Head shaking, scratching, redness, smell — ear problems are painful and quick to escalate. We diagnose properly with otoscopy and cytology, then treat the cause, not just the symptom.
Ear problems are one of the top three reasons we see pets — particularly dogs. Floppy-eared breeds, allergic dogs, swimmers and water-loving pets are most prone, but any pet can develop ear disease. The earlier we treat it, the less likely it is to become chronic.
Signs your pet has an ear problem
Ear pain isn’t always obvious. Pets often hide discomfort, and by the time they’re shaking their head visibly, the infection is usually well established. Look out for:
Common causes of ear disease in pets
Ear infections are almost always secondary to something else. Treating the infection without identifying the underlying cause is why so many pets keep coming back with the same problem month after month.
Bacterial & yeast infections
The two most common organisms we find on cytology are Malassezia yeast (dark brown waxy discharge, sweet smell) and bacteria like Pseudomonas or Staphylococcus (yellow or green pus, strong smell). They often appear together and need different treatments — which is why we sample before prescribing.
Allergies
Recurrent ear infections in dogs are often the first visible sign of allergic skin disease. The ear canal is just specialised skin — if your dog is allergic to pollens, dust mites or food ingredients, the ear canal is one of the first places it shows. We’ll always investigate this in chronic cases.
Ear mites
Common in cats, particularly kittens and outdoor cats. Ear mites cause severe itching and a characteristic dark coffee-ground discharge. Highly contagious between pets in the same household — we’ll treat all in-contact animals.
Foreign bodies
Grass seeds are the classic summer culprit, particularly in spaniels and any long-haired dog walking through long grass. A grass seed in the ear is a true emergency — sudden severe head shaking after a walk needs same-day attention before it migrates deeper.
Anatomical & conformational
Some breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Cavaliers, Bulldogs) are simply prone to ear disease because of how their ears are built. Hairy ear canals, narrow openings or excessive folds all trap moisture and warmth. Long-term management is about prevention, not just treatment.
Tumours & growths
Less common, but important to rule out in older pets — particularly older cats with persistent one-sided ear discharge or bleeding.
When to bring your pet in promptly
- Sudden, severe head shaking — especially after a walk in long grass
- Head tilt, loss of balance or rapid eye movements (signs of inner ear involvement)
- Bleeding from the ear or a swollen, hot ear flap (an aural haematoma may be developing)
- Sudden hearing loss
- Severe pain when the ear is gently touched
- Ears that have failed to respond to home cleaning after a few days
How we diagnose ear problems
We don’t treat ears blind. Every ear consultation includes a proper examination and, where appropriate, in-house diagnostics that give us answers within minutes.
Otoscopy
A magnified view of the ear canal and eardrum to assess inflammation, debris, foreign bodies and the integrity of the tympanic membrane.
In-house cytology
Microscopic examination of ear discharge to identify bacteria, yeast and inflammatory cells — this directly guides which treatment we prescribe.
Bacterial culture
For resistant or recurrent infections, we send samples for full culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing.
Sedated ear flush
For severe or chronic cases, a thorough flush under sedation lets us see and treat the deeper canal properly — often the turning point in chronic ears.
Treatment & prevention
Treatment depends on what we find. Acute simple infections often clear in 7–10 days with appropriate medicated drops. More complex cases may need oral medications, allergy management, dietary trials, regular cleaning routines, or in severe cases, sedated flushing. We’ll give you a written plan and stay with you through follow-ups.
For pets predisposed to ear problems, prevention is everything. Regular cleaning with the right product (not water, not vinegar, not olive oil), clipping hair from the ear opening if appropriate, drying ears thoroughly after swimming, and addressing underlying allergies all reduce flare-ups dramatically.
Transparent pricing
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Consultation (15 min) | £39 |
| Extended Consultation (chronic / complex) | £60 |
| In-house ear cytology | £25 |
| Sedated ear flush | POA |
| Bacterial culture & sensitivity | POA |
Companion Plan members receive consultations included plus 20% off medications. For pets with chronic ear disease, this can substantially reduce ongoing costs.
Stop the cycle of repeat infections
If your pet’s ears flare up every few months, the bills mount fast. Companion Plan members get free consultations plus 20% off medications, and our two annual health checks help us catch flare-ups before they get serious.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my dog’s ear infections keep coming back?
Recurrent ear infections almost always have an underlying cause — usually allergies, anatomy, or incomplete previous treatment. We need to identify and address the driver, not just the most recent flare-up.
Should I clean my pet’s ears at home?
If your pet is healthy and has clean ears, routine cleaning isn’t necessary — over-cleaning can actually trigger problems. If your pet is prone to ear issues, we’ll recommend a specific product and frequency. Never use cotton buds or water.
Can I use leftover ear drops from a previous infection?
Please don’t. Different ear infections need different treatments — using yeast medication on a bacterial infection (or vice versa) makes things worse and contributes to resistance. A £30 cytology saves a lot of trial and error.
What is an aural haematoma?
A blood-filled swelling in the ear flap, usually caused by violent head shaking from an underlying ear infection. It needs treatment to prevent permanent disfigurement (“cauliflower ear”) — book in promptly if you spot a swollen ear flap.
My groomer plucks ear hair — should I be doing this?
This is increasingly debated. For most healthy dogs, plucking isn’t necessary and may cause inflammation. We’ll advise individually based on your dog’s breed and ear health.
Are some breeds more prone to ear infections?
Yes — Cocker Spaniels, Cavaliers, Bulldogs, Bassets, Labradors and Poodles all see ear issues frequently, due to a mix of anatomy, allergies and skin type. Prevention is particularly important in these breeds.
Get your pet’s ears looked at properly
Same-week appointments. In-house cytology. A clear plan you understand.