Your dog has been diagnosed with an ear infection, received treatment from the vet, and is on the road to recovery. But how you care for them during this healing period is just as important as the initial treatment.
In this final post of our series, we’ll walk you through the best ways to support your dog’s recovery, avoid setbacks, and ensure the infection doesn’t come back.
Why Post-Treatment Care Matters
Even after your dog starts to feel better, the ear canal may still be inflamed or vulnerable. Skipping follow-up care or stopping medication too soon can lead to:
- Relapses or chronic infections
- Worsening inflammation
- Ear canal scarring or narrowing
- Long-term discomfort or hearing loss
Your goal is to follow through completely until the ears are fully healed.
1. Follow the Medication Plan Exactly
Most dogs with ear infections are sent home with topical medication, and in some cases, oral antibiotics or antifungals.
Make sure to:
- Finish all prescribed medications, even if symptoms improve
- Apply drops at the correct time and dosage
- Gently massage the ear base to help distribute the medicine
- Use clean hands and avoid contaminating applicators
Ask your vet for a demonstration if you’re unsure how to apply the meds.
Tip: Use a treat after each dose to make the process positive.
2. Keep Ears Dry and Clean—But Not Overcleaned
Your vet may instruct you to use a specific ear cleaner between or after doses of medication. Always follow the instructions exactly.
During recovery:
- Avoid swimming and bathing
- Dry ears gently if they get wet
- Don’t overclean—let the ear rest and heal
- Never use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide unless directed by your vet
Too much cleaning can disrupt the healing process and irritate sensitive tissues.
3. Monitor for Recurring Symptoms
It’s important to watch for signs that the infection is not fully gone or is returning:
- Head shaking or ear scratching resumes
- Discharge reappears
- Foul smell comes back
- Dog seems painful or avoids ear handling
If symptoms return during or after treatment, contact your vet. Don’t try to restart old medications without guidance.
4. Attend the Follow-Up Appointment
Many vets recommend a recheck appointment about a week or two after treatment begins. Even if your dog seems better, it’s important to go.
Why it matters:
- The vet can confirm if the infection is fully gone
- They can check for hidden inflammation deeper in the canal
- You’ll avoid incomplete treatment and chronic issues
The ear may look fine outside but still harbor infection inside.
5. Address Any Underlying Issues
If your dog’s ear infection was linked to:
- Allergies → Work with your vet to control flare-ups
- Ear mites or parasites → Treat all pets and clean bedding
- Structural issues → Some breeds may need more frequent care
- Recurring moisture → Adjust bathing and drying routines
Recovery is the perfect time to invest in prevention (see Blog 5 for full tips).
6. Support Comfort During Healing
Help your dog stay comfortable while healing:
- Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) if they keep scratching
- Keep ears cool and dry, especially in warm or humid environments
- Avoid tight collars or headgear that trap heat around the ears
- Provide a quiet, stress-free space during the healing period
Some dogs may act more tired than usual while recovering—this is normal, especially if oral medications are involved.
7. Build a Long-Term Ear Care Routine
Once your dog’s ears have fully healed, maintain their health with a simple weekly or monthly routine that includes:
- Gentle inspections for odor, redness, or debris
- Scheduled cleanings with a vet-approved solution
- Regular grooming (especially for hairy or floppy ears)
- Immediate action if symptoms return
This is especially important if your dog is prone to repeat infections.
Final Thoughts
Recovering from an ear infection isn’t just about medication—it’s about careful attention, follow-up, and long-term prevention. By sticking to your vet’s guidance and monitoring closely, you’ll give your dog the best chance for a full, lasting recovery.
Now that you’ve completed this 6-part series on dog ear infections, you’re equipped with everything you need to:
- Spot early signs
- Seek proper diagnosis
- Understand treatment
- Prevent future issues
- Support your dog through recovery
Your dog’s ears—and their comfort—are worth the effort!
Let me know if you’d like to start another series or topic!