Companion Animals

Dog Ear Health: Prevention and Welfare of Chronic Otitis

Chronic ear disease is painful, common, and frequently under-treated in dogs. Understanding causes, prevention, and evidence-based management significantly improves welfare.

Key Facts

Otitis externa affects up to 20% of dogs at some point in their lives
Floppy-eared and allergic breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Labradors) are at highest risk
Chronic otitis causes constant pain, head shaking, and sleep disruption
Underlying allergies are the root cause in most recurrent cases
Treating infections without addressing the underlying allergy leads to recurrence
Severe chronic otitis may require total ear canal ablation surgery

Welfare Considerations

Chronic ear disease causes persistent pain that significantly impairs quality of life. Dogs with chronic otitis show hypersensitivity during examination, resentment of head contact, and sleep disruption. The itch-scratch-infection cycle becomes self-perpetuating without identification and management of the underlying cause. Many dogs live with painful ear disease for months before veterinary assessment because owners attribute shaking and scratching to normal behaviour.

What You Can Do

Have dogs with repeated ear problems assessed for underlying allergies
Seek veterinary assessment if your dog shows signs of ear discomfort
Advocate for allergy management training in veterinary undergraduate programmes