What causes them:

Allergies are the leading root cause of chronic or recurring ear infections — when the skin inside the ear canal is inflamed from allergies, bacteria and yeast take advantage. Other causes include moisture trapped after swimming or bathing, foreign bodies like grass seeds, ear mites (more common in puppies), and anatomy — dogs with long, floppy ears (Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Golden Retrievers) are significantly more prone because airflow is restricted.

There are three types based on location: otitis externa (outer ear — most common), otitis media (middle ear), and otitis interna (inner ear — most serious, can affect balance and hearing).

What to do:

Don't try to treat an ear infection at home without a vet visit first. Your vet needs to examine the ear canal and identify whether the cause is bacterial, yeast, or a combination — the treatments are different. They may take a swab for cytology (microscopic exam) to confirm. Treatment typically involves prescription ear drops and, in some cases, oral antibiotics or antifungals.

Prevention:

• After swimming or bathing, dry the ears thoroughly — tilt your dog's head and gently pat with a soft cloth

• Clean ears regularly with a vet-recommended ear cleaner — never use Q-tips inside the canal

• If allergies are the root cause, managing those will reduce infections significantly

• Check ears weekly, especially in dogs who swim or have heavy, droopy ears

See the vet promptly if you notice any of the above signs. Ear infections don't resolve on their own and worsen quickly. Left untreated, they can spread to the middle and inner ear, causing permanent hearing damage or neurological effects.