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Otitis (ear disease)
Does your dog have itchy, smelly ears that keep coming back?
Ear infections that keep coming back are one of the most common — and most frustrating — problems in pets. A specialist finds and treats the real cause.
Signs you might notice
Head shaking
Shaking or tilting the head
Ear scratching
Scratching or pawing at the ears
Odor
A strong smell coming from the ears
Discharge
Brown, yellow, or waxy buildup
Pain or redness
Redness, swelling, or discomfort when the ears are touched
What's really going on
Ear infections that keep returning are usually a symptom, not the whole problem — they’re very often driven by an underlying allergy.
Repeated infections can cause the ear canal to narrow and scar, making each round harder to treat and, in severe cases, requiring surgery.
Seeing deep into the ear canal matters — infection and debris hide where a routine exam can’t reach.
How a specialist helps
A dermatologist uses video otoscopy — a tiny camera — to see deep into the ear canal, perform a thorough deep cleaning, and identify exactly what’s causing the infection.
Most importantly, they treat the root cause — often allergies — so the infections stop coming back.
What to expect at your visit
- A dermatology exam focused on the ears and skin
- Video otoscopy to see deep into the canal (sometimes with sedation)
- Cytology or culture to choose the right medication
- Treatment of the underlying cause and a plan to prevent recurrence