Otitis in Dogs: Causes, Signs, and Essential Care

How to identify otitis?

Watch out for these common signs:

Scratches his ears a lot or shakes them constantly

Bad smell from the ears

Hardening or excess wax

They complain when their ears are touched

Apathy or loss of appetite

Otitis is an inflammation of the ears of dogs that can affect the outer, middle or inner ear.

In summer, heat and humidity encourage the growth of bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk.

The most common signs include head shaking, scratching the ears, an unpleasant odor, and discharge (yellowish, brownish, or reddish).

In more severe cases, head tilt, loss of balance, circling, and even facial paralysis may occur due to otitis media or interna.

Otitis externa occurs when the skin of the outer ear canal becomes inflamed—common in dogs with floppy or hairy ears.

Otitis media can easily progress from an untreated external ear infection and cause more serious symptoms such as deep pain and neurological signs.

The main causes include food or environmental allergies, parasites, excessive humidity (bathing or swimming pool), foreign bodies and genetics.

Effective diagnosis involves kaleidoscopic history taking and otoscopic examination, often with cytology and culture to identify the agent.

X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be necessary in complex cases of otitis media or interna.  .

Treatment includes cleaning, topical and/or oral medication (antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatories) as prescribed by a doctor.

For otitis media, it may be necessary to wash the canal under sedation and, in rare situations, surgical intervention.  .

The success of the treatment depends on strict adherence to the plan indicated by the veterinary clinic.

Owners should continue care until the end of the indicated period, even if symptoms subside.

At PetDoctors , we guarantee a complete diagnosis with otoscopy, cytology, culture, cleaning and adapted prescriptions.

In summer, take the opportunity to keep your dog's ears dry after bathing or swimming — use cotton wool and dry them well.

Make sure the ears are free of moisture, especially in long-eared dogs.

Weekly cleaning with veterinary products helps prevent the buildup of earwax and microorganisms.

Caution: Never use cotton swabs (Q-tips), as they can push earwax and debris into the ear canal.  .

In repeated cases, it is essential to investigate primary causes such as food allergies, dermatitis, or hormonal changes.

Educating guardians is essential: understanding the disease helps prevent future episodes and chronic conditions.

PetDoctors offers follow-up plans, ear cleaning kits, and regular exams year-round.

Warning signs include severe pain, purulent discharge, neurological symptoms, fever, or obvious pain — seek help immediately.

Early treatment prevents complications such as eardrum perforation and hearing loss.

Otitis can return, so monitoring its progress is essential to prevent relapses.

Conclusion: Take extra care of your dog's ears in the summer — consult PetDoctors at the first sign of warning.

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Final recommendations

Care	Benefits
Dry well after bathing	Prevents the proliferation of microorganisms
Weekly gentle cleaning	Removes earwax and prevents infections
Regular consultations at PetDoctors	Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment
Pay attention to signs such as itching, odor and head tilt.	Allows for quick intervention

🎯 Tutor, take good care of your best friend's ears!

PetDoctors veterinary clinics are prepared to:

• ✔️ Complete diagnosis with imaging and laboratory tests

• ✔️ Personalized treatment plans for each type of otitis

• ✔️ Advice to guardians for effective prevention

• ✔️ All-Summer Support for Ear Care

Don't let your dog's discomfort go unnoticed — schedule an appointment with PetDoctors now!

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If you would like more information about otitis or seasonal care, please contact us .