Ear problems are extremely common in spaniels. Their floppy ears, active outdoor lifestyles, and love of water and mud make them more prone to ear infections, irritation, wax build-up, and recurring inflammation than many other breeds.
This guide will help you understand the main causes of ear problems in spaniels, what symptoms to look for, when to contact a vet, and how to reduce flare-ups with a safe prevention routine.
Important: If your spaniel is in obvious pain, has swelling, discharge, a strong smell, or symptoms that worsen quickly, contact a vet. Ear infections can deteriorate fast and become very uncomfortable.
What ear problems look like in spaniels
Ear issues often start subtly. Watch for:
- head shaking or repeated ear flicking
- scratching at one or both ears
- rubbing ears along the floor or furniture
- redness inside the ear
- bad smell (often yeasty or sour)
- wax build-up (brown, yellow, or black wax)
- discharge or dampness
- sensitivity when you touch the ear
- one ear held lower than the other
- whining, irritability, or reduced appetite
- balance issues or head tilt (more serious)
Even one of these signs can indicate a brewing infection or irritation.
Why spaniels get ear problems so often
Spaniels are a “perfect storm” for ear issues because:
Floppy ears reduce airflow
Less airflow means warmth and moisture can build up.
Hair and wax trap debris
Many spaniels have hair around the ear canal that collects dirt, seeds, mud, and water.
Wet environments and swimming
Moisture trapped inside the ear is one of the biggest triggers for infection.
High allergy rates
Skin allergies often show up first as ear inflammation or recurring infections.
➡️ Related hub: /spaniel-health/skin-allergies/
Common causes of ear problems
Ear problems can have different causes, and they don’t all respond to the same approach.
1) Yeast overgrowth
Often smells strong and looks greasy or brown. Can be linked to allergies and moisture.
2) Bacterial infection
May cause thick discharge, swelling, pain and heat. Often needs prescription treatment.
3) Ear mites (more common in younger dogs)
Can cause intense itching and dark debris.
4) Allergies (environmental or food-related)
Recurring ear inflammation is a classic allergy sign.
5) Foreign bodies (grass seeds)
Spaniels love long grass and hedgerows — grass seeds can cause sudden pain and head shaking.
6) Water trapped in the ear
After baths, rain, swimming, muddy walks.
7) Wax build-up and chronic inflammation
Some dogs develop thickened ear canals over time, making infection cycles more likely.
Ear infection or just dirty ears?
Not every dirty ear is infected — but it’s worth being cautious.
Mild wax/dirt build-up
- mild smell or none
- your dog tolerates touching the ear
- minimal scratching
- no redness or swelling
More likely infection
- strong smell
- increasing head shaking
- redness inside the ear
- discharge or dampness
- pain or sensitivity
- your dog suddenly hates you touching the ear
If you suspect infection, avoid over-cleaning and contact your vet.
When to contact a vet urgently
Book a vet appointment promptly if you notice:
- sudden head tilt or balance changes
- intense pain or yelping
- swelling around the ear
- thick, yellow/green discharge
- bleeding from the ear
- severe smell and worsening itch
- symptoms not improving within 24–48 hours
- recurring infections (more than 2–3 in a year)
Ear infections can progress deeper into the canal and become much harder to treat.
A safe ear care routine for spaniels
A good routine prevents many problems — especially in dogs prone to repeated flare-ups.
Step 1: Weekly ear checks
Look for:
- redness
- smell
- wax changes
- dampness
- discomfort
Catching early changes can prevent a full infection.
Step 2: Keep ears dry after water
After swimming or bathing:
- gently towel dry the outer ear flap
- encourage head shaking
- avoid poking deep into the ear canal
Step 3: Clean only when needed
Over-cleaning can irritate the ear and make problems worse.
As a general rule:
- mild wax = clean occasionally
- infection signs = vet guidance first
Step 4: Don’t use cotton buds in the canal
It can:
- push debris deeper
- cause damage
- irritate the ear lining
Step 5: Manage allergies if infections keep returning
If your dog keeps getting ear issues, the cause often isn’t the ear itself — it’s the underlying skin/allergy problem.
➡️ /spaniel-health/skin-allergies/
Why recurring ear infections happen
If your spaniel gets repeated infections, it often means:
- the ear was treated, but the cause wasn’t addressed
- underlying allergies are present
- moisture is repeatedly trapped (swimming/rain)
- there’s chronic inflammation and narrowing of the canal
- ear cleaning routine is inconsistent or too aggressive
- infection wasn’t fully cleared and has returned
The solution is a longer-term plan rather than just “treating the ear again”.
What you should NOT do
Avoid these common mistakes:
- using random home remedies inside the ear
- cleaning repeatedly during active infection (can worsen inflammation)
- leaving wet ears after swimming
- ignoring mild smell or head shaking
- using harsh products without vet guidance
- plucking hair aggressively without knowing what you’re doing
Spaniel ears can be sensitive — gentle prevention is best.
Key guides in this section
Ear infections, irritation and common symptoms
- Why does my Cocker Spaniel keep getting ear infections?
- Understanding and managing Cocker spaniel ear infections
- Why does my Cocker Spaniel keep shaking his head?
- Why does my Springer Spaniel shake his head so much?
- Why does my Cocker Spaniel scratch his ears?
Cleaning and ear care routines
- How to clean a spaniel’s ears
- Can I use baby wipes to clean my dog’s ears?
- How often should I clean my Cocker Spaniel’s ears?
Related health hubs
Related pillars
If you’re building a complete prevention routine, these also support ear health:
- Spaniel Care:
/spaniel-care/ - Spaniel Welfare:
/spaniel-welfare/