How To Identify and Treat Ear Infections In Chihuahuas

Chihuahua with an ear infection

An ear infection can make a Chihuahua’s life miserable. You might notice your Chihuahua aggressively shaking their head like there’s water stuck in their ear, or they may scratch the affected ear until it’s raw. It’s disheartening for owners to see their beloved canine companion in a state of such distress, but thankfully this is a treatable — and sometimes preventable — condition.

Causes of Ear Infections

Chihuahua ear infections are usually caused by bacteria or yeast reproducing inside the ear canal, at which point symptoms begin to manifest if left untreated. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), infections may occur when things like water, hair, mites and wax become stuck in the ear. Foreign objects such as this provide ideal breeding grounds for bacteria, which is why it’s important for owners to clean their dogs’ ears on a regular basis (we’ll get to that later).

While ear infections are more common in younger pups, all Chihuahuas can develop them regardless of age. However, the risk of infection is much higher in Chihuahuas with flappy, non-erect ears. When a dog’s ear folds over the canal, it traps dirt and debris while preventing moisture from escaping. Some studies have shown that dogs with floppy ears are 2-3 times more likely to develop the bacterial ear infection otitis externa when compared to dogs with erect ears.

Allergies may also contribute to ear infections in Chihuahuas. When a Chihuahua is exposed to an allergen to something to which they are allergic (e.g. dust, ragweed, pollen, mold, shampoos, flea medicine, etc.), their immune system will produce inflammatory hormones, which causes the skin to become inflamed while promoting the formation of bacterial and yeast colonies.

Signs and Symptoms of an Ear Infection:

  • Aggressive back-and-forth head shaking
  • Yeast-like odor coming from the affected ear
  • Redness
  • Ear feels warmer than usual
  • Excessive scratching of the ear
  • Loss of hair around the ear
  • Hearing loss
  • Whining and whimpering
  • Erratic behavior, such as running around in circles and rolling on the ground
  • Pain when the ear is touched
  • Noticeable pus or discharge originating from the ear

The ear canal of a white-colored Chihuahua

Ways To Prevent Chihuahua Ear Infections

There’s no fool-proof way to prevent your Chihuahua from ever having an ear infection, but there are steps you can take to lower their risk. For starters, try to get into the habit of keeping their ears clean and dry. After giving your Chihuahua a bath — or if they happen to go for a swim — gently blot their ears with a dry washcloth or towel so there’s no moisture stuck inside. Moisture encourages the formation of bacteria and yeast, which can lead to an infection.

You should also clean your Chihuahua’s ears when they become visibly dirty. Thankfully, you don’t have to take them to the professional groomers to have this done. Owners can effectively clean their Chihuahuas’ ears using just a few basic supplies, here’s how it’s done.

Steps To Cleaning Your Chihuahua’s  Ears:

  1. Purchase a bottle of canine ear cleaning solution (ask your veterinarian for a recommendation).
  2. Dampen one side of a standard cotton ball with the solution.
  3. Gently rub the cotton ball inside your Chihuahua’s ear canal.
  4. Using a clean cotton ball, wipe away any remaining dirt, debris or cleaning solution.
  5. Hopefully, your Chihuahua tolerated this traumatic experience and you can give them a treat!

Note: do NOT attempt to clean your Chihuahua’s ears using a cotton swab. This may seem harmless enough. Heck, maybe you use cotton swabs to clean your ears, but placing them inside a Chihuahua’s ears could push dirt and debris deeper inside the canal, or it could even rupture their eardrum. Stick with cotton balls and avoid using cotton swabs/Q-tips.

Roadside sign for Veterinary hospital

Diagnosing Your Chihuahua’s Ear Infection

If your Chihuahua is exhibiting one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, you should take them to the veterinarian for a professional diagnosis. While most cases of canine ear infections are relatively harmless, aside from the pain and discomfort it causes, there have been reports of infections causing ruptured eardrums and even death in severe cases. Taking a proactive approach towards treating your Chihuahua’s condition will ensure a sound and speedy recovery without any lasting effects.

