Golden Retriever Ear Infections: Signs, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

If your golden is shaking their head, scratching at their ears or smells funky near the ears, an ear infection is a likely suspect. Goldens are prone to them, and catching them early makes treatment easier.

General education only. Ear infections need a vet’s diagnosis and treatment.

Why goldens are prone

• Floppy ears trap warmth and moisture and reduce airflow.
• Swimming introduces water into the canal.
• Allergies inflame the skin lining the ear. VCA notes that allergies are a common underlying cause of recurring ear infections.
• Hair in the ear canal can hold moisture and debris.
• Dirt and wax can build up.

Signs to watch for

Sign	What it may mean
Shaking head or scratching ears	Itch or pain
Redness or swelling inside the ear	Inflammation
Dark, yellow or brown discharge	Infection, yeast or mites
Strong or sour odor	Bacteria or yeast
Pain when touched or crying	Pain
Head tilt, circling or loss of balance	Possible middle or inner ear involvement, see a vet immediately
Rubbing the ears on carpet or furniture	Itch

What a vet will do

1. Look into the ear with an otoscope to check the canal and eardrum.
2. Take a sample of the discharge to look at under a microscope (cytology) to identify yeast, bacteria or mites.
3. Clean the ear and prescribe medication, usually ear drops, sometimes oral medication.
4. Look for the underlying cause, such as allergies. Recurrent infections point to something that needs addressing. See allergies and itchy skin.

Don’t use leftover medication from a previous infection. It may not be the right one.

Cleaning ears the safe way

Ask your vet if routine cleaning is right for your dog. If it is:

1. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner made for dogs.
2. Fill the ear canal with cleaner as directed, massage the base of the ear for 20 to 30 seconds. You should hear a squishing sound.
3. Let your dog shake their head, then wipe the visible part of the ear with gauze or cotton. Don’t push cotton swabs into the canal.
4. Reward your dog.

Avoid cleaning if the ear is very red, painful or has a suspected perforated eardrum. Your vet will advise.

Prevention

• Dry ears after swimming and baths. Pat the outer ear and let dry.
• Check ears weekly. Look and sniff. Healthy ears have little odor.
• Keep up with allergy management with your vet.
• Keep the area tidy. Trim excess hair around the ear opening, and ask your groomer or vet about hair inside the canal.
• Don’t over-clean. Excess cleaning can irritate.
• Control fleas and keep skin healthy.

When it’s an emergency

Go to the vet promptly for:

• Head tilt, loss of balance or eye flicking
• Severe pain, swelling behind the ear or a hot, swollen ear flap (possible hematoma)
• Bleeding or pus
• Sudden hearing loss

Related

• Grooming guide
• How often to bathe