Redbone Coonhound Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

A Redbone Coonhound looks like it was polished. That solid, deep red coat gleams in the sun, and the long drop ears swing with every step. Redbones are relaxed housemates, but give them a creek, a swamp or a farm pond and they will be in it before you can grab the leash. That love of water is the first thing to think about when it comes to their ears.

This article explains why Redbone ears run into trouble, how to recognize it, common triggers, when your vet needs to be involved and how to fit ear care into life with a swimming hound.

What sets Redbone ears up for problems

Redbones were developed in the American South to trail and tree raccoons across swamp and bottomland, and they are known among hound people as strong, willing swimmers. The coat is short, smooth and close-lying, the body lean and athletic, and the ears long, fine and set low, hanging down close to the cheeks.

Put those traits together and you get a few clear risk factors:

• Frequent swimming. Water gets into the ear canal on every swim and dives. Under a long, low-set drop ear it lingers, softening the skin.
• Drop ears that cover the canal. The ear leather acts like a lid. Warm, humid air builds up beneath it, especially in Southern summers.
• Swamp and creek work. Mud, plant matter and muck ride in on the ears during hunts and hikes.
• Allergies. As in many breeds, some Redbones have allergic skin that shows up first in the ears.

Large-scale UK research found hounds and dogs with pendulous ears at higher odds of ear inflammation, and the Redbone fits both descriptions.

How Redbones compare with Black and Tans

Owners often ask whether the two coonhounds share the same ear problems. They are related, but the Redbone is typically lighter and a bit more agile, and its ears, while long, are less extreme and fold less. The Redbone's bigger challenge is water: many spend far more time swimming. That shifts the focus from unfolding heavy ear leather to drying out the canal after every outing.

Redbones also share a lot with smaller scent hounds such as the Beagle, whose ears are likewise drop-set and close-fitting. Our Beagle ear guide is worth a look for a pack-hound perspective.

For the larger black-and-tan cousin with even longer, velvety ears, see our Black and Tan Coonhound ear guide.

Signs your Redbone has sore ears

A happy Redbone is relaxed and quiet indoors. Changes from that baseline often mean something hurts:

• Repeated head shaking long after the dog has dried off
• Pawing at one ear or rubbing the head along the ground
• Holding the head tilted, or one ear hanging differently from the other
• Brown or yellow waxy discharge
• A swampy or yeasty smell from the ear itself
• Red or swollen skin at the entrance of the canal
• Restlessness at night or reluctance to lie on one side

Because Redbones swim in muddy water, distinguish a muddy outer ear from discharge coming from inside the canal. The latter needs a vet's look.

Common causes

Most ear trouble in Redbones comes back to a few triggers. Water is the main one: wet, warm skin lets yeast and bacteria that usually live in the ear in small numbers grow out of control. Allergies are another, and they are often why problems return even with good ear care. Debris from swamp vegetation, seeds and dirt can lodge in the canal, and anything stuck inside should be removed by your vet. Ear mites are possible in puppies and multi-dog homes.

When to see your vet

Do not clean an ear that already looks inflamed. Your vet needs to check the canal and eardrum and may examine a sample. 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

Skip DIY drying solutions made from vinegar, alcohol or peroxide, and skip oil-based home recipes too. They can irritate the canal and are dangerous if the eardrum is damaged. Cotton swabs inside the canal are also out.

Ear care for a swimming hound

Healthy Redbones that swim regularly do well with a clean after swimming days and a full clean at least once a week. If your dog rarely gets wet, a weekly check and clean every week or two may be enough. Follow your vet's advice for dogs with a history of ear trouble.

After every swim: towel the head, lift each ear and let air reach the canal for a minute, then dry the ear leather. In hot, humid weather, a few minutes in front of a fan helps.

Cleaning steps:

1. Check first. Lift each ear and look and smell. Stop and call your vet if you see redness, swelling or discharge or notice a strong odor.
2. Fill the canal with a dog ear cleaner while holding the ear up.
3. Massage the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds.
4. Let your dog shake out loosened wax and water.
5. Wipe the inner flap and opening with cotton or gauze. Keep everything out of the canal itself.
6. Reward. Redbones are food-motivated, so a small reward makes the next session easier.

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.

New to ear cleaning? Our step-by-step guide on how to clean your dog's ears and the tools you'll need covers the basics, and our article on why dogs' ears stink helps you tell normal from not.

Redbone Coonhound ear FAQ

Should I stop my Redbone from swimming?

No. Swimming is great exercise. Just dry the ears afterward and clean on swim days. If problems keep coming back, ask your vet whether allergies may be involved.

Why do my Redbone's ears smell like a swamp?

Muddy water on the outside of the ear has a smell of its own. A sour or yeasty odor coming from inside the canal is different and is worth a vet visit.

Do Redbones need ear hair trimmed?

Their short coat rarely needs it. If you notice hair inside the canal, ask your vet before removing it.

Are Redbone puppies prone to ear problems?

Puppies can pick up mites and are still getting used to handling. Start gentle ear checks early and have your vet confirm anything unusual.