Can dogs get ear infection from sticking head out window?
Christopher Snyder
Updated on March 06, 2026
The ear can't trap all the debris a dog must contend with. In fact, Dr. Klein mentioned that sticking their heads out of car windows is one of the major causes of ear infections in dogs.
Can dogs get ear infections from head out window?
Two scenarios where this could occur is if a dog rides in the car with their head out of the window or if they have irritated ears from an infection or allergies and shake their head excessively.Is it safe for dogs to stick their head out the window?
Allowing your dog to stick his head out the window is a very dangerous habit. Their eyes are exposed to dirt, rocks, dust and other debris. These materials can easily puncture and scratch your dog's eyes. A line of pet goggles has come out to help prevent these types of injuries.How do I know if my dogs ears are infected?
Typical Dog Ear Infection Symptoms
- Scratching of the ear or area around the ear.
- Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge.
- Odor in the ear.
- Redness Swelling Crusts or scabs on inside of the outer ear.
- Hair loss around the ear.
- Rubbing of the ear and surrounding area on the floor or furniture.
- Head shaking or head tilt.
Why is my dog suddenly getting ear infections?
Ear mites, foreign material such as grass awns and by far and away the most common is food allergies. Food allergies are one of the most common causes of recurrent ear infections in dogs. Food allergies in pets appear much differently than in humans and result in inflammation, often in the ear and GI tract.How to Identify and Treat an Ear Infection in Your Dog
What does ear infection in dogs look like?
Noticing drainage or discharge in their ears that can be black, brown, white, green, or yellow in color. Having redness or swelling in their ear canals. Yelping out when their ears are touched, which indicates pain. Seeing blood coming from their ears in severe cases.Can dog ear infections go away on their own?
Most often, a dog ear infection will not go away on its own. All types of otitis require a veterinarian to evaluate the infection and the eardrum. If the eardrum is ruptured, certain cleaners and medications can be toxic to the middle ear.How do I fix my dogs ear infection?
They may use a medicated ear cleaner or apply a topical medication. In more severe cases, the vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or oral antibiotics for your pet. Your vet will likely prescribe a topical medication to your dog.What happens if you leave a dog's ear infection untreated?
Two potential long-term complications of inner ear infection include a permanently altered sense of balance and/or persistent signs of Horner's syndrome. Your dog may also become permanently deaf in the affected ear. That said, most dogs with otitis interna respond well to medical management.Is it good for dogs to look out the window?
Windows are important for dogs, especially if your dog is inside a lot. It is highly suggested that you let your dog look out the window if they desire to. It can help decrease any anxiety, boredom, or negative emotion they may be having, whether that is because they are inside a lot, or it is because of other reasons.Why do dogs like sticking their head out the window Reddit?
The reason that dogs like to stick their heads outside cars while driving is because the wind smells so good. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell with about 300 million olfactory receptors in their cute noses.Why do dogs like being out the window?
"They smell so much better than we do, in that their sense of smell is much greater than we have, and they have good vision. "Their head is jam-packed full of sensors, so when they stick their head out the window, they've got this great pressure of air moving at great speed over them, and it's a sensory overload."How long does it take for a dog ear infection to go away?
Most uncomplicated ear infections resolve within 1–2 weeks, once appropriate treatment begins. But severe infections or those due to underlying conditions may take months to resolve, or may become chronic problems.When should I take my dog to the vet for an ear infection?
If you suspect an ear infection, call your veterinarian immediately. Don't wait until your dog is in pain or struggling with ears that won't stop itching. Don't mess around in the pet store, let your vet treat her correctly the first time.Why is my dog shaking his head and scratching his ear?
Common Reasons Dogs Shake Their HeadsItchiness due to skin allergies. Irritant trapped in their ear such as grass seeds, water or insects. Bacterial or yeast infection. Inflammation of ear canal.