Ear and skin care for dogs: preventing infections and hot spots

Otitis externa (ear infection) is one of the top five reasons dogs visit the vet, according to veterinary insurance claims data (ASPCA Pet Insurance; Nationwide). Similarly, hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) are an extremely common dermatological emergency, particularly in humid climates. Both conditions share a common thread: they develop when moisture, warmth, and bacteria or yeast are allowed to persist in areas the dog cannot easily self-clean.

The good news is that basic, consistent ear and skin hygiene at home — combined with prompt recognition of early signs — prevents the vast majority of cases, or catches them early enough that treatment is simple and inexpensive.

Ear anatomy and why dogs are vulnerable

A dog's ear canal is L-shaped, with a vertical section and a horizontal section meeting at a right angle before the eardrum. This architecture traps moisture, wax and debris, creating warm, dark, humid conditions that bacteria and Malassezia yeast thrive in. Dogs with long, pendulous ears (Spaniels, Basset Hounds) or heavy ear hair (Poodles, Bichon Frises) have even poorer ventilation, increasing their risk further.

How to clean ears at home

Healthy ears need only minimal intervention. Over-cleaning disturbs the ear's normal flora and can cause irritation. For most dogs with healthy ears, a visual check weekly and a clean every 2–4 weeks (or after every swim or bath) is sufficient.

• Use a veterinary-formulated ear cleaner (not water, olive oil, or vinegar — these can alter pH and are less effective)
• Apply the cleaner to the ear canal entrance; gently massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds — you will hear a squelching sound
• Allow your dog to shake their head — this brings debris toward the outer canal
• Wipe the visible outer canal and ear flap with a cotton ball or gauze; never insert cotton buds/Q-tips into the canal
• Reward generously; build this into your regular grooming routine

Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis): causes and prevention

Hot spots are rapidly expanding areas of moist, inflamed, infected skin. They typically appear in minutes to hours as a dog scratches, bites or licks at an itchy spot — often triggered by a flea bite, a grass seed, allergies, or moisture trapped under a dense coat. The most common sites are the neck, shoulders, and base of the tail.

In Singapore's tropical climate, hot spots can appear and spread rapidly — a lesion the size of a 10-cent coin at breakfast can be palm-sized by evening. Dogs with dense double coats (Golden Retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds) are particularly vulnerable in humid conditions.

Preventing hot spots

• Keep the coat dry — dry thoroughly after bathing, swimming or rain, especially under the ears and in skin folds
• Treat fleas and other parasites consistently — flea allergy dermatitis is a leading trigger
• Clip the coat shorter in summer (particularly for dense double-coated breeds in tropical climates)
• Address allergies — dogs with environmental or food allergies are significantly more prone to hot spots; speak to your vet about allergy assessment
• Inspect the coat and skin regularly, especially after walks in grass — grass seeds (particularly in Australia) can penetrate the skin and cause intense localised irritation

Skin fold hygiene

Breeds with pronounced facial folds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Shar Peis, French Bulldogs) or body folds (Basset Hounds, Neapolitan Mastiffs) require daily fold cleaning to prevent fold dermatitis — a painful condition caused by constant moisture and friction between skin surfaces. Use a damp cloth or veterinary skin wipe to clean inside each fold, then dry thoroughly. Antiseptic wipes or dilute chlorhexidine wipes (veterinary strength) can be used if your vet recommends them.

When skin problems need a specialist

Recurrent ear infections, chronic itching, recurring hot spots, or skin conditions that do not resolve with standard treatment may indicate an underlying allergic or immune condition. A veterinary dermatologist (DACVD) can perform intradermal allergy testing and prescribe targeted immunotherapy. Referral is appropriate for dogs with chronic, recurring skin disease that is affecting quality of life. Ask your vet for a referral rather than cycling through repeated antibiotic courses.