Ear Infections in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Cost

By the Pawlee Team

Diagnosis cost

£50–£150

Treatment cost

£100–£300

Ongoing cost

£15–£40 per month

Severity

Mild

Treatable

Yes

Species

Dogs

What is ear infections?

Ear infections (otitis externa) are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet in the UK. The infection affects the outer ear canal and is usually caused by bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both. Dogs with floppy ears, narrow ear canals, or underlying allergies are particularly prone. Most ear infections respond well to topical treatment, but recurrent infections can indicate an underlying condition such as atopic dermatitis that needs addressing. Left untreated, infections can spread to the middle and inner ear, causing much more serious problems.

Symptoms to watch for

Book a routine appointment

Head shaking or tilting the head to one side
Scratching or pawing at the affected ear
Red, inflamed, or swollen ear canal
Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge from the ear
Unpleasant smell coming from the ear
Pain or yelping when the ear is touched

How is ear infections diagnosed?

Test	Typical cost
Consultation and otoscopic examination	£35–£65
Ear cytology (swab and microscope examination)	£30–£60
Bacterial culture and sensitivity (for recurrent infections)	£80–£150

Treatment options and costs

Topical ear drops (antibiotic and/or antifungal)

£20–£60

Medicated ear drops applied daily or twice daily for 7–14 days. Common products include Surolan, Canaural, and Osurnia. The vet may clean the ears professionally before starting treatment. This resolves most straightforward infections.

Ear flush under sedation

£150–£300

For severe or chronic infections, the ears may need deep cleaning under sedation to remove debris and allow the medication to reach the infection. This is particularly common when the ear canal is very swollen or packed with discharge.

Total ear canal ablation (TECA) — for chronic end-stage disease

£1,500–£3,000 per ear

A surgical procedure to remove the entire ear canal, reserved for dogs with chronic, end-stage ear disease that no longer responds to medical treatment. Relatively uncommon but may be the only option for dogs that have suffered years of recurrent infections leading to permanent narrowing and calcification of the ear canal.

Ongoing costs

Estimated ongoing management cost

£15–£40 per month

monthly

Breeds most at risk

Breed	Risk level
Cocker Spaniel	High
Springer Spaniel	High
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	High
Labrador Retriever	Moderate
Golden Retriever	Moderate
French Bulldog	Moderate
Cockapoo	Moderate

Does pet insurance cover ear infections?

Individual ear infection claims are relatively low value (£50–£300) and are covered by most pet insurance policies. However, recurrent ear infections are common and costs add up quickly — a dog with chronic ear problems might visit the vet 3–6 times a year for ear treatment. Some insurers may classify recurrent ear infections as a single ongoing condition, which can be problematic with time-limited policies that cap at 12 months of treatment. If your dog has underlying allergies driving recurrent ear infections, a lifetime policy is recommended.

Related conditions

Skin Allergies Dogs Cherry Eye Dogs

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to treat a dog ear infection?

A straightforward ear infection typically costs £50–£150 for the consultation and medication. Recurrent or severe infections requiring sedated ear flushes cost £150–£300 per episode. Dogs with chronic ear problems can easily spend £300–£800 per year on ear treatments. In extreme cases, total ear canal ablation surgery costs £1,500–£3,000 per ear.

Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?

Recurrent ear infections almost always have an underlying cause, most commonly atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies), food allergies, or ear anatomy (floppy ears, hairy ear canals). Addressing the underlying cause is essential — simply treating each infection as it arises will not break the cycle. Ask your vet about allergy testing if your dog has more than 2–3 ear infections per year.

Can I treat my dog's ear infection at home?

You should always see a vet for the first occurrence, as the vet needs to check the eardrum is intact before prescribing drops (some medications can cause deafness if the eardrum is ruptured). Over-the-counter ear cleaners can help with routine maintenance between infections, but they will not treat an active infection. Never put anything in your dog's ear without veterinary guidance.

Are ear infections painful for dogs?

Yes, ear infections can be very painful. The ear canal is sensitive, and inflammation, swelling, and pressure from discharge all cause significant discomfort. Dogs with ear infections often shake their heads, scratch at their ears, yelp when touched, and may become irritable or withdrawn. Prompt treatment brings quick relief.