting
•Scratching at one or both ears
•Redness or swelling inside the ear
•Foul odor or discharge (brown, yellow, or bloody)
•Crustiness or scabbing
•Sensitivity to touch near the ear
•Loss of balance (in severe cases)
If your dog has any of these symptoms, book a virtual vet visit right away.
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Types of Dog Ear Infections
There are three main types:
1.Otitis Externa: Infection of the outer ear canal (most common)
2.Otitis Media: Infection of the middle ear
3.Otitis Interna: Infection of the inner ear (more serious, may affect balance or hearing)
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What Causes Dog Ear Infections?
Dog ear infections can be triggered by:
•Allergies (food or environmental)
•Moisture (especially in floppy-eared or swimming dogs)
•Bacterial or yeast overgrowth
•Ear mites (more common in puppies)
•Foreign objects or excessive earwax
•Underlying medical conditions (e.g., hypothyroidism)
Some breeds, like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Golden Retrievers, are more prone to infections due to their ear shape.
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How Are Dog Ear Infections Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause. After a video consultation, our vets may prescribe:
•Antibiotic or antifungal ear drops
•Ear cleaners or drying agents
•Anti-inflammatory medications
•Oral meds for more severe or recurring cases
Our vets at TelaVets can diagnose most cases virtually and ship medications to your door with next-day delivery.
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How to Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs
•Clean ears regularly with vet-approved solutions
•Dry ears thoroughly after baths or swimming
•Check ears weekly for odor, redness, or buildup
•Manage allergies with your vet’s help
•Never insert cotton swabs deep into the ear canal
Want step-by-step tips? Read our dog ear cleaning guide.
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Why Choose TelaVets for Dog Ear Infections?
•Licensed veterinarians experienced in dermatology & ear care
•No clinic visits or stress—just a quick video call
•Prescriptions delivered fast if needed
•Affordable and flexible scheduling
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Get Your Dog Relief—Fast
Ear infections are painful and won’t go away on their own. If your dog is showing signs, don’t wait. Book a virtual consultation with TelaVets and get the treatment your dog needs—without leaving home.
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Internal Linking Suggestions:
•Link to:
•Book an Appointment
•Dog Allergies Blog or Page (if you have one)
•Ear Cleaning Tips
•What We Treat
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