Preventing Future Ear Infections in Dogs

If your dog has ever suffered through an ear infection, you know how uncomfortable—and sometimes painful—it can be for them. Fortunately, many ear infections can be avoided with the right preventative care.

In this post, we’ll walk through practical, vet-recommended strategies to help you keep your dog’s ears healthy and reduce the risk of future infections.

Why Prevention Matters

Ear infections aren’t just painful—they can lead to:

Chronic inflammation
Permanent ear canal damage
Hearing loss
Expensive veterinary bills

Since some dogs are more prone to ear infections than others, it’s important to know what puts them at risk—and what you can do to help.

Dogs at Higher Risk

Certain breeds and lifestyles make ear infections more likely:

Floppy-eared breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Golden Retrievers
Hairy-eared breeds like Poodles and Schnauzers
Dogs with allergies (environmental or food)
Dogs that swim often or live in humid climates
Dogs with a history of frequent ear infections

If your pup fits into one of these categories, you’ll want to be especially proactive about ear care.

1. Clean Your Dog’s Ears Regularly

Routine ear cleaning is the #1 way to help prevent infections. But it’s important to do it safely and correctly.

✅ Use a vet-approved ear cleaner

Ask your vet to recommend an ear cleaning solution designed for dogs. Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or homemade mixtures that can irritate sensitive skin.

✅ How often to clean

Monthly for most dogs
Weekly for dogs prone to buildup, allergies, or infections
After every swim or bath

Don’t over-clean, though—too much can dry out the ear and disrupt its natural balance.

✅ How to clean

Gently lift the ear flap
Fill the canal with ear cleaning solution
Massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds
Let your dog shake it out
Wipe away debris from the outer ear with gauze or a soft cotton pad
Never use cotton swabs inside the ear canal

2. Dry Ears Thoroughly After Baths or Swimming

Moisture trapped in the ears creates a perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria.

After water exposure:

Gently towel dry your dog’s ears
Use a drying ear solution if recommended by your vet
Keep ear flaps open to air out if your dog has floppy ears

For water-loving pups, regular post-swim ear maintenance is essential.

3. Grooming Helps Too

Some breeds grow hair inside the ear canal, which can trap debris and moisture. Your groomer or vet may recommend:

Plucking hair from the ear canal (only if advised by a vet)
Trimming around the ears to keep airflow open
Regular grooming appointments to prevent matting and moisture buildup

Don’t attempt to pluck ear hair at home unless trained—improper technique can cause inflammation or infection.

4. Watch for Allergies

Many recurring ear infections are triggered by underlying allergies—either food-related or environmental.

Common signs of allergies include:

Itchy skin or paws
Frequent ear infections
Rashes or hives
Scooting or licking

If you suspect allergies, talk to your vet about diet trials, allergy testing, or medications to manage symptoms.

5. Keep Ears Ventilated

For floppy-eared dogs, lack of airflow can lead to humidity and infection. Try:

Gently flipping ears up during naps at home
Using ear wraps or snoods during wet outdoor play
Avoiding tight headgear that traps heat or moisture

Simple actions to increase air circulation can make a big difference.

6. Stay on Top of Vet Visits

Even if your dog seems healthy, regular checkups give your vet a chance to inspect the ears for:

Redness
Wax buildup
Early signs of infection

Early detection = easier treatment and less discomfort for your dog.

7. Address Problems Immediately

Don’t wait if you see signs like:

Head shaking
Scratching at the ears
Redness or swelling
Foul odor

Quick treatment can stop a mild issue from becoming chronic.

Create a Routine That Works

Preventing ear infections is all about consistency. Try this sample schedule for a high-risk dog:

Weekly ear check at home
Monthly cleanings (or more often if vet recommends)
Drying ears after water exposure
Grooming every 4–6 weeks
Allergy management if symptoms appear

Keep supplies like cleaning solution, gauze, and treats on hand to make ear care easy and positive.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your dog’s ears clean, dry, and monitored can greatly reduce the risk of infection—especially for dogs with known sensitivities or breed predispositions. Prevention is always better than treatment, and it’s one of the best ways to keep your pup healthy and happy.