Diagnosing an ear infection is typically done by examining the Chihuahua’s ear canal. The veterinarian will place a special canine-certified otoscope in their ear, looking for signs of an infection. Depending on your Chihuahua’s temperament, sedation may be required during this process.

Diagnosis can usually be made by examining the Chihuahua’s ear. However, some cases will require the veterinarian to collect a discharge sample to test for specific strands of bacteria and yeast. And in rare cases, bloodwork may also be used to identify possible allergies that are contributing to the Chihuahua’s ear infection.

How To Treat a Chihuahua Ear Infection

The appropriate treatment for an ear infection varies depending on the microorganism that’s causing it. If your Chihuahua is suffering from a bacterial ear infection, your veterinarian may thoroughly clean the affected ear canal and offer an anti-bacterial wash, cream, or antibiotics to use at home. For yeast ear infections, the vet will also clean the ear, but he or she will use an anti-fungal product instead.

Always listen to your veterinarian and follow his or her instructions regarding treatment for your Chihuahua’s ear infection. It may take several weeks of daily anti-bacterial or anti-fungal wash to fully clear up the infection. Accidentally skipping a dose probably shouldn’t be a problem, but if you forget to treat your Chihuahua for two or more days in a row, the infection may come back even stronger than before.

Has your Chihuahua experienced an ear infection before?

References:

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/ear-infections

http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/dog-health/Ear-Infections-in-Dogs-Symptoms-Causes-and-Treatments

https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/FAQs/Pages/Frequently-asked-questions-about-ear-cropping-and-canine-otitis-externa.aspx

Comments

    • Annmarie
    • September 29, 2022
    Reply

    EVERYONE on here, some places help you with the cost if not pay for the bill altogether. Start googling different ways and find them in your area. I called 14 places where my dog needed 7 teeth pulled, they gave me a five hundred voucher. All I had to pay was $50. I found them, and I had to pick the voucher up at the animal shelter. It is not through the shelter. It is through animal foundations. Start calling around. Good luck. You can do this and find it takes a little time is all.

    • Marilyn
    • December 22, 2020
    Reply

    Mine got ear mites. They shake their head. Can see brown stuff inside if their ear. This will cause them to lick their paws. This will make them scratch open wounds on their ears . I can’t let my Chi’s outside bcuz of ear mites. Frustrating!

    • Nancy Trent
    • September 12, 2020
    Reply

    My Roscoe shakes his head… a lot! Rubs his ears on pillows and blankets!!! He’s had his ears flushed and they had told me both ear drums had ruptured! They put him on apoquel and even though he occasionally digs his ears… he had done pretty good ! A few days ago I noticed him tilting his head again… I took him back to the vet and she gave him steroids and Lozatom ?? He’s been really lethargic wanting to sleep a lot ! His ears feel warmer than usual but he doesn’t act like they cause him pain… he plays, eats, drinks … but still has that tilt! She said his ears were really swelled inside… before the vet said he may need his ear canals removed? Has anyone ever heard of that??? Scared me… seemed cruel! But he’s mostly deaf! All he can hear is a loud bang or doorbell… or clap of your hands!!! What could I do to make my dogs life easier?? Is there something I’m not doing??? Any help appreciated ♥️

      • brenda
      • December 6, 2020
      Reply

      I have this with our chichi sometimes. The vet simply flushes ears and gives drops. Your vet seems nutty and I would get another opinion. Steroids are a big no no in my world despite vets touting these damgerous drugs. HOWEVER VERY VERY SERIOUSLY important you cannot and I mean cannot at all suddenly take your dog off steroids. It can be fatal!! I just went through this. Weaning is only way and you must get exactly how to do that from a good vet. Keeping chichi ears clean is ultra important. You pup may be allergic to some food you are feeding also. I will never use steroids (ingested kind) again with any of my pups due to our experience. PLEASE do not take your pet off them ever suddenly I am really not joking. They need to be waned off slowly. And they are the reason your dog is likely soooo tired. They f-up your dogs cortisol levels etc. Your pup is likely getting way too much also. IF I WERE YOU I would wean your pup VERY slowly off the steroids. It takes weeks to wean them off properly not to cause serious possible fatal side effects. YOUR DOG should have had an ear check and cleaning/flushing and perhaps ear drops . NOTHING ELSE it sounds to me. Your dog is not getting correct treatment. Please see a better vet!!! SERIOUSLY

