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【Must-Read for Dog Owners】Otitis Externa in Dogs: A Quick Guide
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Free Care Guide
My dog developed otitis externa because I used cotton swabs to clean its ears.
My dog developed otitis externa because I used cotton swabs to clean its ears.
This condition arose as a result.
Having raised dogs for over twenty years and learned from my mistakes, I have compiled this care guide—so that you don’t have to experience it firsthand to understand.
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Ivan · @pawshub.hk
Hello everyone, I am Ivan. I have been raising dogs for over twenty years and have owned nine dogs in total. Although I have studied veterinary medical science, I am not a veterinarian. I am an owner who takes the time to research veterinary literature and then explains it in plain language for you.
This care guide is based on my review of multiple studies, combined with my own personal experience. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on IG. @pawshub.hk Contact me—I personally reply to every comment and DM. Let’s work together on any dog-related issues.
🔍 Key Symptom Checklist: What Should Owners Pay Most Attention To?
Common visible changes associated with otitis externa that owners can monitor include the following. At the time, I noticed increased earwax and thought it was normal, but it was actually an early sign.
⚠️ Early Stage / External Ear Symptoms
✅Hair loss, scratching, and crusting on the pinna
✅Erythema or hyperpigmentation on the pinna or ear canal
✅Congestion and ulceration of the ear canal
✅Increased earwax or purulent discharge
✅Swelling and narrowing of the ear canal
✅Visible foreign bodies or masses
🚨 If the following symptoms appear, it may indicate that the middle or inner ear is already affected
These are more severe signs requiring prompt veterinary attention.
⚠️Head tilt (tilting of the head)
⚠️Nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movements)
⚠️Unsteady gait or circling
⚠️Other abnormal neurological manifestations
📋 Risk of Chronicity and Key Prevention Points
Recurrent inflammation and infection can gradually lead tofibrosis, stenosis, calcification, and end-stage ear disease, which may also result in conductive or mixed hearing loss.
Studies indicate that chronic otitis externa can extend to the middle ear, observed in up to approximately half of cases in some research.
Ivan’s Note:Chronic otitis externa is truly difficult to cure; prevention is a hundred times easier than treatment. The key to prevention is not simply repeated ear cleaning, but rather early identification of underlying factors, management of perpetuating factors, and scheduling follow-up visits to confirm true resolution.
👂 Home Care 3-Step Guide: Proper Ear Cleaning Technique
1. Instill ear cleaning solution: Gently lift the ear flap and fill the ear canal with the recommended cleaning solution. Do not just apply a few drops; ensure the liquid overflows, with an average of approximately 4.9 mL of cleaning solution used per session. (Veterinary Sciences (2022). doi:10.3390/vetsci9040185.)
2. Massage the ear base: Rub the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. You should hear a squishing sound, which helps to soften deep earwax.
3. Shake out and dry: Allow the dog to shake its head naturally to expel debris. Finally, use cotton or a tissue to wipe away visible discharge from the pinna.
Important Reminder:Never use cotton swabs to probe deep into the ear canal, as this can push earwax deeper or even perforate the eardrum. If the dog shows extreme pain during ear cleaning, stop immediately and consult a veterinarian.
💬 Summary
Otitis externa in dogs can range from minor to serious; it is not always simply a matter of dirty ears!
If your dog exhibitsear odor, frequent head shaking, ear scratching, redness, swelling, or increased ear discharge, it is time to be vigilant; relying solely on visual observation may not distinguish the true cause.
If you are truly concerned, be sure to visit a trusted veterinary clinic promptly for an examination.
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Let’s work together on dog-related issues
I personally reply to every comment and DM.
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
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