Ear infections are among the most common health complaints in dogs, causing chronic pain and discomfort. Understanding causes and prevention can spare millions of dogs from unnecessary suffering.
Ear infections cause significant and often underappreciated suffering in dogs. Chronic pain, constant irritation, and the urge to scratch can affect a dog's quality of life for weeks or months. Many owners do not recognize early signs, leading to progression and more severe disease. Pain-associated behavioral changes such as aggression near the head or reluctance to be touched are welfare indicators that veterinarians and owners should recognize. Prompt treatment and prevention protocols can greatly reduce the burden of this common and painful condition.