Dachshund Ears

Harvey’s ears have always been part of his charm, soft, velvety flaps that practically beg for a scratch. But those long, droopy ears also turned out to be a high-maintenance feature. One summer, after a week of beach walks around Cronulla, Harvey started shaking his head constantly. When we checked, his ears smelled musty and looked red inside — the beginnings of an ear infection.

Dachshunds are prone to ear problems because of their long, floppy ear shape. The same design that makes them adorable also traps moisture, wax, and allergens, creating the perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, floppy-eared breeds are significantly more likely to develop ear infections compared to dogs with upright ears.

Ear health isn’t just about comfort, untreated infections can cause chronic pain, hearing loss, and even affect balance. For dachshunds already managing other sensitivities like allergies or skin issues, the risk is even higher.

Dachshunds’ ears are instantly recognisable — long, floppy, and silky. While charming, this ear design is exactly why they are prone to ear issues. Unlike upright ears that allow air circulation, dachshund ears act like a flap, covering and trapping whatever’s inside.

1. Poor air circulation – Moisture and heat build up, creating the perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria.
   
   
2. Wax accumulation – Ear canals produce wax naturally, but with less airflow, buildup occurs faster.
   
   
3. Allergy sensitivity – Dachshunds prone to allergies often show symptoms in the ears. Inflamed skin in the ear canal makes infections more likely.
   
   
4. Outdoor adventures – Grass seeds, dirt, or even sand from beach trips can get trapped and irritate the ear canal.
   
   
5. Breed genetics – Their smaller skull size compared to larger floppy-eared dogs makes their ear canals narrower, which compounds the problem.
   
   

When Harvey had his first ear infection, it wasn’t from swimming or fleas — it was from his allergy to grass pollen, which inflamed his ears and allowed yeast to thrive. It showed us that ear health doesn’t exist in isolation — it connects to skin issues, allergies, and even weight (since overweight dachshunds are less active and prone to systemic inflammation).

The most common issue, caused by yeast, bacteria, or both.

• Symptoms: Head shaking, scratching, odor, redness, discharge.
  
  
• Links: Often secondary to allergies.
  
  

Tiny parasites that cause severe itching.

• Symptoms: Dark, coffee-ground-like debris in the ears, intense scratching.
  
  
• Risk: More common in puppies or dogs exposed to untreated pets.
  
  

Chronic wax can lead to infections if not cleaned regularly.

• Symptoms: Visible brown/yellow wax, head shaking, mild odor.
  
  

Food or environmental triggers inflame the ear canal.

• Symptoms: Itchiness, recurrent infections, thickened ear canal skin.
  
  
• Links: See dachshund allergies.
  
  

Dachshunds who love rolling outdoors may pick up irritants in their ear canals.

• Symptoms: Sudden head shaking, pawing at one ear, visible discomfort.
  
  

Harvey’s case: After a beach run at Greenhills, a grain of sand caused a flare-up that turned into a yeast infection.

• Persistent head shaking
  
  
• Scratching or rubbing ears against furniture
  
  
• Odor coming from the ears
  
  
• Redness or swelling inside the ear canal
  
  
• Brown, yellow, or dark debris
  
  
• Pain or sensitivity when touched
  
  
• Loss of balance or head tilt (in severe cases)
  
  

If these signs persist, a vet check is essential. Chronic ear infections can lead to long-term damage, including hearing loss.

With Harvey, we now know that his ears are our “allergy thermometer.” If he starts scratching them more than usual, it’s almost always the start of a seasonal flare-up. Weekly checks and cleaning have saved us multiple trips to the vet.

Dachshund ears may need more upkeep than other breeds, but the good news is that most issues can be prevented with consistent care. Ear infections rarely appear out of nowhere, they usually build from allergens, wax, or moisture that isn’t managed in time.

When Harvey had his first yeast infection, we learned quickly that ear care isn’t optional. Weekly checks, regular cleaning, and staying on top of his allergy management now keep his velvet ears healthy and (mostly) drama-free.

1. Routine Ear Cleaning
   

• Use vet-approved ear cleaning solutions (never alcohol or hydrogen peroxide).
  
  
• Clean every 2–3 weeks for healthy dachshunds, more often for allergy-prone dogs.
  
  
• Gently wipe the visible ear canal with cotton pads, not cotton buds (which push debris deeper).
  
  
  

2. Paw & Ear Connection
   

• Pollen and dust cling to paws, then transfer to ears when scratching.
  
  
• Rinse paws after walks to reduce allergens (see Dachshund Feet).
  
  
  

3. Grooming Support
   

• Keep long ear hair trimmed for better air circulation.
  
