Otitis externa is one of the most common and painful conditions in dogs, frequently caused by breed conformation and underlying allergies. Effective management prevents chronic suffering.
Ear infections cause significant pain and discomfort that is frequently underestimated by owners who interpret head shaking and scratching as minor nuisances rather than indicators of pain. Chronic recurrent otitis causes progressive changes to the ear canal including hyperplasia and calcification that ultimately require surgical intervention to manage. Addressing the underlying cause — most commonly allergic skin disease — is essential for long-term resolution rather than repeated symptomatic treatment. Breed selection plays an important role: breeds designed with extreme ear conformations that predispose to infection were created for appearance without consideration of the welfare consequences. Support for breeding reform that prioritizes functional ear conformation reduces prevalence of this preventable condition.