Care guide

Ear infections and head shaking

Ear infections are painful, so book a vet visit as soon as you can. A head tilt or loss of balance needs a vet the same day.

Worth a vet check soon

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Key facts

Verdict: Care guide · Call your vet or a poison line
Call your vet if: Head shaking, or rubbing the head or face on the ground, scratching or pawing at an ear, a smelly or pus-like discharge, a red, hot or swollen ear and pain when the ear is touched. All 8
First step: Call your vet now to book a visit. Ear infections are painful and need prompt treatment. All steps
Sources: PDSA, VCA Urgent Care. Reviewed 9 October 2026.

What to do

Call your vet now to book a visit. Ear infections are painful and need prompt treatment.
Ask for a same-day appointment if your dog has a head tilt or loses its balance.
If your vet gives ear drops, finish the whole course, even if the ear looks better after a couple of days.
Check your dog's ears regularly. A sour or strong smell is often the first sign.
If ear infections follow swimming, ask your vet about cleaning and drying the ears afterward.

Don't

Don't use cotton buds inside your dog's ears.
Don't put drops, oils or cleaners in a sore ear unless your vet tells you which product to use.

When to call your vet

Head shaking, or rubbing the head or face on the ground
Scratching or pawing at an ear
A smelly or pus-like discharge
A red, hot or swollen ear
Pain when the ear is touched
A puffy, swollen ear flap
A head tilt, loss of balance or vomiting
Ear infections that keep coming back

Why

Most ear infections are an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast in the ear canal, usually from a skin problem, ear mites or too much wax. Left untreated, infection can spread deeper into the ear.

Sources

Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.

General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.