Dog Eye and Ear Problems: Signs and Care
Ear problems are among the most common reasons dogs see a vet, and most are uncomfortable rather than dangerous. Eyes are different: an eye can be permanently damaged within a day or two, so painful or suddenly changed eyes should be seen promptly.
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Eye signs that need a vet today
Squinting or holding an eye shut, pawing at the face, a sudden change in how the eye looks (cloudy, blue-white, bulging or a different-sized pupil), an injury, or sudden bumping into things all need a vet the same day. These can be signs of a corneal ulcer, glaucoma, uveitis or a lens problem, and some of them can cost a dog the eye if left.
A little clear discharge or a small "eye booger" in the corner each morning is normal. Thick yellow or green discharge, redness of the white of the eye, or discharge from only one eye is worth getting checked within a day or two.
Ear problems
Signs of ear trouble include head shaking, scratching at the ear, a bad smell, brown or yellow discharge, redness, and pain when the ear is touched. Most ear infections are secondary to something else (allergies are the most common underlying cause), which is why they so often come back.
A swollen, soft, fluid-filled ear flap after a lot of shaking is usually an aural hematoma, a pocket of blood in the flap. It needs a vet, but it is not an emergency. A tilted head, loss of balance or flickering eyes alongside ear signs can mean the infection has reached deeper, and should be seen promptly.
Routine care at home
Healthy ears usually need little more than a look once a week. Dogs that swim often, have heavy floppy ears or are prone to infections may benefit from regular cleaning with a dog-specific ear cleaner. Never push cotton buds into the canal, and never use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol in a sore ear.
For eyes, gently wiping away morning debris with a damp, clean cloth (one cloth per eye) is all most dogs need. Breeds with prominent eyes or long facial hair benefit from keeping the hair around the eyes trimmed.
| Sign | Act |
|---|---|
| Squinting, eye held shut, eye injury | Same day |
| Eye suddenly cloudy, bulging or very red | Same day |
| Thick green or yellow eye discharge | Within a day or two |
| Head shaking, ear smell, brown discharge | Within a few days |
| Head tilt or loss of balance with ear signs | Same day |
| Swollen, puffy ear flap | Within a few days |
Common questions
Can I use human eye drops on my dog?
Only plain sterile saline for rinsing, and only for minor debris. Medicated human drops (including redness relievers and anything containing steroids) can make some eye conditions, especially ulcers, much worse. A painful or red eye needs a vet to check the surface of the eye before anything medicated goes in.
How often should I clean my dog’s ears?
Many dogs never need routine cleaning. Checking once a week is enough. Dogs that swim, have heavy floppy ears or get recurring infections may need cleaning every week or two with a dog-specific cleaner. Cleaning too often can irritate the ear, so follow your vet’s advice for your dog.
Are dog ear infections contagious?
Most are not. The bacteria and yeast involved normally live on the skin, and infections develop when allergies, moisture or ear shape let them overgrow. Ear mites are the exception: they spread between dogs and cats in the same household, so all pets in the home are usually treated together.
Reviewed by Winzah, Editor, on . How we research and check articles.