Otitis externa is one of the most common and painful conditions in dogs — preventable in high-risk breeds through regular cleaning and monitoring but frequently allowed to progress to chronic disease.
Dogs with ear infections experience genuine pain that owners frequently underestimate. The combination of inflammation, pressure, and discharge causes chronic discomfort that affects sleep, behavior, and quality of life. Dogs that consistently shake their heads or scratch at their ears are in pain, not simply exhibiting quirky behavior. Chronic ear infection leading to middle and inner ear disease causes balance problems and permanent hearing loss. The welfare trajectory of untreated ear disease is entirely preventable with regular monitoring and prompt early treatment.