Harrier Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

Tell people you own a Harrier and many will ask whether you mean a big Beagle. It is an understandable mix-up. The Harrier sits right between the Beagle and the Foxhound in size, shares the same tricolor coat and cheerful outlook, and was developed to hunt in packs. It is also one of the rarer hound breeds in the United States, which means owners often have to look harder for breed-specific advice, including on ear care.

This page pulls that advice together: how the Harrier's ears are built, the clues that point to a problem, what commonly causes it, the situations that call for a veterinarian and a cleaning plan sized for a medium, high-energy hound.

How Harrier ears are built

The Harrier is a sturdy, medium-sized scent hound with a short, dense coat, most often tricolor in white, black and tan, though lemon and white and other hound colorings occur. It carries more size and leg than a Beagle but is smaller and more compact than an American or English Foxhound.

Its ears are drop ears, set fairly low, with rounded tips that lie close against the cheeks. They are shorter and flatter than a Beagle's, and they do not have the long, rolled look of a coonhound's ears. Even so, the flap sits right over the opening of the canal. With less airflow, warmth and moisture linger, which is why hounds and drop-eared dogs showed higher odds of ear inflammation in a large study of UK veterinary records.

Several other aspects of the breed are worth considering:

• A pack-hunting background. Harriers were bred to work as a group for long periods, often outdoors in all weather. Many pet Harriers keep that stamina and love to roam.
• Nose-to-the-ground habits. Like most scent hounds, a Harrier on a smell will follow it through wet grass, hedges and muddy ditches.
• Social living. Some Harriers live with other dogs or come from kennel environments, where ear mites can pass between dogs.
• Allergies. Itchy skin is not unique to any hound, but allergic dogs often show it first in the ears.

Harrier vs. Beagle ears

Beagles have softer, slightly longer ears relative to their size, and many live as smaller indoor companions. Harriers have flatter ears that hug the face and usually need far more exercise. The basics of ear care are similar, so if you are comparing the two, our Beagle ear infection guide is a helpful companion read.

For the taller, rangier pack hound with longer ears, see our American Foxhound ear guide.

Clues that your Harrier's ear is sore

Harriers are usually upbeat, so a dog that seems flat or grumpy might be uncomfortable. Watch for:

• Shaking the head again and again, or flicking one ear
• Scratching at the side of the face with a back foot
• Rolling or rubbing its head on the ground after walks
• A greasy feel or a dark film on the inside of the flap
• Swelling or redness at the canal opening
• An odor you can notice from a short distance away
• Less interest in sniffing walks, food or play

A smell that keeps returning is a clue worth following up. Our article on why dogs' ears stink looks at the reasons an ear can start to smell.

Typical causes

Moisture under the flap. Rain, wet grass and baths can all leave the canal damp. Skin that stays soft and humid is easier for yeast and bacteria to overgrow on.

Debris from scent work. Seeds, soil and bits of leaf can collect at the ear opening after an off-lead ramble.

Allergic skin disease. If both ears flare repeatedly, often with paw licking, your vet may look at food or environmental allergies.

Ear mites. Most common in puppies and dogs living in groups. They tend to produce dark, dry debris and strong itch.

Excess wax. Some dogs make more wax than others, and a buildup can hold dirt and moisture in place.

When to see your vet

Home cleaning is a maintenance habit, not a fix for an inflamed ear. Your vet needs to check the canal and eardrum before anything goes in a painful ear. Book a visit if you notice:

• Pain: your dog 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

Leave the vinegar, peroxide, alcohol and homemade oil mixtures in the cupboard, and do not push cotton swabs down the canal.

A cleaning plan for an active Harrier

Most healthy Harriers do well with an ear check and clean every week or so. Add a quick check after wet walks, muddy fields or a swim. A Harrier with a history of flare-ups may need a different schedule, which your vet can advise on.

1. Pick a quiet moment, ideally after a long walk when your hound is relaxed.
2. Look first. Turn back the flap and examine the opening and the inner ear. Redness, discharge, swelling or a strong smell means stop and contact your vet.
3. Lift the ear gently upward to open the canal.
4. Fill the canal with a dog ear cleaner.
5. Massage the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds.
6. Step back for the shake.
7. Wipe the inner flap and opening with gauze or a cotton pad. Do not go deeper than you can see.
8. Praise and play. Harriers respond well to enthusiasm, so make the end of the session fun.

Because the ears lie flat to the face, it is easy to forget about them. Pairing ear checks with brushing or nail trims helps make them 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, let your dog shake, and wipe away loosened debris. The label directions are twice daily for 10 days in a row, then weekly or as needed. It is intended for dogs 12 weeks and older and for dogs only, since it contains tea tree oil.

Harrier ear FAQ

Is a Harrier just a large Beagle?

No. They are separate breeds with a similar look and job. Harriers are larger and leggier, with flatter ears, but both have folded ears that need regular checks.

Why is it hard to find information about Harrier ear care?

The breed is uncommon in the US, so there is less breed-specific material. General guidance for drop-eared scent hounds applies well, and your vet can tailor it.

My Harrier lives with other dogs. Do I need to check all of them?

If one dog is diagnosed with ear mites, ask your vet whether the others should be examined, since mites can spread through close contact.

How often should a pet Harrier's ears be cleaned?

Roughly weekly for most, adjusted for weather, activity and your dog's history. Cleaning healthy ears every day can irritate them.