Leonberger Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

Leonbergers were bred to look like lions, and with that golden mane and dark mask, many of them pull it off. Underneath the drama, though, is a gentle family dog that loves lakes, rivers and any puddle within reach. All that water time, plus a thick coat and soft feathered ears, means the Leo is a dog whose ears need a regular look.

In this article you will learn what puts Leonberger ears at risk, the warning signs, likely causes, when your vet should step in and how to fit ear care into the grooming a giant, shedding dog already needs.

Why Leonberger ears need attention

The breed comes from the town of Leonberg in Germany and was developed as a companion and working dog for families and farms. Several traits make ear checks worthwhile:

• Fleshy, feathered drop ears. The ears are set high, hang flat against the head and are covered in soft, longer hair. Thick leather and feathering together keep the canal opening shaded and warm.
• A water-resistant double coat. A dense undercoat sits under a medium-to-long outer coat that sheds water well. The coat around the head and the mane on the neck can hold moisture against the skin after a swim.
• Love of water. Many Leos would swim every day if allowed. Water that gets past the flap does not drain or dry quickly.
• Heavy seasonal shedding. Loose undercoat can mat behind the ears and in the feathering if it is not brushed out.
• Skin allergies. Itchy skin can show up first as itchy, red ears.
• Giant size. A grown Leonberger is tall and heavy. Gentle, steady handling from puppyhood makes ear care far easier later on.

Leos are often compared with two other giants. The Newfoundland ear guide covers a black or brown water dog with a heavier, oilier coat and smaller, rounder ears. Our Saint Bernard page looks at a drooling mountain dog with looser facial skin. The Leonberger is drier in the mouth than both, with a lighter, more athletic frame, a lion-like mane and noticeably feathered ears.

Warning signs in a Leonberger

Feathering can hide a lot. Run your fingers through the ear hair and lift the flap while you look for:

• Head shaking after a swim that continues long after the coat has dried
• Scratching around the ear or behind it with a hind leg
• Rubbing the head along the lawn or the side of the sofa
• A damp, musty smell under the flap
• Clumped, wet or matted feathering near the ear opening
• Redness or a shiny, swollen look on the inside of the ear
• Brown or yellow residue at the canal entrance
• Sensitivity when you stroke the side of the head

Common causes of Leonberger ear problems

Water in the canal. Swimming and bathing are the obvious ones. A canal that stays wet becomes soft and irritated, and a warm, damp ear suits yeast and bacteria, which are normally present in small numbers on the skin.

Matted undercoat. Tangles at the ear base trap moisture, dirt and shed hair against the skin.

Allergies. Environmental and food allergies can inflame the canal lining and cause repeat flare-ups.

Plant material. Grass awns and burrs cling to feathering on country walks and may work their way inside. A seed in the canal needs a vet to remove it.

Wax buildup. Heavy flaps reduce airflow, and wax can accumulate over time.

For more on why cleaning matters in breeds like this, see our article on reasons to clean your dog's ears regularly.

When to see your vet

Home cleaning is for healthy ears. If something looks or smells wrong, have your vet examine the ear before you clean. Call if you notice:

• Pain: your Leonberger 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 vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and do-it-yourself oil mixes on the shelf. They can irritate a sore ear and are unsafe if the eardrum is damaged. Never put a cotton swab into the canal.

Ear care for a water-loving giant

Tie ear care to swimming and brushing. Dry the ears after every swim or bath, check them whenever you brush (several times a week during heavy shedding) and do a full clean about every one to two weeks. If your Leo has had ear trouble before, your vet may suggest a different rhythm.

1. Towel after water. As soon as your dog leaves the water, lift each flap and blot the inside of the ear and the feathering with a dry towel.
2. Brush out the feathering. Use a pin brush and a wide-toothed comb on the ear hair and an undercoat rake behind the ears to clear loose fur and tangles.
3. Tidy the ear hair. Ask your groomer to trim the hair around the canal opening so air can reach it. Leave any work inside the canal to your groomer or vet.
4. Inspect. Look into the opening. If it is red, swollen or has discharge, stop and call your vet.
5. Fill and massage. Fill the ear canal with a dog ear cleaner and massage the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds.
6. Let your Leo shake. Step back while your dog shakes out the loosened debris.
7. Wipe and dry. Wipe the inner flap and visible opening with cotton or gauze and dry the feathering.

Swim-day tip: Keep a dedicated ear towel in the car for trips to the lake so drying happens right away rather than at home.

About EcoEars: EcoEars is a botanical dog ear cleaner with no antibiotics or steroids, made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility. As directed on 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. Use it 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.

Leonberger ear FAQ

Should my Leonberger stop swimming?

Most Leos do not need to give up swimming. Drying the ears promptly afterward is usually enough. If your dog keeps having ear trouble after swims, ask your vet for advice.

Can I trim the feathering on my Leo's ears?

Light trimming around the opening helps airflow. Keep the overall feathering, which is part of the breed's look, and let your groomer handle close work.

Why do my Leonberger's ears smell worse during shedding season?

Loose undercoat can mat at the ear base and trap moisture. Extra brushing in those weeks keeps the area drier. If the smell persists, have your vet check.

How do I hold a giant dog still for ear cleaning?

Ask your Leo to lie on its side on a mat and work on the upper ear, then have it roll over. Short sessions and a long-lasting chew help.