Puppy Guide
Cavoodle Ear Infections: Signs & Prevention
Feb
Cavoodles are ear infection magnets. Their floppy ears, combined with hair in the ear canal, create the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive.
🎯 Quick Answer
Cavoodle ear infection signs include head shaking, scratching, odour, discharge, and redness. See your vet if you notice these—don’t self-treat. Prevention: weekly ear cleaning, dry ears after swimming, and regular grooming. Treatment typically costs $80-250 and takes 7-14 days.
If you own a Cavoodle long enough, you’ll probably deal with at least one Cavoodle ear infection. Knowing the signs means faster treatment, less discomfort for your dog, and lower vet bills.
Why Cavoodles Get Ear Infections
The Anatomy Problem
Cavoodles inherit floppy ears from their Cavalier parent. Unlike dogs with upright ears:
- Floppy ears trap moisture
- Reduced airflow creates warmth
- Dark, warm, moist conditions = bacteria and yeast paradise
Contributing Factors
| Factor | How It Contributes | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Hair in ear canal | Traps debris and moisture | Regular grooming with ear hair removal |
| Swimming | Water trapped in canal | Dry ears after every swim |
| Allergies | Inflammation increases infection risk | Identify and treat underlying allergies |
| Moisture from bathing | Not drying ears properly | Dry ears thoroughly after baths |
💡 Marine’s Pro Tip
In the salon, I often spot early ear infections before owners notice symptoms. The ear just looks a bit pinker than normal, or there’s a slight odour. That’s why I check ears at every groom—catching it early means easier treatment. If I mention something about your dog’s ears, get it checked.
Signs of Cavoodle Ear Infection
Early Signs (Act Now)
- Scratching at ears more than usual
- Shaking head frequently
- Rubbing ear against furniture or carpet
- Ear looks pink inside (rather than pale pink/skin colour)
- Slight increase in wax production
- Mild odour
At this stage: A vet visit can catch it early. Treatment is simpler and faster.
Moderate Signs (Vet Visit Urgent)
- Strong, unpleasant smell (yeasty, musty, or foul)
- Visible discharge (brown, yellow, or dark)
- Ear appears red and inflamed
- Ear feels warm to touch
- Dog tilts head to affected side
- Obvious discomfort when ear is touched
Severe Signs (Emergency)
- Swelling of ear flap or canal entrance
- Bloody discharge
- Loss of balance or walking in circles
- Extreme pain when ear area is approached
- Refusal to eat or lethargy
Severe infections can spread to the middle or inner ear. This is serious and needs immediate veterinary attention.
Types of Cavoodle Ear Infections
| Type | Signs | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial | Yellow/green discharge, strong smell, inflammation | Antibiotic ear drops |
| Yeast | Brown waxy discharge, musty/”beer-like” smell, intense itching | Antifungal ear drops |
| Mixed | Combination of above | Combination treatment |
| Ear mites | Dark crumbly discharge (like coffee grounds), intense scratching | Anti-parasitic medication |
What Happens at the Vet
Examination
The vet will look inside the ear with an otoscope, check for redness, swelling, and discharge, assess pain level, and may take a swab for testing.
Treatment
Typical treatment includes:
- Ear cleaning at the clinic — Professional clean before starting medication
- Ear drops — Applied at home, usually 1-2 times daily for 7-14 days
- Oral medication — For severe infections
- Follow-up visit — To confirm infection has cleared
Cost
Ear infection treatment in Australia typically costs $80-250 depending on severity and whether testing is done. Chronic or severe cases can cost more.
💡 Marine’s Pro Tip
Don’t self-treat with leftover medication from a previous infection. Bacterial and yeast infections need different treatments—using the wrong one makes it worse. And never use home remedies like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide near the ears. I’ve seen dogs come in with chemical burns from well-meaning owners. When in doubt, vet visit.
Home Treatment: What You Can Do
What’s Safe
- Keep ears dry: If your dog has an infection, avoid getting water in the ears
- Continue prescribed medication: Complete the full course even if symptoms improve
- Gentle cleaning: Only if your vet advises it
What’s NOT Safe
- Don’t self-treat with leftover medication
- Don’t use home remedies like vinegar, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide
- Don’t try to clean a severely infected ear
- Don’t delay vet treatment hoping it will resolve on its own
Preventing Cavoodle Ear Infections
Prevention is far easier than treatment.
- Weekly ear cleaning with proper solution — See our cleaning guide
- Dry ears after swimming — Every time
- Dry ears after bathing — Thoroughly
- Regular grooming with ear hair removal
- Address allergies if present — Often the underlying cause of recurring infections
Recurring Ear Infections
Some Cavoodles get ear infections repeatedly. If this is your dog:
Investigate Root Causes
- Allergies — Most common underlying cause (food or environmental)
- Anatomy — Some dogs have particularly narrow or hairy ear canals
- Incomplete treatment — Not finishing antibiotics allows resistant bacteria to survive
Management Strategies
- More frequent preventative cleaning
- Elimination diet to identify food triggers
- Allergy treatment
- Drying solutions for dogs who swim
- Frequent vet check-ups
Common Cavoodle Ear Infection Questions
“Can I use the same ear drops from last time?”
Only if prescribed again by your vet. Different infections need different treatments, and old medication may have expired.
“Why does only one ear get infected?”
Could be anatomy (one ear narrower), sleeping position, or foreign object in one ear only.
“Are ear infections contagious to other dogs?”
Generally no, except ear mites which can spread between animals.
Written by Marine Ponchaut
Marine is the founder of WoofSpark, a professional dog grooming salon in Cessnock, NSW. Since founding WoofSpark in 2019, she has groomed thousands of dogs and regularly identifies early ear issues during grooming appointments.
Related Guides
- How to Clean Cavoodle Ears — Prevention guide
- Cavoodle Allergies — Common underlying cause
- How Often to Groom a Cavoodle — Regular maintenance
Concerned About Your Cavoodle’s Ears?
We always check ears during grooming and alert owners to any concerns. Book an appointment or contact us with questions.