    • John Thompso
    • July 15, 2020
    Reply

    My chi has scab on the inter. Ear flap about 3/4 up the NBC ear

    • pamela mayuric
    • May 27, 2020
    Reply

    Thank you so much for all the info on my dog. He is now 14, soon to be 15. He has been the very best dog I have ever had. Loves me unconditionally!! He has brought me and my family a lot of joy and entertainment. Very protective of me. He also CANNOT stand anyone to flip (shoot ) him off. Funny, he will try to eat you up.what a joy. I will miss him dearly when he’s gone. I also received a small, brown one that I think has been interbred. She is so tiny, maybe weighs, 4 or 5 lbs. I had her fixed before her first heat. She is now 2 1/2 years old, sweet dog but stupid. Doesn’t want to house train maybe because her bladder is so small. We love her much. Thank you again.

    • Mary Jo Brown
    • April 23, 2020
    Reply

    Thank you for sharing all the info! I love my 5 yr old female chihuahua so much. I want her happy & healthy.
    Marg Jo
    Saa as n Diego, Ca

    • sherri redinbo
    • September 6, 2019
    Reply

    I have a 10 week old chihuahua he only weighs about 2lbs. When i bought him he was covered in fleas. But Then i started noticing an odor I bathed him but it wouldn’t go away. Well, I just started smelling him and it is coming from his ears. and he scratches at them that they are starting to get raw. What can i do for the fleas and this odor?

    • Vicki sullivan
    • April 6, 2019
    Reply

    My chihuahua shakes her head at night off and on. Went to the vet and they said ears are fine. Why would she do this? Does not shake head during the day.

    • Vicky
    • March 31, 2019
    Reply

    The P.D.S.A have a reduced price if you are having a difficult time with vet Bill’s at this time they have been a blessing to me and my 3cats and 1 chihuahua.
    Good luck.
    Hope this helps

    • Zoe
    • February 3, 2019
    Reply

    Both of the chihuahuas yhave been shaking their bodies off like water is on them.

    • Sherry Martin
    • August 4, 2018
    Reply

    My Nina has dark brown Wax in her ear she let me clean the outer part but now it looks like it’s at her ear drum really can’t and won’t go that far her ear is very red so she’s going to the vet….

    • Nesa Anders
    • June 19, 2018
    Reply

    My chihuahua has red ears all of a sudden but acts fine. Any concern?
    Thanks!
    Nesa

      • David Ehrhart
      • October 12, 2020
      Reply

      Most likely a skin rash. My Sasha will sometimes get that after going through weeds or very tall grass. I just wash them and put a very thin layer of benadryl. It helps with the itch and soothing to the inflammation. Has always worked and clears up in a few days. Any longer then see the vet.

    • Eva
    • May 4, 2018
    Reply

    My poor chiwahwah has a really reddish ear and I used a little tissue to try to wipe it softly and it looked like it was sore and Even a little bit of dried up blood
    I’m scared! Ł

    • DeAnn Owen
    • June 7, 2017
    Reply

    My chihuahua has brown spots on the outside of her ears. Is this normal?

    • Tina Clingingd
    • January 12, 2017
    Reply

    She doesn’t have any discharge or odor but she does have a black crust and it’s swollen. I’m thinking that it may be an allergy either food or seasonal. WHAT IS IT? I don’t have the money to take her in because I have a special needs dog that I spend allot of money monthly on. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

      • Sue
      • January 12, 2017
      Reply

      Our little Charlie also has black gunk inside his ears, tender to touch. Just got back from Vet…did a culture and thinks it could be ringworm ( which I font agree with). When culture comes back I will post results. Also gave antibiotics for 1 week.

    • VANESSA ANN
    • August 7, 2016
    Reply

    we had 5 dogs

    • debbie trant
    • March 14, 2016
    Reply

    Love the information about Chi’s. Thank you. Email me about information relevant to them. Have a good day Debbie Trant

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