When is ear problems in a dog an emergency?

Call a vet straight away if: a sudden head tilt with falling over, circling or loss of balance.

When should my dog see a vet today?

Book a vet visit the same day if: shaking the head or scratching the ears a lot; a bad smell, or brown, yellow or bloody discharge; red, swollen ear, or cries when the ear is touched; the ear flap has puffed up like a balloon.

Can I wait and watch at home?

Usually yes, for up to a day, if: a little light-brown wax, no smell, no scratching. If anything changes or worries you, book a vet.

Can I give my dog human medicine?

No. Many human medicines, including paracetamol and ibuprofen, are poisonous to dogs and cats. Only give what a vet prescribes after examining your pet.

Can a vet see my dog at home in Pune?

Yes. Sniffi's vets visit homes across Pune, or you can book a quick teleconsult first. Call +91 91751 29919 or book online.

Dog Ear Infection: Signs and When to See a Vet

Updated 2026-10-05. General information, not a diagnosis.

Ear infections are very common in dogs with floppy ears, such as Labradors, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels and Shih Tzus. They are painful and rarely clear up without treatment.

Not sure how serious it is? Describe it in your own words and get an answer in a minute.

Check symptoms free

Call a vet now if

A sudden head tilt with falling over, circling or loss of balance

Call +91 91751 29919

Book a vet visit today if

Shaking the head or scratching the ears a lot
A bad smell, or brown, yellow or bloody discharge
Red, swollen ear, or cries when the ear is touched
The ear flap has puffed up like a balloon

Usually fine to watch at home for a day if

A little light-brown wax, no smell, no scratching

Common causes of ear problems in dogs

Yeast and bacterial infections
Allergies
Water trapped in the ear after baths or swimming
Ear mites, more common in puppies
Grass seeds or other things stuck in the ear

Only a vet who examines your dog can tell which one it is.

What you can do right now

Keep the ears dry after baths
Do not push cotton buds into the ear canal
Do not pour oil, hydrogen peroxide or home remedies into the ear. If the eardrum is damaged they can cause harm

Talk to a Sniffi vet

Pune's home vet service. Pick what suits you.

📞 Book a quick teleconsultA vet calls you back 🏠 Schedule a home visitA vet comes to your home

Questions pet parents ask

When is ear problems in a dog an emergency?: Call a vet straight away if: a sudden head tilt with falling over, circling or loss of balance.
When should my dog see a vet today?: Book a vet visit the same day if: shaking the head or scratching the ears a lot; a bad smell, or brown, yellow or bloody discharge; red, swollen ear, or cries when the ear is touched; the ear flap has puffed up like a balloon.
Can I wait and watch at home?: Usually yes, for up to a day, if: a little light-brown wax, no smell, no scratching. If anything changes or worries you, book a vet.
Can I give my dog human medicine?: No. Many human medicines, including paracetamol and ibuprofen, are poisonous to dogs and cats. Only give what a vet prescribes after examining your pet.
Can a vet see my dog at home in Pune?: Yes. Sniffi's vets visit homes across Pune, or you can book a quick teleconsult first. Call +91 91751 29919 or book online.

Also searched as: dog ear smell · dog shaking head a lot · kutte ke kaan mein infection