Dog Breeds Most Likely to Have an Ear Infection: Are You at Risk?

Ear infections are a common problem in dogs, but some breeds are more prone to developing them due to their ear structure, lifestyle, or underlying health conditions. As a pet owner, knowing whether your dog is at a higher risk for ear infections can help you take proactive steps to maintain their ear health and catch issues early.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the dog breeds that are most likely to suffer from ear infections and how you can prevent these infections from affecting your furry friend.

1. Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniels are one of the most well-known breeds when it comes to ear infections. Their long, floppy ears create a warm, dark, and moist environment inside the ear canal—perfect for bacteria and yeast to thrive. The hair around their ears can also trap debris and moisture, making them more susceptible to infections.

• Why they’re at risk: The shape of their ears and the hair that grows inside them make it difficult for air to circulate, which can lead to excess moisture and wax buildup.

• Preventative care: Regular ear cleaning and trimming the hair around the ears can help prevent ear infections in Cocker Spaniels. Additionally, keeping their ears dry, especially after swimming or bathing, is key.

2. Basset Hounds

Basset Hounds are another breed that is prone to ear infections due to their long, droopy ears. While their ears are part of their charm, they also make it difficult for air to circulate within the ear canal. Basset Hounds have an increased risk of moisture buildup, which, combined with their relatively oily skin, can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.

• Why they’re at risk: Their floppy ears block airflow, trapping moisture, dirt, and debris inside their ears, which can lead to infections.

• Preventative care: Regular ear inspections, cleaning, and drying are crucial for Basset Hounds. Keeping their ears dry and free from excess wax will reduce the chances of developing an infection.

3. Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are a popular breed known for their love of water. Whether swimming in the lake, playing in the pool, or just taking a bath, water-loving dogs are at a higher risk of ear infections due to the moisture that gets trapped inside their ears.

• Why they’re at risk: Labs have large, floppy ears that trap moisture, especially after swimming. If the ears are not dried thoroughly, bacteria and yeast can begin to grow, causing an infection.

• Preventative care: After water activities, be sure to dry your dog’s ears thoroughly with a soft towel or ear-drying solution recommended by your vet. Regular ear cleaning can also help maintain ear health.

4. Poodles

Poodles, particularly standard and miniature varieties, have thick, curly hair that can grow inside the ear canal. This hair can trap moisture and debris, leading to infections if left unchecked. Poodles are also prone to allergies, which can contribute to ear inflammation and infections.

• Why they’re at risk: Their hair inside the ear canal can trap moisture and debris, creating an environment that is conducive to bacterial and yeast growth.

• Preventative care: Regular grooming and ear hair trimming are essential for Poodles. Cleaning their ears regularly and keeping the inside of their ears dry will help prevent infections.

5. Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus are another breed with a high risk of ear infections due to their long, luxurious coat, which can trap moisture and dirt around their ears. Their small, floppy ears are also prone to irritation and infection, especially if they are not cleaned and maintained properly.

• Why they’re at risk: The long hair around their ears can block airflow and trap moisture, which can lead to the growth of bacteria or yeast.

• Preventative care: Regular grooming and trimming around the ears are key to keeping Shih Tzus’ ears clean and dry. Regular ear cleaning with a vet-approved solution can help maintain ear health and prevent infections.

6. Dachshunds

Dachshunds are another breed that is particularly prone to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears. Their short stature means that their ear canals are positioned closer to the ground, increasing the likelihood of debris and moisture entering the ears.

• Why they’re at risk: Their ears can trap dirt, moisture, and debris, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to infections.

• Preventative care: Regular ear cleaning and drying are essential for Dachshunds. If they frequently walk in muddy or damp environments, it’s especially important to check their ears for any signs of moisture buildup.

7. English Bulldogs

English Bulldogs have a distinctive physical appearance, with their wrinkled skin and short, flat faces. Their ear canals are short and wide, which makes it easier for bacteria and debris to enter. Additionally, their skin folds can trap moisture, which, when combined with their relatively high levels of ear wax, creates a perfect breeding ground for infections.

• Why they’re at risk: Their ear canals and skin folds create an environment where moisture can become trapped, leading to ear infections.

• Preventative care: Keeping the folds around their ears clean and dry is crucial. Regular ear cleaning with a veterinarian-approved solution will help prevent infections.

8. Schnauzers

Schnauzers, both Miniature and Standard, are a popular breed with a tendency toward ear infections. Their ear canals are narrow, and they have a lot of hair around the ears, which can lead to moisture and debris becoming trapped.

• Why they’re at risk: The combination of narrow ear canals and hair growth inside the ears creates an ideal environment for infections to develop.

• Preventative care: Regular ear inspections and grooming are essential. Be sure to trim any excess hair around the ears and keep the ears clean and dry to reduce the risk of infections.

9. Boxers

Boxers are a fun-loving, high-energy breed, but they also have floppy ears that can make them susceptible to ear infections. Their active lifestyle, combined with moisture buildup from swimming or bathing, can lead to ear problems if their ears are not properly cared for.

• Why they’re at risk: Floppy ears and moisture buildup can lead to bacterial or yeast infections.

• Preventative care: Regular ear cleaning, especially after baths or swimming, is important for keeping their ears healthy.

Conclusion

While ear infections are common in many dogs, certain breeds are more prone to them due to their ear structure, lifestyle, and genetics. Regular ear care, grooming, and inspections can help keep your dog’s ears healthy and prevent infections from becoming a recurring issue.

If you have a breed that’s particularly susceptible to ear infections, make sure to stay on top of regular ear cleaning and check-ups with your vet to catch any problems early. With proper care, your dog’s ears can stay clean, dry, and infection-free, helping them live a more comfortable, healthy life.