How Do I Recognize and Treat Ear Infections in Labradoodles?
If your Labradoodle is shaking their head, scratching at their ears, or giving off a not-so-great smell when they come close, it might be more than just an itch. Ear infections are pretty common in Labradoodles, and for good reason. Their adorable floppy ears and fluffy hair are perfect for trapping moisture, which creates a warm and cozy space for bacteria or yeast to grow. Luckily, if you know what to look for, you can catch it early and keep your pup comfortable and healthy.
Why Labradoodles Get Ear Infections More Often
Their unique ear shape is one of the biggest factors. Labradoodles typically inherit floppy ears from their Labrador side, and when you mix that with the dense curls from the Poodle side, you’ve got a setup that can easily hold onto water and trap heat. Whether it's after a swim, a bath, or just a humid day outside, that extra moisture doesn’t always evaporate quickly. Add in some excess hair in the ear canal, and it's a recipe for recurring issues if not maintained properly.
What Causes an Ear Infection to Start
Moisture is one of the most common culprits, but it's not the only one. Some Labradoodles have allergies—either to food, pollen, dust, or even certain cleaning products. These allergies can cause inflammation in the ears and set off an infection. Another common trigger is the overgrowth of yeast or bacteria, which can thrive in a moist, warm environment. Occasionally, ear mites are to blame, although they're more common in puppies or in multi-pet households. Dirty ears, wax buildup, or infrequent cleaning can also lead to infection over time.
How to Spot the Early Signs
If your dog suddenly starts shaking their head more than usual or is constantly trying to scratch their ears, pay attention. Redness inside the ear or swelling around the ear canal is another red flag. Some infections come with a strong, unpleasant smell, and you may even see brown, yellow, or black discharge. If you gently touch around the ear and your dog pulls away or whines, that sensitivity could be a sign of something more serious than just irritation. Changes in behavior, like restlessness or irritability, can also show up if the infection is causing discomfort.
Different Types of Infections to Know
Most ear infections in dogs are external, also called otitis externa. These affect the outer part of the ear and are usually the easiest to treat. But if ignored, the infection can move deeper into the ear, becoming otitis media or interna. At that point, the infection may start affecting your dog’s balance or hearing, and treatment gets more complex. If your dog is stumbling, tilting their head, or suddenly seems uncoordinated, it’s time to get them checked out right away.
How to Check Your Dog’s Ears Safely
You don’t need to be a vet to keep an eye on your Labradoodle’s ears at home. Just gently lift the ear flap and take a look inside. Healthy ears should be light pink, clean, and not smell bad. If you see redness, thick wax, swelling, or if there's a foul odor, those are early signs of infection. You can wipe the outer area with a soft cloth, but don’t insert anything deep into the canal. If things look off or your dog reacts with pain, stop and contact your vet.
What to Expect from a Vet Visit
Your vet will probably do a physical exam and may take a swab of the discharge to check for bacteria, yeast, or mites. Depending on the results, you’ll get a prescription ear cleaner, antibiotic, antifungal drops, or sometimes oral medications if the infection is more advanced. Treatments usually last from a few days to a couple of weeks. It's super important to follow the instructions and not stop treatment early, even if your dog seems better.
Helping Your Dog Heal at Home
During treatment, your vet may recommend cleaning the ears at home using a solution made just for dogs. Never use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or cotton swabs deep in the ear canal. Make sure your dog’s ears stay dry after baths and avoid letting them swim until the infection clears. If itching becomes an issue, ask your vet if there’s a safe way to soothe the area without interfering with the medication.
Steps to Prevent Future Infections
Prevention is way easier than dealing with a full-blown infection. Make ear cleaning part of your grooming routine, especially after your dog gets wet. Use a vet-approved ear cleaning solution every couple of weeks, or more often if your Labradoodle is prone to buildup. Dry their ears thoroughly after swimming or baths. If your dog has lots of hair inside the ears, ask your groomer or vet whether trimming or plucking it is necessary. Also, if allergies are causing repeated infections, talk to your vet about allergy testing or switching up their diet.
When Things Get Serious
If your Labradoodle is in visible pain, suddenly losing their balance, or seems to be losing hearing in one or both ears, don’t wait. These signs could mean the infection has moved deeper or is causing more serious damage. Recurrent infections that keep coming back also deserve a closer look. Sometimes chronic inflammation is linked to an underlying issue that hasn’t been addressed yet.
Keep an Eye, Keep It Clean
Ear infections might be common in Labradoodles, but they don’t have to become a constant problem. A little routine care, a sharp eye, and quick action when something seems off can go a long way. Most infections clear up easily when treated early, and your pup will be back to their happy, tail-wagging self in no time.
At All About Doodles, we’re passionate about helping Labradoodle parents give their dogs the best care possible. From health tips to everyday grooming advice, we’re here to support you and your Doodle every step of the way. Because healthy ears mean a happier, more playful pup.