English Springer Spaniel Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

Lift one of your English Springer Spaniel's ears and you will feel the weight of it: a long, low-hung flap covered in silky feathering that swings into the water bowl, through the hedgerow and across the muddy riverbank. Those ears are part of the breed's charm. They are also the reason so many Springer owners know their vet's ear exam routine by heart.

This article covers what makes Springer ears prone to trouble, the early clues, common culprits, when to get help, and a care plan that works for both field-bred and show-bred dogs.

Why Springers struggle with their ears

Spaniels as a group are known for ear problems, and Springers fit the pattern. Several traits combine:

• Long, heavy, low-set ears. The leather hangs well below the jaw and sits tight against the head. The canal opening is covered most of the time, so air barely circulates.
• Thick feathering. The fringe of hair on the flap holds water, collects burrs and keeps the area warm. Show-line Springers usually carry heavier coats than field lines, though both have plenty.
• Waxy ears. Spaniels tend to produce a lot of ear wax, and Springers often need more regular cleaning than smoother-eared breeds just to keep up with it.
• Greasy, flaky skin. Some Springers are affected by seborrhea, a skin condition that causes oily or scaly skin. When it involves the ears, wax builds faster and smells stronger.
• Field and water work. Springers were bred to flush and retrieve game through cover and water. Working and active pet dogs alike come home with damp ears and plant debris.
• Allergies. Environmental and food allergies are common in the breed and often show up as itchy ears.

If you also know Cocker Spaniels, much of this will sound familiar. Our Cocker Spaniel ear guide covers the smaller cousin's version of the same challenges.

Clues that a Springer ear is getting sore

Springers are cheerful, busy dogs, and a sore ear may only show up as small changes in behavior at first. Keep an eye out for:

• Frequent head shaking, often with a slapping sound from the heavy flaps
• Scratching at the ear or around the neck, sometimes leaving the feathering tangled or broken
• Rubbing the ear along the floor while moaning or grumbling
• Greasy, dark brown wax or a waxy crust on the inner flap
• A strong, rancid or yeasty smell
• Thickened, red or ridged skin at the canal opening
• Sensitivity when you pick up or stroke the ear

Smell is often the first thing owners notice. See why dogs' ears stink for the usual reasons and what to do next.

Common triggers

Allergies. Repeat ear flare-ups in a Springer very often trace back to allergic skin. Getting the allergy under control with your vet is usually what makes the biggest long-term difference.

Wax and skin oil. When the canal produces more wax and oil than it can clear, yeast in particular thrives. Seborrhea can make this harder to keep on top of.

Water and mud. Retrieves and river swims leave the canal wet under a heavy, hairy flap that dries slowly.

Burrs, seeds and twigs. Feathering acts like a net for seed heads and burrs. Any that slip under the flap can end up in the canal and cause sudden discomfort.

Narrowed canals. In dogs with long-term, poorly controlled ear disease, the canal lining can thicken permanently. This is one reason your vet will want to address repeat problems early rather than late.

When to see your vet

A home cleaning routine supports healthy ears; it does not diagnose or deal with infection. Your vet needs to examine the canal and eardrum, and usually look at a sample under the microscope, before deciding on treatment. Make an appointment if you notice:

• Pain: your Springer 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

Hold off on vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and homemade oil mixtures. They can inflame a sore canal and are risky if the eardrum is not intact.

A Springer ear care plan

Because Springer ears produce plenty of wax, many healthy dogs do best with a clean once a week and a quick check every couple of days. Add a clean after swimming, field work or a bath. A dog with a history of ear trouble may need a schedule set by your vet.

Grooming the feathering: Comb out the ear fringe a few times a week and pick out burrs before they mat. Many groomers thin the hair on the underside of the flap and around the canal entrance so air can reach it; leave that to a professional, and ask your vet before anyone removes hair from inside the canal.

Mealtime tip: Long ears often end up in the food and water bowls. A narrow, deep bowl or a loose snood can keep the flaps cleaner and drier.

1. Comb first. Clear tangles and debris from the flap so you can see the opening.
2. Inspect closely. If you find redness, swelling, pain or strong odor, stop here and call your vet.
3. Fill the canal. Lift the heavy flap up and over the head and fill the ear canal with dog ear cleaner.
4. Massage the base. Gently rub the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds.
5. Let your Springer shake. Give plenty of room; long ears fling a lot.
6. Wipe away debris. Use cotton balls or gauze on the inner flap and the canal entrance. Nothing goes deeper.
7. Air the ears. Flip the flaps back over the head for a few minutes while you offer a chew.

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, then wipe away the loosened debris. Use twice daily for 10 days in a row, then weekly or as needed. It is suitable for dogs 12 weeks and older and is for dogs only, because it contains tea tree oil.

For more on why a regular schedule pays off, read 5 reasons to regularly clean your dog's ears.

English Springer Spaniel ear FAQ

Do field-bred Springers have fewer ear problems than show-bred ones?

Field lines usually have lighter coats and slightly smaller ears, which may help airflow, but they also spend more time in water and cover. Both types benefit from regular checks.

My Springer's ears are greasy and smell even right after cleaning. Why?

Persistent greasy wax and odor can point to allergies, seborrhea or an ongoing infection. Ask your vet to examine the ears and skin rather than cleaning more often.

Should the hair around my Springer's ear opening be trimmed?

Thinning the hair under the flap is common grooming practice and can help the ear breathe. Have a groomer do it, and check with your vet before any hair is removed from inside the canal.

Why is my Springer's ear flap suddenly swollen?

A soft, puffy flap is often an aural hematoma caused by hard head shaking. It needs prompt vet care, along with a look for whatever made your dog shake.