Quick Answer: Havanese ear infections are common because the breed’s floppy ears trap moisture, wax, and debris in a warm, low-airflow environment. Regular ear cleaning, thorough drying after baths or swimming, and watching for early signs like scratching or odor are the best ways to prevent Havanese ear infections before they start.

Havana Luxe Pups has raised Havanese and Havapoo puppies since 2017, and Havanese ear infections are one of the most common health questions our families ask us about after they bring a puppy home. It makes sense. The same silky, low-shedding coat that makes this breed so popular also means hair grows into the ear canal, and their soft, folded ears sit close to the head with very little airflow. Together, those two traits make Havanese ear infections more likely than in breeds with upright ears. The good news is that most Havanese ear infections are preventable with a simple, consistent routine.

What Causes Havanese Ear Infections?

Havanese ear infections usually start with moisture. Water from bathing, swimming, or even humid weather can get trapped inside the ear canal, creating a warm, damp environment where yeast and bacteria multiply quickly. Add in the breed’s typical hair growth, and you have a recipe for blocked airflow and wax buildup, both of which increase the risk of Havanese ear infections.

Allergies are another common trigger. Dogs with food sensitivities or environmental allergies often develop inflamed ears as a secondary symptom, and that inflammation can turn into a full infection if it goes unaddressed. If your Havanese seems to get recurring ear infections alongside itchy skin or paw licking, allergies may be the underlying cause rather than the ears themselves.

Signs Your Havanese Has an Ear Infection

Catching Havanese ear infections early makes treatment faster and far less uncomfortable for your dog. Watch for these signs:

• Frequent head shaking or tilting to one side
• Scratching at the ears more than usual
• A strong or unpleasant odor coming from the ear
• Redness, swelling, or visible discharge
• Sensitivity when the ears are touched or handled

If you notice more than one of these symptoms, it is worth scheduling a vet visit rather than waiting to see if it clears up on its own. Left untreated, Havanese ear infections can become painful and, in rare cases, affect hearing.

How to Prevent Havanese Ear Infections

Prevention is where most families can make the biggest difference, and it does not require anything complicated. A short weekly check and a proper drying routine after water exposure go a long way toward keeping Havanese ear infections from becoming a recurring problem in your home.

Keep the Ears Dry

After every bath or swim, gently dry the outer ear and the entrance to the canal with a soft towel. Moisture left behind is one of the leading causes of Havanese ear infections, so this single step prevents more issues than almost anything else on this list.

Trim or Pluck Excess Ear Hair

Because Havanese grow hair inside the ear canal, some owners choose to gently pluck or trim it during regular grooming to improve airflow. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, your groomer can handle it as part of a normal appointment. Our grooming tips page walks through what a full Havanese grooming routine should include, ear care included.

Clean Ears on a Regular Schedule

A weekly or biweekly ear check, paired with a vet-approved cleaning solution, helps catch wax buildup before it becomes a breeding ground for infection. We cover the exact process we use with our own dogs on our ear cleaning page, and it is one of the easiest habits to build into an existing grooming routine.

Address Allergies Early

If your Havanese has known food or environmental allergies, working with your vet on a management plan can significantly cut down on repeat Havanese ear infections. Omega-3 supplementation and limited-ingredient diets are common first steps, and our puppy nutrition guide has more on feeding for overall skin and coat health.

Havanese Ear Cleaning Routine We Recommend

Every Havana Luxe Pups family goes home with guidance on ear care as part of our new owner support, but here is the short version. Gently lift the ear flap, apply a vet-approved cleaning solution to the canal, massage the base of the ear for about thirty seconds, then let your dog shake their head before wiping away any loosened debris with a cotton ball. Never use cotton swabs inside the canal itself, since they can push debris deeper and increase the risk of injury. Done consistently, this routine is one of the simplest ways to keep Havanese ear infections from becoming a recurring issue.

When to See a Vet

Mild wax buildup is normal and manageable at home, but Havanese ear infections that involve swelling, strong odor, or visible discharge need veterinary attention. A vet can identify whether bacteria, yeast, or an underlying allergy is driving the infection and prescribe the right treatment rather than leaving you to guess. 

Every Havana Luxe Pups puppy comes from AKC-registered, health-tested parents, and our health guarantee reflects how seriously we take long-term wellness, ears included. Families who want extra peace of mind during the first year often activate the complimentary Trupanion coverage we offer, which our pet insurance page explains in more detail.

FAQ

Are Havanese prone to ear infections?

Yes. Their floppy ears and dense ear hair reduce airflow, which makes Havanese ear infections more common than in breeds with upright ears.

How often should I clean my Havanese’s ears?

Most Havanese do well with a weekly or biweekly check and cleaning, though dogs prone to allergies or frequent swimming may need it more often.

What does a Havanese ear infection smell like?

A yeasty, musty, or generally unpleasant odor is one of the clearest early signs of an infection and is worth checking with your vet.

Can I treat a Havanese ear infection at home?

Mild wax buildup can be managed with routine cleaning, but true infections involving swelling or discharge need a vet’s diagnosis and treatment.

Do Havanese ear infections come back?

They can, especially if the underlying cause, such as allergies or trapped moisture, is not addressed alongside the infection itself.

If you are considering adding a Havanese to your family and want to learn more about how we raise healthy, well-socialized puppies from day one, our Havanese page shares more about our nursery and breeding standards.