Brittany Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

A Brittany in the field is all motion: nose down, stub of a tail wagging, quartering back and forth through cover until the moment it locks on point. That same boundless drive follows the dog home to suburban yards and hiking trails. It also means a Brittany's ears pick up a lot of what the outdoors has to offer, from seed heads to pond water.

Here is a look at how Brittany ears differ from spaniel ears, the warning signs of trouble, the most common causes, when to involve your vet, and a cleaning routine that fits an active sporting dog.

How Brittany ears are built, and where they struggle

Brittanys were once called Brittany Spaniels, but their ears are quite different from those of a Cocker or Springer:

• Shorter, high-set ears. A Brittany's ears are triangular, fairly short and set high on the head, lying flat and close. They still cover the canal opening, but they are lighter and lift more easily than long spaniel leathers, so airflow is somewhat better.
• Light feathering. The ears carry a little wavy fringe rather than heavy feathers. It is enough to catch burrs and stickers, but quick to comb out.
• Upland and field work. This is a pointing breed made for hunting birds in fields, hedgerows and brush. Hours in dry grass and weeds mean plenty of chances for plant matter to slip under the flap.
• Grass awns. The barbed seed heads of certain grasses, often called foxtails, can work their way into the ear canal and keep moving inward. They are a classic cause of sudden ear pain in field dogs.
• Water and mud. Many Brittanys happily wade through creeks and retrieve from ponds, leaving the ear damp.
• Allergies. Some Brittanys develop environmental or food allergies, which can show up as itchy, inflamed ears.

The German Shorthaired Pointer, another versatile bird dog, faces many of the same field hazards. Compare notes in our German Shorthaired Pointer ear guide.

Warning signs after a day outdoors

Brittanys are high-energy, so a sore ear can be masked by excitement. Look more carefully once your dog has settled:

• Sudden, violent head shaking that starts during or right after a run
• Holding the head tilted to one side
• Pawing persistently at one ear
• Burrs, stickers or seed heads tangled in the ear fringe
• Redness, swelling or dark wax inside the flap
• A sour odor or wet-looking discharge
• Crying or pulling away when you touch the side of the head

Sudden, one-sided shaking after time in tall grass deserves prompt attention, since it can mean something has entered the canal.

Common causes in Brittanys

Plant material. Awns, burrs and bits of leaf are a frequent reason for a field dog's ear problem. A vet can look deep into the canal with an otoscope and remove anything lodged there, sometimes with sedation.

Moisture. Water left in the canal after swimming or a bath softens the lining and helps yeast and bacteria grow.

Allergies. If flare-ups come back with no obvious field cause, especially alongside itchy paws, ask your vet about allergies.

Wax buildup. Some dogs simply produce more wax. Dust and pollen stick to it and can irritate the canal.

Ear mites. Young dogs and those in kennels or multi-dog homes can pick up mites, which cause intense itch and dark, crumbly debris.

When to see your vet

At-home cleaning is not a substitute for a diagnosis. If you suspect an infection or foreign body, your vet needs to examine the canal and eardrum and often test a sample before choosing treatment. Schedule a visit if you notice:

• Pain: your Brittany yelps, flinches or will not let you touch the ear
• Head tilt, loss of balance, circling or unusual eye movements
• Bleeding, or a swollen, puffy ear flap (this can be a blood blister called an aural hematoma)
• A bad smell together with discharge
• Redness or swelling that is getting worse
• Symptoms that have not improved after a few days, or keep coming back

If you think a grass seed has gone into the ear, do not put any liquid in and do not try to dig it out. See your vet the same day if you can. Also skip vinegar, peroxide, alcohol and homemade oils, which can harm an inflamed ear or a damaged eardrum.

An ear routine for a working Brittany

A healthy Brittany usually needs a quick ear check after every outing in cover and a full clean about once a week, or after swimming. Hunting season may call for more frequent checks. If your dog has had ear issues before, follow your vet's schedule.

Post-hunt check: Before your dog gets in the car, flip each ear up, run your fingers through the fringe and look at the canal opening. Pull out burrs from the hair, but leave anything inside the canal for your vet.

1. Comb the fringe. A fine-toothed comb removes stickers and loose debris from the feathering.
2. Take a look. Healthy ears are pale pink with a small amount of light wax. Redness, discharge or pain means stop and call your vet.
3. Fill the canal. Lift the ear and fill the ear canal with dog ear cleaner.
4. Massage the base. Work the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds.
5. Let your dog shake. Brittanys are quick, so keep a hand on the collar until you are ready.
6. Wipe the opening. Use cotton balls or gauze on the inner flap and entrance of the canal. Never push into the canal.
7. Reward. A quick game of fetch or a chew keeps the routine positive.

About EcoEars: EcoEars is a botanical dog ear cleaner with no antibiotics or steroids, made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility. Label directions: fill the ear canal, massage the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds, let your dog shake, and wipe away loosened debris. Use twice daily for 10 days in a row, then weekly or as needed. It is for dogs 12 weeks and older and for dogs only, since it contains tea tree oil.

To understand why a regular habit helps, see 5 reasons to regularly clean your dog's ears.

Brittany ear FAQ

Are Brittanys as prone to ear trouble as spaniels?

Generally less so, because their ears are shorter and set higher. Field exposure and allergies still make ear problems fairly common, so regular checks are worthwhile.

How do I know if my Brittany has a grass seed in its ear?

The classic sign is sudden, intense head shaking and pawing at one ear after time in grass or brush. You may not see anything, because the seed can travel down the canal. Your vet can look with an otoscope.

Should I clean my Brittany's ears during hunting season?

Checking after each outing is the priority. A weekly clean, plus one after swimming or very dusty days, suits most dogs. Avoid cleaning an ear that already looks sore until your vet has seen it.

Can I trim the hair on my Brittany's ears?

Yes, lightly trimming the outer fringe can reduce burrs. Leave hair inside the canal alone unless your vet recommends otherwise.