West Highland White Terrier Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

A West Highland White Terrier carries its ears like a pair of exclamation points: small, pointed and standing straight up. You might expect those upright ears to stay trouble-free, and in terms of airflow they have an advantage over floppy-eared breeds. Yet plenty of Westie owners find themselves back at the vet for red, greasy, itchy ears. The reason usually starts with the skin, not the ear shape.

Read on to learn why Westies get ear problems, which signs to watch for on a white-coated dog, what tends to trigger flare-ups, when your vet is the right call, and how to fit ear care into the breed's grooming routine.

Why Westie ears flare up

For this breed, ear trouble is mostly about allergies and skin health rather than heavy flaps:

• A well-known allergy breed. Westies are one of the breeds most strongly associated with atopic dermatitis, the itchy skin condition caused by environmental allergies to things like pollen, dust mites and molds. The skin inside the ear is the same skin, so it gets inflamed too.
• Yeast on allergic skin. Inflamed, oily skin is a welcoming place for Malassezia, a yeast that normally lives on dogs in small numbers. In allergic Westies it often overgrows, causing a greasy, brown film and a distinctive odor in the ears and elsewhere.
• Prick ears that collect debris. Upright ears let air in, but they also catch pollen, dust and grass bits during walks. On an allergic dog, that extra exposure adds up.
• A dense, harsh coat. The double coat is thick around the head, and the fine hair near the ear opening can hold wax and dander if it is not kept tidy.
• Food sensitivities. Some Westies react to ingredients in their diet, and itchy ears can be one of the main signs.

Westies are often listed alongside other terriers with sensitive skin. The Schnauzer ear guide covers another bearded breed with a similar mix of allergies and ear hair.

Signs of ear trouble in a Westie

A white coat makes some changes easy to spot. Others you will notice by nose before you see them:

• Constant scratching at one or both ears, sometimes followed by a yelp
• Rusty or reddish-brown staining on the fur around the ears from licking and scratching
• Ears that look pink, thickened or shiny on the inside
• A greasy, dark brown wax that coats the inner ear
• A strong, musty or cheesy smell that seems to follow your dog around
• Darkened, leathery skin on the ear flaps in dogs with long-term itch
• Head shaking or holding one ear slightly flatter than the other

That smell tends to be impossible to ignore. Our article on why dogs' ears stink explains where ear odor comes from.

What typically triggers a flare-up

Allergy season. Many Westies itch more during spring and summer pollen peaks, though dust mite allergies can keep them uncomfortable year-round. Ear flare-ups often line up with the rest of the skin.

Yeast overgrowth. Once the ear lining is inflamed, yeast can take hold and make the itch worse. This is a cycle your vet will want to break by addressing both the yeast and the allergy behind it.

Bacteria. Scratched, damaged skin can let bacteria join in, sometimes with yellow or pus-like discharge.

Foreign material. Westies love to dig and explore. Seeds, dirt and plant debris can drop straight into an upright ear.

Over-bathing or harsh products. Shampoos not made for dogs can dry and irritate already sensitive skin, including the ears.

When to see your vet

Allergic ears are a medical issue, and cleaning alone will not settle them. Your vet needs to look into the canal, check the eardrum and usually examine a swab of debris under the microscope to see whether yeast, bacteria or both are present. Arrange a visit if you notice:

• Pain: your Westie 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

For a Westie with repeat episodes, ask about a long-term allergy plan. That might include medication for itch, a strict food trial or allergy testing. Controlling the skin is usually what keeps the ears comfortable. Avoid vinegar, peroxide, alcohol and homemade oil remedies, which can sting inflamed ears.

Building an ear routine for a Westie

Many healthy Westies do well with a weekly look and a clean every one to two weeks. Allergic dogs often need a plan made with your vet, which may include a specific ear cleaner on a set schedule. Too much cleaning can irritate sensitive ears, so do not go beyond what your vet suggests.

Grooming matters. Whether your Westie is hand-stripped or clipped, ask your groomer to keep the hair at the tips and base of the ears neat. Tidy ears are easier to inspect and less likely to trap wax.

1. Brush first. Clear loose hair and dirt around the head so you have a clear view.
2. Check before cleaning. Look for redness, brown greasy wax, odor or discharge. If they are present, skip the clean and call your vet.
3. Fill the canal. Steady the upright ear between your fingers and fill the ear canal with a dog ear cleaner.
4. Massage the base. Gently rub just below the ear for 60 to 90 seconds.
5. Allow a shake. Let your Westie shake out the loosened wax and cleaner.
6. Wipe what you can see. Use cotton or gauze on the inner surface of the ear and the opening only. No swabs in the canal.
7. End on a good note. A favorite chew or a short game helps a terrier accept the routine.

About EcoEars: EcoEars is a botanical dog ear cleaner with no antibiotics or steroids, made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility. Per the label, fill the ear canal, massage the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds, allow your dog to 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 dogs only, because it contains tea tree oil.

Need a refresher on technique? See how to clean your dog's ears and the tools you'll need.

Westie ear care FAQ

My Westie has upright ears. Why does she still get ear infections?

Ear shape is only one factor. In Westies, allergic skin is usually the main driver, and it affects the ear canal regardless of how the ears are carried.

Why is the fur around my Westie's ears turning brown?

Reddish-brown staining often comes from saliva when a dog licks or scratches a lot. It is a sign of itch worth mentioning to your vet, especially if the ears also smell.

Can changing food help my Westie's ears?

For dogs with a food sensitivity, yes. The only reliable way to find out is a strict food trial supervised by your vet, usually lasting several weeks with no other foods or flavored snacks.

Is yeast in the ears contagious to my other dogs?

Malassezia lives on most dogs already. Overgrowth comes from the individual dog's skin condition, so it is not considered contagious in the usual sense. Ear mites, however, can spread, so let your vet confirm the cause.