Otitis Externa. Red painful ears, an unpleasant smell, and a dirty discharge inside the ear - all these are signs of otitis externa, an inflammation of the ear canal. This extremely uncomfortable condition is in fact a very common ear complaint of many breeds of dogs, so why does it develop, and how is it best treated.

The Treatment of Otitis Externa

Otitis externa is usually treated by installing drops or ointment directly into the affected ear; occasionally supportive therapy given in tablet form or by injection may be used. Individual cases of otitis externa vary considerably, and the preparation which your veterinary surgeon considers most appropriate for your particular pet may contain one or more of the following:
An antibiotic - to eliminate bacteria
An antifungal - to eliminate fungi
An acaricide - to kill ear mites
An anti-inflammatory - to reduce inflammation
A cleansing agent - to remove wax and debris

Treating with ear cleaners

Ear cleaners are specially formulated to soften hard, impacted ear wax, and gently separate any debris from the underlying healthy tissue. In some animals effective cleansing may in fact be all that is necessary to clear the infection, and to prevent it from recurring. Regular cleaning helps promote a clean environment in your pet’s ears, which discourages the growth of bacteria, yeast’s and fungi.
Apply cleaning solution liberally into the ears
Massage the ear canal by gently massaging the base of the ear. 
Place cottonwool over your fingertip, and wipe the accessible potion of the ear clean. Do this gently, particularly if the area to be wiped is inflamed. Do not clean deep inside the ear with cotton buds etc. unless your veterinary surgeon specifically advises it.
Let your dog shake out any excess solution, and then clean the same portion of the ear again with cotton wool. 

Why does Otitis Externa Develop?

The design of the dog’s ear has much to do with the occurrence of otitis externa. Unlike the human ear, a dog’s ear canal is deep and curved: this means that debris, wax and moisture can easily accumulate, especially where air flow and drainage are restricted. A dirty, poorly ventilated ear canal provides the ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, yeast's and fungi, which may then cause infection and inflammation. Irritation to the ear canal can also be caused by ear mites or foreign objects (e.g. Grass awns) Such irritation can itself stimulate extra wax production, and this may in turn encourage secondary bacterial infection. Since the shape of the dog’s ear canal is an important factor in otitis externa, some breeds are more predisposed to this condition than others. Spaniels for example, and similar breeds with long
droopy eras, are particularly susceptible. Their ear flaps cover the canal opening, thus restricting air flow, and creating the ideal environment for the accumulation of ear wax and the growth of bacteria.
Terriers, Schnauzers and Poodles, too are often victims of otitis externa. All these breeds have considerable hair growth within the ear canal itself, which can prevent adequate drainage and ventilation, and thus aid the build up of ear wax.
Hunting breeds and dogs which like to swim, are also candidates for ear problems. All types of dog, however are at some risk from otitis externa. Unfortunately the occasional dog, may be difficult to cure completely and often suffer fresh infections at regular intervals.
Pinna (ear flap)
Vertical canal
Horizontal canal
Tympanic membrane (ear eardrum)
Middle ear