Are Bichons Prone to Getting Ear Infections

ByPoem of Paws

Yes, Bichons are prone to ear infections. Their floppy ears trap moisture, and the dense hair inside the ear canal blocks airflow. But here’s what most owners miss: over-cleaning or using the wrong products often makes things worse. The real trigger isn’t ear shape — it’s allergies. Tackle the allergy first, and many infections stop before they start.

This advice applies to routine, uncomplicated ear infections. If your Bichon has a confirmed structural abnormality (like a stenotic ear canal), a foreign body, or a tumor, cleaning and diet changes won’t fix it. Always rule out anatomical issues with a vet before doubling down on home care.

Why Bichons Get Ear Infections (And the Trigger Most Owners Ignore)

Three factors combine to make Bichon ears vulnerable:

  • Floppy drop ears – Limited air circulation traps moisture from baths, humidity, and swimming.
  • Hair inside the ear canal – Bichons grow hair deep in the ear, which traps wax and debris. Left unplucked, it acts like a wick for infection.
  • Allergies (the big one) – Bichons are highly prone to food allergies (chicken, corn, soy, wheat) and environmental allergies (pollen, dust mites, mold). Allergic reactions cause the ear lining to swell and produce excess wax, feeding yeast and bacteria.

Here’s what most articles skip: allergies cause about 80% of chronic ear infections in Bichons. If you treat the ear alone without addressing the underlying allergy, the infection will keep coming back. The ear is just the symptom — the immune system is the real problem.

What this means for your next decision: If your Bichon has had two or more infections in the past year, don’t buy another bottle of ear drops. Change the diet first — that single step eliminates infections in a large percentage of Bichons. Only after diet stabilization should you invest in cleaning supplies.

The Counter-Intuitive Truth: Cleaning Too Much Can Backfire

Most owners assume more cleaning equals fewer infections. For Bichons, that’s often wrong.

Aggressive cleaning strips the ear’s protective barrier — the thin layer of beneficial bacteria and oils that keep yeast in check. When you scrub that away with harsh solutions or cotton swabs, you leave the ear raw and defenseless. The next bit of moisture or allergen triggers an even worse infection.

Tip #1: Clean only when there’s visible debris or odor

Limit deep cleaning to once a week at most. Between cleanings, just wipe the outer ear flap with a dry cotton ball. Common mistake: using human ear drops or hydrogen peroxide — both dry out the ear lining and cause rebound inflammation.

The one exception: After baths or swimming, always dry the ears (see below). That’s not over-cleaning — it’s moisture management.

How to Spot an Ear Infection Early

Catch it early and treatment is faster. Watch for these signs:

  • Head shaking or tilting
  • Scratching at one or both ears
  • Redness or swelling inside the ear flap
  • Dark, crumbly (yeast) or yellow-green (bacterial) discharge
  • Musty or sour smell from the ear
  • Whining when you touch the head

Quick risk check — is your Bichon at risk right now?

1. Has your Bichon had an ear infection in the past 3 months? (yes / no)

2. Do you see any redness or discharge today? (yes / no)

3. Is your Bichon scratching at their ears more than usual? (yes / no)

4. Have you changed food or treats recently? (yes / no)

5. Does the ear smell different than normal? (yes / no)

If you checked “yes” to two or more: schedule a vet visit. If only one “yes”: monitor closely and start a gentle cleaning routine.

Verification step: To confirm whether the infection is yeast or bacterial, ask your vet to do a cytology swab — a quick stain and microscope check. This determines the right medication. Using a fungal treatment on a bacterial infection (or the reverse) can delay healing by weeks.

Prevention: The Weekly Routine That Actually Works

Weekly Ear Checks and Cleaning

  • Step 1: Hold the ear flap up and look inside with a bright light. Healthy ears are pale pink with no discharge.
  • Step 2: Use a vet-recommended ear cleaning solution (like Zymox or Virbac Epi-Otic). Squirt enough to fill the canal, gently massage the base for 20–30 seconds, then let your Bichon shake it out.

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  • Step 3: Wipe away loosened debris with a cotton ball — never use cotton swabs inside the ear canal. Swabs push debris deeper and can rupture the eardrum.

Tip #2: Pluck or trim ear hair every 2–3 weeks

Use a hemostat or blunt-tipped scissors, and only remove hair you can clearly see. Common mistake: plucking too much at once causes micro-tears that can get infected. If unsure, ask your groomer to handle it.

Trade-off to consider: Some vets now recommend leaving ear hair alone for Bichons with sensitive canals — the micro-trauma from aggressive plucking can trigger inflammation that worsens infections. If your Bichon has reacted badly to plucking in the past, switch to trimming the hair with blunt scissors (or use a depilatory cream designed for dogs). The extra wax accumulation from hair is often less harmful than a raw, irritated canal.

