Why Dogs Get Ear Infections — Especially Dogs with Floppy or Folded Ears

Why Dogs Get Ear Infections

Ear infections are a common issue for many dogs, and they can happen for several reasons. Some dogs are simply more prone to ear problems because of their ear shape, skin health, allergies, wax production, or underlying sensitivities.

Dogs with floppy, folded, or heavy ears may have less airflow inside the ear canal. This can create a warm environment where wax, moisture, yeast, and bacteria are more likely to build up.

That does not mean every floppy-eared dog will get ear infections. However, it does mean their ears may need a little extra attention.

At The Savvy Sitter, we often remind pet parents that ear health is not just about what your dog does outside — it can also be connected to their body, allergies, skin, and routine care.

Some breeds, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and other retriever breeds, were originally bred to work in and around water. Because of their ear shape and active nature, they may be more prone to trapped moisture, wax buildup, or irritation.

Spaniels, hounds, retrievers, and many Doodle mixes often have ears that fold over the ear canal. While those ears are part of what makes them so cute, they can also create the perfect little hiding place for yeast, bacteria, and debris.

This does not mean every dog with floppy ears will get an ear infection. It simply means pet parents should keep an eye on ear health, check for changes regularly, and ask their veterinarian how often their specific dog’s ears should be cleaned.

Why Floppy or Folded Ears Can Be More Prone to Trouble

Those cute floppy ears can sometimes trap heat, wax, dirt, and debris. Breeds such as Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Retrievers, Poodles, Doodles, Beagles, and many hound breeds may be more prone to ear problems.

Common risk factors can include:

• Floppy or folded ears
• Narrow ear canals
• Heavy wax production
• Allergies
• Skin sensitivities
• Frequent scratching or head shaking
• Humid weather
• Excess hair in or around the ear canal
• Underlying medical conditions

Here in Florida, the warm and humid climate can also make ear care extra important. Even if your dog spends most of their time indoors, humidity, allergies, and skin irritation can still contribute to ear issues.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some dogs rarely need ear cleaning, while others may need routine maintenance.

As a general guide:

Dogs with healthy ears:
May only need occasional cleaning, especially if you notice mild wax buildup.

Dogs with floppy ears or mild wax buildup:
May benefit from cleaning every 2–4 weeks, depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation.

Dogs with allergies or recurring ear infections:
May need a specific ear-care plan from their veterinarian. Some dogs require more frequent cleaning, while others may actually become irritated from over-cleaning.

Dogs currently being treated for an infection:
Should be cleaned only as directed by the veterinarian. Painful, inflamed, or infected ears need extra care.

The key is balance: cleaning too little can allow wax and debris to build up, but cleaning too often can irritate the ear canal and make things worse.

Could Ear Infections Be Related to Food Allergies?

Yes, they can be.

Not every ear infection is caused by food, but recurring ear infections may be a sign of an underlying allergy. Allergies can weaken the skin’s natural defenses, allowing yeast and bacteria to overgrow in areas like the ears.

Food allergies, environmental allergies, and flea allergies can all contribute to ear problems.

Possible allergy-related signs may include:

• Recurring ear infections
• Itchy paws
• Licking or chewing feet
• Red or irritated skin
• Hot spots
• Itchy belly or armpits
• Chronic skin odor
• Digestive issues, in some dogs

If your dog keeps getting ear infections, especially several times a year, it is worth discussing allergies with your veterinarian. Your vet may recommend allergy testing, a diet trial, flea control, medication, or a long-term skin and ear management plan.

Please do not change your dog’s food repeatedly without veterinary guidance. Food trials need to be done carefully to be useful, and switching foods too often can make it harder to identify the real trigger.

Why Recurring Ear Infections Should Not Be Ignored

Ear infections are not just a minor nuisance. They can become painful, chronic, and harder to treat if the underlying cause is not addressed.

Repeated ear infections may point to something more than dirty ears. Your dog may need veterinary care to check for:

• Yeast
• Bacteria
• Allergies
• Ear mites
• Skin inflammation
• Excess wax production
• Resistant infections
• Underlying medical conditions

Your veterinarian may recommend:

• Ear cytology
• Prescription ear medication
• Allergy management
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• A medicated ear cleaner
• Culture testing
• A long-term prevention plan

Treating the infection is important, but finding out why it keeps happening is just as important.

Final Woof of Wisdom

Dogs with floppy, folded, or heavy ears may be more prone to ear infections because their ears can trap heat, wax, moisture, and debris. Spaniels, hounds, retrievers, Poodles, Doodles, and other floppy-eared breeds may need a little extra attention when it comes to routine ear checks.

Allergies, food sensitivities, skin health, and even Florida humidity can also play a role.

Routine ear checks, safe cleaning habits, and veterinary guidance can help keep your dog more comfortable. And if your pup has recurring ear infections, do not just keep treating the ear over and over again — ask your veterinarian what might be causing the problem underneath.

At The Savvy Sitter, we believe little details matter. From noticing extra scratching during a visit to spotting changes in behavior, professional pet care includes paying attention to the small signs that help keep pets happy, healthy, and comfortable.