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Why Does My Shih Tzu Keep Getting Ear Infections? Causes & Prevention

Shih Tzus are at higher risk for ear infections, especially in summer when heat and humidity create ideal conditions for yeast and bacteria. Allergy-prone breeds get ear inflammation from pollen.

Why Shih Tzus Are More Vulnerable

Dog ear infections spike in summer (June-September) when humidity traps moisture in ear canals. Shih Tzus' allergy-prone immune system means their ear canals inflame during pollen season, creating conditions for secondary infections. Ragweed season (September) is the worst month. 80% of dogs with seasonal allergies develop ear infections.

What to Do

  • 1.Dry ears thoroughly after swimming, bathing, or rain walks
  • 2.Check ears weekly — redness, head shaking, or scratching are early signs
  • 3.Use a vet-approved ear cleaner weekly during humid months
  • 4.Treat underlying allergies — most chronic ear infections are allergy-driven
  • 5.Don't use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal — you can cause damage

Risks to Watch For

  • Head shaking, ear scratching, rubbing ear on floor
  • Brown or yellow discharge, strong odor from ear
  • Redness and swelling of the ear canal
  • Chronic recurring infections if underlying allergies aren't treated
  • Hearing damage from chronic untreated infections

Shih Tzu-Specific Note

Shih Tzus should have ears checked weekly May-September. Allergy-driven ear inflammation is the root cause — treat the allergy, prevent the infection.

Ear Infections Risk by Month

0255075100JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Risk score by month (0-100). Based on typical US climate patterns.

Other Breeds: Ear Infections

Chihuahua

Standard Risk

Chihuahuas have standard ear infection risk.

Golden Retriever

Higher Risk

Golden Retrievers are at higher risk for ear infections, especially in summer when heat and humidity create ideal conditions for yeast and bacteria.

Doberman Pinscher

Standard Risk

Doberman Pinschers have standard ear infection risk.

French Bulldog

Higher Risk

French Bulldogs are at higher risk for ear infections, especially in summer when heat and humidity create ideal conditions for yeast and bacteria.

Shih Tzu: Other Environmental Guides

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Air Quality

☀️

UV Exposure

🌿

Pollen

🤧

Seasonal Allergies

🐕

Shedding Season

✂️

Skin & Coat Care

🪲

Flea & Tick Risk

🦟

Mosquito & Heartworm

⛈️

Thunderstorm Anxiety

❄️

Cold Weather

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Shih Tzu keep getting ear infections?▾
Shih Tzus are at higher risk for ear infections, especially in summer when heat and humidity create ideal conditions for yeast and bacteria. Allergy-prone breeds get ear inflammation from pollen. 80% of dogs with seasonal allergies develop ear infections because allergic inflammation swells the ear canal, trapping moisture. Shih Tzus are allergy-prone, making ear infections a recurring issue during pollen season. If infections recur, treat the underlying allergy — not just the infection.
What months are worst for Shih Tzu ear infections?▾
June through September — peak humidity months. September is especially bad for allergy-prone breeds because ragweed triggers ear canal inflammation. Swimming in summer also introduces water and bacteria. Winter is lowest risk unless your dog has year-round allergies.
How to prevent ear infections in Shih Tzus?▾
Dry ears thoroughly after swimming, bathing, or rain walks. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner weekly during humid months. Treat seasonal allergies — most chronic ear infections in Shih Tzus are allergy-driven. Never use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal.
Signs of ear infection in Shih Tzus?▾
Head shaking, ear scratching, rubbing ear on floor/furniture, brown or yellow discharge, strong odor from ear, redness and swelling. Shih Tzus may also tilt their head or seem off-balance with severe infections. Catch it early — chronic infections can cause hearing damage.

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