  
• Check after outdoor play for grass seeds, dirt, or sand.
  
  
  

4. Allergy Management
   

• Since allergies are a root cause for many ear issues, controlling diet, environment, and flea prevention reduces flare-ups (see Dachshund Skin Issues).
  
  
  

Some issues need professional treatment:

• Ear Infections: Yeast or bacterial infections require medicated drops or oral antibiotics.
  
  
• Ear Mites: Prescription drops eliminate infestations.
  
  
• Chronic Allergic Ear Disease: May need long-term management with Apoquel, Cytopoint, or immunotherapy (see Dachshund Allergies).
  
  
• Severe Cases: Deep ear infections or repeated flare-ups may require imaging or surgical intervention to prevent permanent damage.
  
  

Harvey once needed a vet visit after beach sand triggered a yeast overgrowth. A quick ear flush and medicated drops cleared it up — but it reminded us that vet intervention is essential when home care isn’t enough.

This table acts like a quick decision guide: green light for home care vs red flag for vet care.

• Weekly inspections – Catch problems before they escalate.
  
  
• Seasonal adjustments – Clean more often in spring/summer (pollen season).
  
  
• After swimming/beach trips – Dry ears thoroughly and wipe with a cleaning solution.
  
  
• Control allergies & fleas – Consistency here prevents half of dachshund ear problems.
  
  
• Balanced diet – Reduces inflammation and supports healthy skin (see Overweight Dachshund for diet context).
  
  

These days, Harvey tolerates ear cleaning better than I ever expected. At first, he wriggled away every time, but with slow conditioning (and plenty of treats after), it’s become routine. By combining home care with quick vet visits when flare-ups start, we’ve prevented his infections from becoming chronic

One of the biggest mistakes owners make is treating ear problems as isolated incidents. In reality, dachshund ear health is tightly linked to other conditions — especially allergies, skin problems, and even weight.

• Allergies
  Environmental or food allergies inflame the skin inside the ear canal, making it more vulnerable to infection. Recurrent ear infections are often the first sign of dachshund allergies.
  
  
• Skin Issues
  Yeast and bacterial infections often affect both skin and ears. A dachshund struggling with skin issues will often scratch ears and paws in the same cycle of irritation.
  
  
• Overweight Dachshunds
  Excess weight worsens systemic inflammation. Overweight dogs also groom less effectively, allowing wax and debris to accumulate in their ears (see Overweight Dachshund).
  
  

Harvey’s history has shown us this clearly: every time his allergies flare, his ears flare too. Once we started treating allergies proactively with antihistamines and paw rinses, ear infections became much less frequent.

Prevention is far easier than treatment. A simple weekly routine helps dachshund owners stay ahead of ear problems.

• Lift the ear flap and check for redness, swelling, or discharge.
  
  
• Sniff gently — a sour or yeasty smell usually signals trouble.
  
  
  

• Use a vet-approved ear cleaning solution.
  
  
• Apply a few drops, gently massage the base of the ear, then wipe out loosened debris with cotton pads.
  
  
• Never use cotton buds, which push dirt deeper.
  
  
  

• Wipe ears with a damp cloth after grassy or sandy play sessions.
  
  
• Rinse paws too, since allergens travel from paws to ears when scratching (see Dachshund Feet).
  
  
  

• Always dry ears thoroughly with a soft towel.
  
  
• Moisture left behind is a breeding ground for yeast.
  
  
  

• If you notice redness, constant shaking, or odor — stop home care and consult a vet.
  
  
• Early intervention prevents a minor irritation from turning into a painful infection.
  
  
  

With Harvey, the key was making ear care routine, not reactive. A quick weekly check became part of his grooming schedule, just like brushing. By drying his ears after beach runs and wiping after walks, we’ve cut down ear infections dramatically. It’s a small investment of time that saves him and us,  weeks of discomfort later.

• Dachshund Eye Problems
  
  
• CDA in Dachshunds
  
  
• Dachshund Brain Size
  
  
• Dachshund Back Surgery
  
  
• Dachshund Dragging Back Legs
  
  
• Dachshund Neck Size
  
  
• Dachshund Back Brace
  
  
• Dachshund Back Problems
  
  
• Dachshund Skin Issues
  
  
• Dachshund Health Issues
  
  
• Dachshund Feet
  
  
• Dachshund Ribs
  
  
• Overweight Dachshund
  
  
• Dachshund Teeth
  
  
• Dachshund Allergies
  
  
• Dachshund Ears
  
  
• Dachshund Hip Dysplasia
  
  
• Dachshund Constipation
  
  
• Dachshund Bad Breath

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.