April 26, 2025
2 min read

Dog Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Call a Vet

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Dog Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Call a Vet

If your dog has been shaking its head, scratching its ears, or giving off a strange smell from the ears—you might be dealing with an ear infection. They’re common, painful, and can worsen fast without treatment.


At TelaVets, our licensed online vets diagnose and treat dog ear infections through secure video consultations, with prescriptions delivered right to your door.



Common Signs of Dog Ear Infections


Keep an eye out for these telltale symptoms:

Frequent head shaking or tilting

Scratching at one or both ears

Redness or swelling inside the ear

Foul odor or discharge (brown, yellow, or bloody)

Crustiness or scabbing

Sensitivity to touch near the ear

Loss of balance (in severe cases)


If your dog has any of these symptoms, book a virtual vet visit right away.



Types of Dog Ear Infections


There are three main types:

1. Otitis Externa: Infection of the outer ear canal (most common)

2. Otitis Media: Infection of the middle ear

3. Otitis Interna: Infection of the inner ear (more serious, may affect balance or hearing)



What Causes Dog Ear Infections?


Dog ear infections can be triggered by:

Allergies (food or environmental)

Moisture (especially in floppy-eared or swimming dogs)

Bacterial or yeast overgrowth

Ear mites (more common in puppies)

Foreign objects or excessive earwax

Underlying medical conditions (e.g., hypothyroidism)


Some breeds, like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Golden Retrievers, are more prone to infections due to their ear shape.



How Are Dog Ear Infections Treated?


Treatment depends on the cause. After a video consultation, our vets may prescribe:

Antibiotic or antifungal ear drops

Ear cleaners or drying agents

Anti-inflammatory medications

Oral meds for more severe or recurring cases


Our vets at TelaVets can diagnose most cases virtually and ship medications to your doorwith next-day delivery.



How to Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs

Clean ears regularly with vet-approved solutions

Dry ears thoroughly after baths or swimming

Check ears weekly for odor, redness, or buildup

Manage allergies with your vet’s help

Never insert cotton swabs deep into the ear canal


Want step-by-step tips? Read our dog ear cleaning guide.



Why Choose TelaVets for Dog Ear Infections?

Licensed veterinarians experienced in dermatology & ear care

No clinic visits or stress—just a quick video call

Prescriptions delivered fast if needed

Affordable and flexible scheduling



Get Your Dog Relief—Fast


Ear infections are painful and won’t go away on their own. If your dog is showing signs, don’t wait. Book a virtual consultation with TelaVets and get the treatment your dog needs—without leaving home.



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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about TelaVets online veterinary care

TelaVets is a leading online veterinary care platform that connects pet owners with licensed veterinarians through secure video consultations. Our telemedicine service makes professional veterinary care accessible from the comfort of your home. Here's how it works: • Schedule an appointment through our easy online booking system • Join a secure video call with a licensed veterinarian at your scheduled time • Discuss your pet's symptoms, health concerns, and medical history • Receive a professional diagnosis and personalized treatment plan • Get prescribed medications delivered to your door the next day (if needed) Our platform is perfect for non-emergency consultations, follow-up visits, behavioral advice, and managing chronic conditions for dogs, cats, and chickens.

Our licensed veterinarians can diagnose and treat a wide range of non-emergency conditions through virtual consultations: For Dogs: • Allergies and skin conditions • Digestive issues and dietary concerns • Behavioral problems and anxiety • Ear infections and eye issues • Minor injuries and wounds • Urinary tract infections • Respiratory conditions For Cats: • Feline behavioral issues • Skin and coat problems • Digestive disorders • Upper respiratory infections • Urinary health concerns • Dental issues • Stress-related conditions For Chickens: • Egg-laying problems • Feather loss and molting issues • Parasites and mites • Respiratory infections • Digestive problems • General poultry health While virtual consultations are great for many conditions, emergency situations requiring immediate physical examination should be handled by your local emergency veterinary clinic.

TelaVets offers transparent, affordable pricing with no hidden fees: • Virtual Consultation: $65 per visit • No membership fees or recurring charges • Same-day appointments available • Follow-up consultations at the same rate • Medication delivery included (prescription costs separate) Our flat-rate pricing makes veterinary care accessible and predictable. You'll know exactly what you're paying upfront, with no surprise bills or additional charges for the consultation itself. We accept all major credit and debit cards, making payment simple and secure. Many pet insurance companies also reimburse telemedicine visits, so check with your provider to see if you're covered.

Absolutely! Every veterinarian on the TelaVets platform is fully licensed and highly qualified: • All vets are licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the United States • Our team includes specialists in small animal care, avian medicine, and exotic pets • Years of experience in both traditional and telemedicine veterinary practice • Ongoing continuing education to stay current with the latest treatments and protocols • Rigorous vetting process to ensure only the most qualified professionals join our team Our veterinarians have the same qualifications and expertise as those you'd find in traditional brick-and-mortar clinics. The only difference is the convenience of meeting them through a secure video platform instead of traveling to an office. You can trust that you're receiving professional, expert care for your beloved pets from anywhere in the United States.

TelaVets is designed for convenience and speed: Appointment Scheduling: • Same-day appointments often available • Flexible scheduling to fit your busy lifestyle • Weekend and evening slots available • Quick online booking process takes just minutes Medication Delivery: • Next-day delivery of prescribed medications • Medications shipped directly to your door • Secure packaging and proper handling of all prescriptions • Tracking information provided for all shipments • No need to visit a pharmacy or wait in line Emergency Support: • While we don't handle true emergencies, we can often accommodate urgent consultations • For immediate emergencies, we'll help you locate the nearest emergency veterinary clinic • Follow-up care after emergency visits can be provided through our platform Our goal is to make veterinary care as accessible and convenient as possible, reducing stress for both you and your pet while ensuring they receive the professional care they deserve.

Preparing for your TelaVets consultation is simple and straightforward: Technology Requirements: • Computer, tablet, or smartphone with camera and microphone • Stable internet connection for video calling • Quiet, well-lit space for the consultation • The Zoom app (we'll send you a secure link) What to Have Ready: • Your pet (calm and accessible for examination) • Any previous medical records or test results • List of current medications and supplements • Photos or videos of symptoms (if applicable) • Your pet's weight (if known) • Questions or concerns you want to discuss During the Appointment: • Our vet will guide you through any physical examination steps • Be prepared to hold or position your pet as directed • Take notes on treatment recommendations • Ask questions about care instructions The entire process is designed to be user-friendly, and our veterinarians are experienced in conducting thorough examinations through video consultations. They'll walk you through everything step by step.

Our licensed veterinarians are ready to help.

Book Your Consultation

Only $65 per visit • Next-day medication delivery