Newfoundland Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

Newfoundlands are famous for hauling nets, pulling swimmers to shore and generally being the calmest giant in any room. They also come with a few practical realities: towels by the door, drool on every surface, and a big, heavy pair of ears that spend a lot of time wet. If you share your home with a Newfie, ear checks belong in the routine right alongside brushing.

This guide explains why Newfoundland ears are prone to trouble, the signs to watch for, the usual triggers, when your vet should step in, and how to handle ear cleaning on a dog that may outweigh you.

Why a Newfie's ears stay damp

Everything about this breed was designed for cold water work off the coast of Canada. Those same traits create an ear environment that rarely gets a chance to dry out:

• Heavy, close-hanging ears. Newfoundland ears are triangular, fairly small for the head, and lie flat against it. The thick ear leather seals the canal opening for most of the day.
• A water-resistant, oily coat. The coarse outer coat and dense undercoat carry oils that shed water. Around the ears, that oily fur also holds on to wax, dirt and dander.
• A love of swimming. Newfies are true water dogs with webbed feet and a powerful paddle. Every swim sends water toward a canal that drains slowly.
• Drool. Loose lips and heavy jowls mean wet fur on the cheeks and neck. Saliva often soaks the hair below the ears, keeping the whole area damp.
• Heat sensitivity. A giant dog in a thick black or brown coat warms up quickly. Warm, humid air under a heavy flap encourages yeast.
• Allergies. Newfies, like many large breeds, can have allergic skin. Itchy, inflamed ears are a common sign.

Other mountain and rescue giants deal with similar ears but different lifestyles. The Bernese Mountain Dog ear guide focuses on a drier, land-based breed, and our Saint Bernard ear page covers another drooly heavyweight.

Clues that something is wrong

Newfoundlands are patient dogs and may tolerate a sore ear for some time. Pay attention to:

• Head shaking with a heavy flapping sound, sometimes spraying drool with it
• Leaning the side of the head against walls, doors or your hip
• Scratching at the ear with a hind foot, often while lying down
• Pinkness or red patches on the underside of the flap
• Thick brown wax or a greasy film at the canal opening
• A strong musty odor that seems worse than the usual wet-dog smell
• Damp, matted fur beneath the ear that never quite dries
• Reluctance to lower the head or let you handle it

Discharge can tell your vet a lot. Our guide to ear discharge in dogs explains what different colors and textures may mean.

Common causes in Newfoundlands

Moisture. Swimming, bathing, drool and humidity combine to keep the canal wet for long stretches. Softened skin becomes easier to irritate.

Allergies. Recurring ear problems with itchy paws, a red belly or hot spots often have an allergic cause. Your vet can help with a food trial or seasonal plan.

Wax mixed with coat oils. The oily coat around the ears traps debris, and wax can build up faster than the ear can move it out.

Thyroid issues. In large breeds, an underactive thyroid is sometimes linked to skin and ear problems. Your vet may check for it if flare-ups are stubborn.

Foreign material. Sand, seaweed and grass seeds can find their way under a heavy flap after a day at the lake or beach.

When to see your vet

Cleaning is for healthy ears; it is not a substitute for an exam. If an ear seems infected, your vet needs to look at the canal and eardrum and usually check a sample of debris before deciding on medication. Call for a visit if you notice:

• Pain: your Newfie 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

Do not reach for vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol or kitchen oils. They can irritate inflamed skin and may do harm if the eardrum is damaged. Keep cotton swabs out of the canal.

Cleaning giant ears without a wrestling match

A healthy Newfoundland generally needs a weekly ear clean, with extra cleans after swimming or bathing. In hot, humid months, check the ears every day or two. Dogs with a history of problems should follow their vet's schedule.

Work with the dog's size. Few people can lift a Newfie onto a grooming table. Most owners do ear care on the floor, with the dog lying on its side on a mat or old blanket. A helper at the head end with a chew or some praise makes it much easier.

1. Wipe the jowls and neck first. Dry the drool-soaked fur below the ears so you are not working in a wet mess.
2. Brush the base of the ear. Remove loose undercoat and tangles so you can see the opening.
3. Inspect each ear. Lift the heavy flap and look for redness, swelling, discharge or odor. If you find anything, stop and contact your vet.
4. Fill the canal. Hold the flap up and fill the ear canal with dog ear cleaner.
5. Massage the base. Use a firm, gentle hand on the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds.
6. Let your dog shake. Move back; a Newfie shake travels far, and it will include drool.
7. Wipe the entrance. Clean the inner flap and visible canal with cotton or gauze. Do not push anything into the canal.
8. Let it air. Flip the flap up for a minute so the skin can dry before your dog lies back down.

Keep a drool towel handy. Wiping the mouth and neck several times a day keeps the fur below the ears drier, which helps the whole side of the head stay comfortable.

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 instructions, 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 intended for dogs 12 weeks and older and for dogs only, since it contains tea tree oil.

Newfoundland ear FAQ

Should I keep my Newfoundland out of the water to protect its ears?

No. Swimming is central to this breed. Dry and clean the ears after water time and keep an eye on them. If problems keep returning, ask your vet about adjustments.

Why do my Newfie's ears smell even when they look fine?

The oily coat and drool can create a general odor around the head. A smell from inside the canal, especially with wax or discharge, is different and worth a vet check.

Can I trim the hair around my Newfoundland's ears?

Trimming the fur on the underside of the flap and around the opening can help air circulate. Many groomers do this routinely. Ask your vet before anyone removes hair from inside the canal.

My Newfie's ear flap is swollen and soft. Is that an infection?

It may be an aural hematoma, a pocket of blood that forms when vigorous head shaking breaks small vessels. Heavy ears can make this more likely. See your vet for the swelling and for the cause of the shaking.