Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you.
Golden Retrievers have adorable, floppy, fuzzy ears.
But, unfortunately, their floppiness and fuzziness are part of what makes them susceptible to ear infections.
Ear infections in Golden Retrievers are common. Symptoms include redness, itching, odor, and discharge. They can be treated with medicine prescribed by your veterinarian and will usually go away in 1-2 weeks with treatment.
If you think your Golden Retriever has an ear infection, call your vet right away.
My Golden Retriever, Oliver, has had an ear infection himself, so I know how frustrating it can be to see your pup in pain.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about ear infections in Golden Retrievers, including:
- When to see the vet if you think your Golden has an ear infection
- What causes ear infections in Goldens
- How to prevent ear infections
- The biggest mistake many owners make when their dog has an ear infection
- And much more
Golden Retriever Ear Infection Symptoms
Here are some common symptoms your Golden Retriever might display if they have an ear infection:
- Redness
- Itching
- Odor
- Ear pain
- Shaking their head
- Dark-colored discharge
- Crustiness or scabs in their ears
If they have any of these, you should call your veterinarian right away.
If an ear infection doesn’t get treated, it can result in hearing loss or facial paralysis, not to mention being very painful for your pup.
- Get the complete gameplan for raising your new Golden Retriever puppy with the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook!
What Causes Ear Infections In Golden Retrievers
Here are a few causes of ear infections in Golden Retrievers:
- Moisture in their ears
- Allergies
- Endocrine disorders, such as thyroid disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Wax buildup
- Foreign bodies
- Injury to the ear canal
- Excessive cleaning
The first part of all dog’s ear canals are vertical, and the second part is horizontal.
It’s similar to an L shape, which makes it easy for moisture and debris to get trapped in their ears.
But Goldens are particularly susceptible because:
- They love swimming (so they often get moisture in their ears)
- Allergies are a common health problem for many Goldens
- And their ears are floppy and hairy, which traps even more moisture and debris in there
Now that you know what causes ear infections in Goldens, here’s how you can prevent them…
How To Prevent Ear Infections In Golden Retrievers
Here are three tips to keep your Golden Retriever from getting an ear infection:
- Clean their ears regularly
- Dry them after swimming or bathtime
- Keep their allergies under control
If you do these things and keep a good relationship with your vet, your dog has a good shot of avoiding ear infections, or at least catching them early.
How To Treat Ear Infections In Golden Retrievers
Although ear infections are common in Golden Retrievers, the good news is that they are easily treated.
Your vet will treat your Golden Retriever’s ear infection by doing an exam to discover the cause or type of infection, and then prescribing ear drops that will help the infection resolve in about one or two weeks.
Severe infections may take longer to heal, and other treatments include oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or even surgery.
This is why it’s important to reach out to your vet as soon as you notice symptoms.
and here’s a big mistake that some dog owners make: stopping the medicine when the symptoms go away, instead of finishing the entire prescription.
This can prolong the infection or cause it to come back.
- Have a Golden Retriever puppy? Click here to download the potty training cheat sheet to make potty training faster and easier!
Golden Retriever Ear Infection FAQ
It can be confusing and frustrating when your Golden has an ear infection, so here are some questions that you might have:
How long do ear infections in Golden Retrievers last?
Ear infections in dogs usually go away after about 1-2 weeks of treatment with medicine.
Will my Golden’s ear infection go away on its own?
Ear infections in dogs usually need to be treated by a veterinarian with medication.
If your Golden is displaying symptoms associated with an ear infection, call your vet right away.
Can I treat my Golden’s ear infection at home?
Because there are different types and causes of ear infections, and because most ear infections require medication to go away, you cannot treat your Golden’s ear infection at home.
Are ear infections contagious?
It depends on the type of infection, but ear infections are usually not contagious.
Ear mites, on the other hand, are very contagious.
Does my Golden Retriever have ear mites?
Ear mites are more common in puppies than in adult dogs.
The symptoms of mites are very similar to a bacterial infection, so call your vet to determine the appropriate course of action.
When should I call the vet about my Golden Retriever’s possible ear infection?
You should call your vet as soon as you notice your dog starting to display symptoms that might signal an ear infection.
Your vet will ask about your pup’s history and lifestyle, and do an examination to determine how to treat it.
They might also give you tips on how to properly care for your dog’s ears and how to prevent another infection in the future.
Taking Care Of Your Golden Retriever’s Ears For The Long Run
Ear infections in Golden Retrievers are common, but the good news is that they are easily treated by a veterinarian.
Have any questions about ear infections in Golden’s?
Let me know down in the comments.
Related articles:
- How To Clean Your Golden Retriever’s Ears (Step By Step)
- How To Train Your Golden Retriever To STOP Barking
- Best Shampoo For Golden Retrievers (For Dry, Itchy Skin, Puppies & More)
The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.