Boston Terrier Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

The "American Gentleman" wears a permanent tuxedo and a pair of ears that stand straight up like a bat's. Because those ears are open to the air, many Boston Terrier owners assume ear trouble is something that happens to floppy-eared breeds. It is a fair guess, but not quite right. Bostons have their own mix of risk factors, and most of them have nothing to do with ear shape.

This article covers why upright ears do not guarantee healthy ears, the clues to watch in a Boston, typical triggers, the point where your vet should take over, and a short, simple cleaning routine for a small dog with a big personality.

Upright ears, but not trouble-free

An erect ear does let more air in than a folded one, and that is a genuine advantage. Several other Boston traits push in the opposite direction:

• A brachycephalic head. Bostons are a short-muzzled breed. In flat-faced dogs, the skull is compressed, and the ear canals can be narrower or more twisted than in long-nosed breeds. A tighter canal has less room for wax and swelling before it feels blocked.
• Wide-open bat ears. Large, upright ears collect dust, pollen and grit from the air. The broad opening also leaves the skin of the inner ear exposed to wind and sun.
• Allergy-prone skin. Like many short-muzzled companion breeds, Bostons are often itchy dogs. Environmental and food allergies commonly show up as red, waxy ears along with paw licking or face rubbing.
• Skin folds nearby. Some Bostons have wrinkles around the face and muzzle. These folds can hold moisture and debris, and inflamed facial skin tends to involve the ears too.
• Wax production. Some Bostons simply make more wax than others, and a short, fine coat does little to stop it building up around the canal opening.

French Bulldogs share many of these traits. If you know someone with a Frenchie, our French Bulldog ear guide covers similar ground, and the Pug ear page looks at another flat-faced breed with its own ear quirks.

Signs your Boston's ears are bothering them

With nothing covering the ear, you can see a lot just by glancing at your dog. Look for:

• Ears held at an odd angle, flattened back or turned sideways more than usual
• Frequent head shaking, sometimes with a flapping sound from the stiff ear
• Scratching at the base of the ear, or rubbing the face on the couch or rug
• Pink, flushed or thickened skin inside the ear
• Brown or black wax collecting in the folds just inside the opening
• A musty or yeasty smell when you hold your dog close
• Shyness about having the head petted, or snapping when the ear is touched

Ear odor is often the first thing owners notice. Learn more in our article on why dogs' ears stink.

What sets off ear trouble in Bostons

Allergies. These are the most common underlying driver. Seasonal flare-ups suggest something in the environment; year-round itch can point toward food. Your vet can help sort out which.

Narrow canals. When an already snug canal becomes inflamed, it can close up quickly and trap debris deeper inside.

Moisture after baths. Water that drips into a wide-open ear during a bath may not drain well from a narrow, angled canal.

Ear mites. Puppies from busy households or shelters can pick up mites, which cause intense itching and dark, crumbly debris.

Foreign material. An upright ear can catch a grass seed or bit of mulch during a romp outdoors.

When to see your vet

Cleaning is for ears that look and smell healthy. If an ear looks sore, your vet needs to examine the canal and eardrum, and often check a sample of debris, before choosing medication. Book a visit if you notice:

• Pain: your Boston 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

Because short-muzzled dogs can have narrow canals, ask your vet to tell you how the canals look at each checkup. That way you know your own dog's baseline.

Avoid putting vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol or kitchen oils into a Boston's ears. All of them can irritate inflamed skin, and liquids can be harmful if the eardrum is not intact. Keep cotton swabs out of the canal entirely.

A quick ear routine for a small, busy dog

Bostons are energetic and do not love sitting still, so short and positive is the goal. For a healthy dog, a glance inside both ears every couple of days and a clean every week or two usually works. Clean after baths, and more often during allergy season if your vet suggests it.

1. Pick a calm moment. After a walk or play session, sit on the floor with your Boston between your knees or on your lap.
2. Inspect first. Because the ear is upright, you can see right into the opening. Look for redness, swelling or discharge. Anything unusual means calling your vet instead of cleaning.
3. Fill the canal. Steady the ear with one hand and fill the ear canal with a dog ear cleaner.
4. Massage the base. Gently rub the cartilage at the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds. Small ears need only light pressure.
5. Allow a shake. Let go and let your dog shake the liquid and loosened wax up toward the opening.
6. Wipe the folds. Use a cotton ball or gauze to wipe the visible folds and the entrance. Do not poke into the canal.
7. Finish with play. A favorite toy or a short game makes the next session easier.

Do not forget the face. If your Boston has skin folds around the nose or muzzle, wipe and dry them gently as part of the same routine. Clean, dry facial skin helps keep the whole head comfortable.

About EcoEars: EcoEars is a botanical dog ear cleaner with no antibiotics or steroids, made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility. The label directs you to 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 it twice daily for 10 days in a row, then weekly or as needed. It is meant for dogs 12 weeks and older and for dogs only, since it contains tea tree oil.

Boston Terrier ear FAQ

Do Boston Terriers get fewer ear infections because their ears stand up?

Upright ears help with airflow, but allergies and narrow canals can still cause frequent problems. Ear shape alone does not protect a Boston.

Why does my Boston have black gunk in its ears?

Dark wax can be normal in small amounts, but heavy, crumbly black debris can be a sign of ear mites or yeast. Your vet can look at a sample under the microscope to find out.

Is it normal for my Boston puppy's ears to flop?

Many Boston puppies have soft ears that stand up as they grow. A floppy ear in a puppy is not an ear infection by itself, but a sudden droop in an adult dog that used to hold it upright is worth a vet check.

Can I use baby wipes on my Boston's ears?

Products made for people may contain fragrances or ingredients that irritate dog skin. Stick with a cleaner designed for dog ears, and only wipe the parts you can see.