At a glance
- Dachshunds are particularly prone to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears that trap moisture and reduce airflow
- Watch for frequent scratching, head shaking, odour, and discharge as early warning signs
- Treatment typically involves topical medications, ear cleaning, and addressing underlying causes like allergies
- Regular weekly ear inspections and proper cleaning can prevent many infections from developing
Why your Dachshund's ears are vulnerable
You might notice that your Dachshund seems to develop ear problems more often than other dogs you've known. This isn't your imagination. Those adorable long, floppy ears that give these dogs their distinctive look also create the perfect environment for infections to develop.
The anatomy works against them in several ways. Their narrow ear canals combined with those drooping ears reduce airflow significantly, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria and yeast thrive. Think of it as a greenhouse effect happening right inside your dog's ears.
Beyond the physical structure, many Dachshunds carry a genetic predisposition to recurrent ear infections. Some inherit ear canal structures that make them even more susceptible, while others have immune responses that don't handle ear bacteria as effectively as they should.
Common triggers you should know about
Allergies often set the stage for ear infections in these dogs. Food sensitivities or environmental allergens like pollen and dust mites can cause inflammation in the ear canal, which then becomes a breeding ground for problematic bacteria and yeast. The most common culprits include Staphylococcus species, Pseudomonas, and Malassezia yeast.
Sometimes the trigger is as simple as something getting stuck in the ear. Grass seeds are notorious for lodging in ear canals during walks, causing irritation that quickly progresses to infection. Water trapped after swimming or bathing can also tip the balance toward infection.
Underlying health conditions like hypothyroidism or skin diseases can make your dog more susceptible to ear problems. These conditions affect the immune system's ability to keep normal ear bacteria in check.
Recognising the warning signs
The earliest sign you'll typically notice is increased scratching or pawing at the ears. Your dog might also start shaking their head more frequently or tilting it to one side. These behaviours often appear before you can see any visible changes in the ear.
As the infection progresses, you'll likely notice an odour. Many owners describe it as yeasty or distinctly foul. The ear canal may appear red, swollen, or feel warm to the touch. Discharge can range from black or brown to yellow or green, depending on the type of infection.
Watch for signs of pain when you touch the ear area. Some dogs become head-shy or pull away when you try to examine their ears. In severe cases, you might see scaly or crusty skin around the ear opening, or even bleeding if your dog has scratched extensively.
Getting the right diagnosis
Your veterinarian will start with an otoscopy, using a special instrument to look deep into the ear canal and examine the eardrum. This visual examination can reveal inflammation, discharge, foreign objects, or damage to the ear structures.
The next step typically involves cytology, where your vet takes a swab from the ear and examines it under a microscope. This reveals whether bacteria, yeast, or parasites are present and helps determine the most effective treatment approach.
For persistent or recurrent infections, culture and sensitivity testing becomes important. This process identifies the exact organism causing the problem and tests which medications will be most effective against it. Blood tests might be recommended to check for underlying conditions like thyroid problems that could be contributing to the ear issues.
Treatment approaches that work
Most ear infections respond well to topical medications applied directly into the ear canal. Your vet might prescribe antibiotic drops for bacterial infections, antifungal drops for yeast problems, or steroid-containing drops to reduce inflammation and itching. Often, combination products address multiple issues at once.
Severe or deep infections sometimes require oral medications alongside the topical treatments. These systemic medications can reach areas that topical treatments might miss and are particularly important for chronic infections.
Proper ear cleaning plays a crucial role in treatment success. Your vet might perform an initial deep cleaning to remove built-up debris and discharge. They'll then show you how to safely clean your dog's ears at home using veterinary-approved solutions like Virbac Epi-Otic or Zymox ear cleanser.
For dogs with recurrent infections caused by structural problems, surgical options like total ear canal ablation might be necessary. This is typically reserved for cases where other treatments have failed repeatedly.
Prevention strategies for long-term ear health
Weekly ear inspections should become part of your routine. Look for any redness, unusual odour, or discharge. Catching problems early makes treatment much more straightforward and less expensive.
Regular cleaning with vet-approved ear cleaners helps maintain a healthy ear environment. This becomes especially important after swimming or bathing when moisture levels increase. Always dry the ears thoroughly after any water exposure.
If your dog has allergies, working with your vet to identify and manage them can significantly reduce ear infection frequency. This might involve dietary changes, hypoallergenic diets, or environmental modifications.
Avoid the temptation to use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal, as this can push debris further in or damage delicate ear structures. Stick to cleaning only the areas you can see clearly.
When professional help is essential
Don't wait to contact your vet if you notice persistent scratching, head shaking, or signs of pain around the ears. Early intervention prevents minor issues from becoming serious problems.
Any discharge, foul odour, or visible swelling warrants a veterinary examination. These signs indicate that an infection is already established and needs professional treatment.
If home care doesn't improve symptoms within a few days, or if infections keep recurring, your dog needs veterinary attention. Chronic ear problems can lead to permanent hearing loss or require surgical intervention if left untreated.
Signs of hearing loss, balance problems, or facial nerve issues suggest the infection may have spread to the middle or inner ear. These situations require immediate veterinary care and aggressive treatment to prevent permanent damage.
