Dealing with Ear Infections in Dogs

Ear infections are very common in dogs, especially dogs with allergies. About 80 percent of ear infections occur in dogs with dropped ears, such as Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. High humidity or moisture in the ears from swimming can soak the skin of the ear canal, reducing its ability to protect itself from infection.

Initially, the infection may involve only the outer ear, but if left untreated, it can move to the middle and inner ear, interfering with your dog's hearing and balance. A routine weekly check of your dog's ears for abnormal discharge or smell is an important preventive measure against ear infections.

If your dog gets frequent ear infections, keep the hair around her ear opening trimmed (to increase air circulation) and shake a little bit of athlete's food powder in her ears once a week.