Does your dog love splashing in puddles, rolling in the grass, or shaking their ears after a play? While these moments are part of the joy of having a pup, they can sometimes lead to one of the most common problems we see at North Rocks Vet Hospital, dog ear infections.

If you’re searching for dog ear infection treatment in North Rocks, you’re in the right place. In this guide, our local vets explain what causes ear infections, the signs to look out for, how we diagnose and treat them, and the steps you can take to prevent dog ear infections.

What Causes Dog Ear Infections?

Most ear infections in dogs are not contagious. They develop when bacteria or yeast overgrow inside the ear canal, usually because of:

• Moisture from swimming or bathing

• Allergies (environmental or food related)

• Excess hair or wax in the ears

• Underlying skin conditions

• Foreign bodies like grass seeds

The only contagious type is caused by ear mites, this is rare and can be treated with the same products we use for fleas and ticks.

If your dog is a Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, or a breed with floppy ears or sensitive skin, they may be more prone to infections. Our North Rocks vets see these breeds for ear issues more often than others.

Dog Ear Infection Symptoms

If you notice your dog:

• Shaking their head or scratching their ears

• Showing redness, swelling, or discharge in the ears

• Giving off a bad ear odour

• Reacting with pain when their ears are touched

• Losing balance or showing hearing changes

...it’s time to see your local vet in North Rocks. Early diagnosis means easier treatment and a lower risk of recurrence.

How Our Vets Diagnose Ear Infections

When your dog comes to North Rocks Vet Hospital with ear problems, our vets perform a thorough examination and cytology, a quick, painless test involving a small sample from the ear canal examined under a microscope.

Cytology allows us to:

• Confirm the presence of an infection

• Identify the cause (bacteria, yeast, or both)

• Determine the severity

This ensures your pet gets the right ear infection treatment from the start.

Treatment & Follow Up Care

Treatment may involve:

• Topical ear drops

• Vet recommended ear cleaning

• Oral medication for more severe cases

We always schedule a follow up recheck appointment to repeat cytology. Even if your dog’s ears look better, residual infection may remain. Stopping treatment too early is one of the most common reasons ear infections keep coming back.

Preventing Dog Ear Infections

For dogs prone to ear issues, prevention is key. Your North Rocks vet may recommend:

• Regular ear cleaning with a vet approved solution

• Avoiding water in the ears during baths or swimming

• Allergy management plans

• Routine vet ear checks

• Trimming excess hair for better airflow (we don’t pluck unless under sedation to prevent discomfort)

Why Cytology for Dogs is So Important

Cytology isn’t just for diagnosis, it’s essential for follow up care.
Benefits include:

• Accurate diagnosis of infection type

• Tailored treatment

• Reduced recurrence risk

• Better long term ear health and comfort for your dog

Need a Vet for Dog Ear Infections in North Rocks?

If you notice your dog shaking their head, scratching their ears, or if there's redness, odour, or discharge, don’t wait. The sooner we investigate, the easier it is to treat.

Contact North Rocks Vet Hospital on (02) 7813 7888 to speak to one of our friendly team members. Let’s work together to keep those ears clean, comfortable, and infection free.