If your dog suffers from repeated ear infections, they could have an underlying condition. Many factors can increase the risk of developing an ear infection, such as allergies (e.g., food, pollens, or house dust), water in the ear (e.g., during swimming and bathing), and breed – some breeds are more prone to ear infections due to the size or shape of their ears. It’s important to keep any follow-up appointments, so your vet can monitor how your dog is doing.

You may see reduced redness or the swelling improving, and your dog may rub their face or shake less. These are signs that the ear is becoming less inflamed and painful. The infection should settle over the next 2–3 weeks; it’s important to remember that it’s normal for the ear to look a little dirty during this time because the ears are healing, and discharge or debris is being brought to the surface.

An Elizabethan-collar (cone) can be helpful to prevent your dog from scratching or rubbing their ears, which can delay healing and irritate the area further.

Ear infections are sometimes associated with food allergies, and giving your dog different food may help. Your vet can give you advice about a good diet to complement treatment with Neptra™ if they feel the underlying cause could be a food allergy.

Neptra™ is a one-dose treatment that many vets are now prescribing rather than asking pet owners to apply ear drops to painful ears at home. The ingredients in Neptra™ will help your dog feel better by relieving the inflammation, while also treating the infection.

Your vet will tell you if you need a follow-up appointment, and it’s important to go if you’re asked to. Underlying conditions such as allergies can cause ear infections, so it’s important your vet sees your dog enough to keep an eye on how it’s doing.