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Increased Ear Secretion in Dogs

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

ORANGE for Pain, severe Itching, odor, redness/Swelling, or neurological symptoms. RED for balance disorder/nystagmus.

Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity

Definition

Increased ear secretion in dogs refers to the excessive production of earwax or other fluids in the ear canal, often associated with an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., inflammation, or other health problems.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

A dog’s ear consists of the outer, middle, and inner ear. The outer ear canal is a tube-like structure that directs sound waves to the eardrum. Earwax, also called cerumen, is produced in the ear glands and has a protective function, as it traps dirt and foreign bodies.

Dogs have a deeper and longer ear canal compared to humans, which makes them more susceptible to ear problems. Increased ear secretion can be caused by an excessive production of earwax or by fluid accumulation due to inflammation or infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

Possible causes of increased ear secretion include infections by bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. or yeasts, allergies, foreign bodies in the ear, mite infestation, and hormonal disorders. Anatomical peculiarities, such as in dogs with floppy ears, can also impair ventilation of the ear canal and increase the risk of diseases.

Typical accompanying symptoms

Itching: Dogs often scratch their ears or rub their head on furniture or the floor, indicating an uncomfortable feeling or itching in the ear.
Odor: An unpleasant or foul odor from the ear may indicate a bacterial or fungal infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
Redness and Swelling: The skin in and around the ear canal may be red and swollen, indicating inflammation or infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
Head shaking: Frequent head shaking may indicate that the dog is trying to remove an uncomfortable feeling or fluid from the ear.
Pain: The dog may react sensitively or show pain when touching the ears or head.

When to see a vet?

A veterinarian should be consulted if the ear secretion is accompanied by one or more of the previously mentioned symptoms, especially signs of Pain, severe Itching, or a foul odor. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment can prevent the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease and provide relief to the dog.

Even if the symptoms appear mild but persist for more than a few days, a visit to the veterinarian is advisable. This is especially true if the dog repeatedly suffers from ear problems, as this may indicate chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. or recurrentRecurrent refers to a disease that repeatedly returns or worsens after a temporary remission or improvement. causes that require specific treatment.

Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure

It is important for the pet owner to pay attention to changes in the dog’s behavior, such as frequent Scratching ears, Head shaking, or an unpleasant odor. These signs can indicate ear problems.

The veterinarian will first perform a clinical examination, thoroughly inspecting the dog’s ears. An otoscopeAn otoscope is a medical instrument used to examine the external auditory canal and the eardrum. Otoscopy is a standard procedure in veterinary medicine for the diagnosis of ear diseases in dogs and cats. can be used to better view the ear canal and eardrum. Swabs from the ear can be taken for microscopic examination to determine if bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease., yeasts, or mites are present.

In some cases, additional diagnostic tests may be necessary, such as X-rays or a computed tomography scan, to identify deeper problems, especially if a middle ear infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. is suspected.

What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options

As a first measure, the pet owner can try to gently clean the dog’s ears with a soft cloth to remove excess secretions and dirt. However, it is important to avoid cotton swabs, as these can worsen the problem by pushing earwax deeper into the ear canal.

There are special ear cleaners for dogs that can help keep the ear clean. However, these should only be used after consulting a veterinarian to ensure they are suitable for the dog’s specific condition.

To avoid greater damage, under no circumstances should you attempt to reach deep into the ear canal or perform treatments yourself that have not been recommended by a veterinarian. Improper treatment can lead to injuries or a worsening of the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

To improve the dog’s well-being, soothing measures, such as avoiding loud noises and stressful situations, can also be helpful until professional treatment is provided.

Outlook on current research

Research on increased ear secretion in dogs focuses on various aspects, including causes, diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. methods, and treatment options. A significant part of current studies investigates the role of bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. and yeasts, especially Malassezia, which are frequently found in ears with excessive secretion growth. Researchers analyze the specific microbial communities in the ear canal of dogs to gain a better understanding of microbial dysbiosis that can lead to increased secretion.

Another important research area is the development and improvement of diagnostic techniques. Traditionally, the examination of ear secretion is performed by microscopic analysis, but new, less invasiveInvasive describes medical procedures or pathogens that enter the body or penetrate tissue. In medicine, invasive procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open surgery. methods are being explored to make diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. faster and more precise. For example, the use of molecular diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. tests and DNADNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, function, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. It is located in the cells of an organism and contains the information for heredity. sequencing technologies is being investigated to better identify specific pathogenic organisms in the ear.

Treatment strategies are also a key focus of research. While antibiotics and antifungals are often prescribed, their effectiveness is compromised by the emergence of resistantResistant means being insensitive to a substance, drug, or treatment. In dogs and cats, resistance can refer to the ineffectiveness of antibiotics against certain bacterial strains or the insensitivity of parasites to certain pesticides. strains. Consequently, researchers are investigating alternative treatment approaches, including the application of probiotics to promote microbial balance in the ear, as well as the development of new topicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. medications that are less prone to resistanceResistance refers to the ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of antibiotics, antifungals, or other antimicrobial drugs. Resistance can also refer to the body's ability to be insensitive to diseases or toxins. problems.

Furthermore, efforts are being made to develop preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. measures that reduce the risk of increased ear secretion. These include nutritional studies examining the role of nutrients and supplements in supporting ear health, as well as environmental studies analyzing the effects of allergens and other external factors on canineCanine refers to anything related to dogs. The term is used to describe characteristics, diseases, or specific aspects that specifically affect dogs. ear health.

Long-term studies also investigate the genetic factors that contribute to the susceptibility of certain dog breeds to ear problems. This research could lead to breeding programs in the future that minimize the risk of increased ear secretion by identifying and addressing genetic predispositions.

Frequently asked questions

1. What does increased ear secretion mean in dogs?

Increased ear secretion in dogs refers to an excessive production of earwax or other fluids in the ear canal, which is often visible and sometimes associated with an unpleasant odor.

2. What signs indicate increased ear secretion?

Signs may include increased Head shaking, Scratching ears, redness, Swelling, or an unpleasant odor from the ear. The presence of visible secretion is also frequently noticed.

3. How can increased ear secretion be diagnosed in dogs?

Diagnosis is usually made by a veterinary examination, where the ear is inspected and a sample of the secretion may be taken for microscopic or other tests.

4. What are the possible causes of increased ear secretion?

Causes can include infections by bacteria or fungi, allergies, foreign bodies in the ear, genetic predisposition, or parasites such as ear mites.

5. How is increased ear secretion treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and may include cleaning the ear, applying antibiotics or antifungals, dietary changes, or using medications to control allergies.

6. Can increased ear secretion be prevented in dogs?

Prevention can be achieved through regular cleaning of the ears, avoiding allergens, and maintaining a balanced diet. Regular veterinary check-ups for ear health are also important.

7. Are there certain dog breeds that are more prone to ear problems?

Yes, breeds with long, floppy ears such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Labradors are often more prone to ear problems, including increased secretion, due to the limited air circulation in the ear.

8. What happens if increased ear secretion is not treated?

Untreated, increased ear secretion can lead to chronic Ear infections, Pain, hearing loss, and in severe cases, the spread of the infection to other areas.

9. Can home remedies help against increased ear secretion?

While some home remedies may help, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian before using them, as improper treatments can worsen the problem.

10. How often should you clean a dog's ears?

The frequency of cleaning depends on the breed and the individual needs of the dog. Generally, it is sufficient to check the ears once a week and clean them if necessary. For dogs with a known predisposition to ear problems, more frequent cleaning may be required.