After Baths and Swimming

Always dry the ears thoroughly. Blot the outer canal with a cotton ball, then let your Bichon shake. Consider a dog-specific drying solution (like Ear Mitre) to help evaporate trapped moisture. Never leave a Bichon with damp ears overnight — that’s twelve hours of perfect yeast-growing conditions.

Tip #3: Make cleaning a positive experience

Give your Bichon a hypoallergenic chew (like a salmon-based dental stick) right after cleaning. Common mistake: using treats high in chicken or grain — you may be triggering the very allergies you’re trying to avoid. Stick to single-ingredient chews like freeze-dried duck or sweet potato.

The Diet Fix: How to Break the Infection Cycle

Since allergies drive most Bichon ear infections, a food change is the most effective long-term solution. Here’s a step-by-step plan:

1. Switch to a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein (venison, rabbit, duck, or salmon) and a single carbohydrate (lentils or sweet potato). Avoid chicken, beef, dairy, corn, wheat, and soy — these are the most common triggers.

2. Feed it exclusively for 8 weeks — no treats, no chews, no table scraps. The Bichon’s immune system needs a full elimination period.

3. Track ear changes weekly. Take a photo of the ear interior on day one and compare every 7 days. Most owners see improvement within 3–4 weeks.

4. If ears improve after 8 weeks: slowly reintroduce a single ingredient and wait 5 days to check for a reaction. If ears worsen, you’ve found the trigger.

What this means in practice: A bag of limited-ingredient salmon food costs about the same as one vet visit with ear medication. For many Bichons, it eliminates the root cause entirely. The ear drops become optional.

Product tip: Look for brands like Natural Balance L.I.D., Zignature, or Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet. Check the label — the protein source should be the first ingredient and there should be no chicken fat, chicken meal, or poultry by-products hidden in the list.

When to See the Vet — Don’t Wait

Skip the home treatment and call your vet if you see:

  • Blood or pus in the ear
  • Your Bichon cries out when you touch their head
  • Loss of balance or walking in circles
  • Ear infection that doesn’t improve after 48 hours of home cleaning
  • Recurring infections (more than 2–3 times per year)

Your vet will take a swab to identify yeast or bacteria, then prescribe the correct medication. Using over-the-counter drops for a yeast infection when it’s actually bacterial (or vice versa) can make things worse and delay healing.

One more thing: If your Bichon has had three or more infections in a year despite diet changes and proper cleaning, ask your vet about a hypoallergenic diet trial (prescription-only hydrolyzed protein food) or allergy testing. Some Bichons need immunotherapy or daily antihistamines to stay symptom-free.

Products That Help (And Products to Avoid)

Safe to use:

  • Zymox Ear Solution — contains enzymes that fight yeast and bacteria; gentle enough for weekly use
  • Virbac Epi-Otic — pH-balanced cleaner with a drying agent for moisture-prone ears
  • Uni-Sol Ear Mitre — drying solution for after baths and swimming

Never use:

  • Hydrogen peroxide — damages healthy tissue and delays healing
  • Rubbing alcohol — too harsh; strips the protective ear lining
  • Human ear drops (like Debrox or swimmer’s ear drops) — not formulated for dog ear anatomy
  • Cotton swabs (Q-tips) — push debris deeper; can rupture the eardrum

Common Questions About Bichon Ear Infections

Q: Can I use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean my Bichon’s ears?

No. Both are too harsh and can dry out the ear lining, causing more irritation and increasing infection risk. Stick to a pH-balanced dog ear cleaner.

Q: Are ear infections in Bichons ever an emergency?

Most are not, but a severe infection causing head tilt, loss of balance, or swelling behind the eye needs immediate veterinary attention. These can indicate a middle or inner ear infection.

Q: Does diet really prevent ear infections?

For many Bichons, yes. A protein source they haven’t eaten before (like venison or rabbit) or a hydrolyzed diet can eliminate the allergy trigger. Many owners see ear issues vanish within a month of changing food.

Q: How often should I clean my Bichon’s ears?

Once a week is enough for most Bichons. If your Bichon is prone to infections, increase to twice weekly during allergy season or after swimming. More than that can cause irritation.

Q: Should I pluck ear hair or leave it?

It depends on your Bichon. If plucking has caused redness or irritation in the past, switch to trimming with blunt scissors. If ears stay clean and infection-free with plucking, continue every 2–3 weeks. Ask your groomer for guidance — they see Bichon ears weekly and can tell what works for your dog.

Save This Guide

Bichons are prone to ear infections, but you can prevent most with weekly cleaning, regular ear hair removal, and controlling allergies. Key takeaway: fix the diet first, clean gently second, and never use Q-tips. Keep this page saved for your weekly care routine — share it with your groomer and vet so everyone is on the same plan.