Dog Scratching Ear: Causes and Solutions
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Time to read 12 min
Introduction
If you notice your dog scratching ear areas frequently, you’re witnessing one of the most common health concerns among canines. According to research from the Royal Veterinary College, dog ear infections and other ear problems affect approximately 7.3% of dogs annually – that’s one in every 14 dogs suffering from ear-related issues. Persistent dog scratching inside ears behavior should never be ignored as it often signals discomfort that requires attention. As a responsible pet owner, understanding why your dog scratching ear occurs is the first step toward effective treatment.
This article will explore the various causes behind ear scratching in dogs, from common irritants to serious medical conditions, and provide practical solutions to help your furry friend find relief. We’ll also discuss when home remedies are appropriate and when it’s time to seek professional veterinary care.
Table of content
Common Causes
Dogs scratch their ears for numerous reasons, ranging from minor irritations to serious medical conditions. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment.
Dog Ear Mites: A Common Culprit
Dog ear mites are microscopic parasites that can cause intense itching and discomfort. These tiny creatures live in the dog's ear canal and feed on ear wax and skin oils. The presence of dark, coffee-ground like debris is often a sign of dog ear mites. This condition is particularly common in puppies and younger dogs due to their close contact with other dogs but can affect canines of any age.
Symptoms specific to ear mite infestations include:
Dark, crumbly discharge resembling coffee grounds
Intense itching and scratching
Inflammation of the ear canal
Head shaking and ear rubbing
Treating dog ear mites requires specific medications prescribed by your veterinarian. These typically include topical treatments that kill the mites and soothe the irritation. It’s important to complete the full course of treatment, as ear mites have a three-week life cycle, and interrupting treatment can lead to reinfestation.
Ear Mites in Dogs: Identification and Treatment
Ear mites in dog's ears are highly contagious and can spread to other pets in your household. These parasites, most commonly of the species Otodectes cynotis, cause approximately 10% of ear infections in dogs. The lifecycle of ear mites in dogs typically lasts three weeks, requiring consistent treatment to break the cycle.
Proper diagnosis of ear mites in dogs is essential for effective treatment. While the symptoms may resemble other ear conditions, a veterinarian can confirm the presence of mites by examining ear discharge under a microscope. Veterinarians can easily diagnose ear mites by looking at a sample of ear debris under a microscope. This distinction is crucial, as treatments for bacterial or yeast infections differ from those for parasitic infestations.
Treatment options include:
Prescription ear drops or ointments
Oral medications in severe cases
Thorough cleaning of the ear canal
Preventive treatments for other pets in the household
Petglow Natural Ear Mite treatment by Vet Dr. Alex*
Allergies and Sensitivities
Allergic reactions are another common reason for dog's itchy ears and ear scratching. These can be triggered by:
Environmental allergens : Pollen, dust mites, mold spores
Food sensitivities : Proteins like chicken, beef, or dairy
Contact allergies : Reactions to shampoos, cleaning products, or even certain types of grass
Allergies often cause inflammation in the ear canal, leading to increased wax production and creating an environment where secondary infections can thrive. Dogs with allergies may also show symptoms in other areas, such as paw licking, face rubbing, or skin rashes.
Bacterial and Yeast Infections
The warm, dark environment of a dog’s ear canal creates perfect conditions for infected ears, especially when the normal ear environment is disrupted by allergies, excess moisture, or foreign bodies. Ear infections are caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast, which inflames the ear canal. Normal dog ears contain both bacteria and yeast, but an overabundance of either can lead to infections.
Signs of infection include:
Yellow, brown, or bloody discharge
Strong, unpleasant odor
Redness and swelling of the ear canal
Pain when the ear is touched
These infections typically require veterinary treatment with appropriate antibiotics or antifungal medications. Treating ear infections typically involves regular cleaning and administering antibiotic or antifungal medication. Home remedies alone are rarely effective for true infections and may delay proper treatment.
Recognizing Symptoms and Patterns
Why Your Dog Scratching Ear and Shaking Head at Night Happens
Many owners report their dog scratching ear and head shake at night, which can disrupt sleep for both the pet and the family. This nighttime increase in symptoms often occurs for several reasons:
Fewer daytime distractions, making the irritation more noticeable
Horizontal ear position while lying down, which can increase fluid pressure
Circadian rhythm changes in inflammation and immune response
When your dog scratching ear and head shake at night becomes a pattern, it’s time to consult a vet. The quiet of nighttime often makes dog scratching ear and head shake at night more noticeable, serving as an important diagnostic clue for your veterinarian.
When Your Dog Keeps Scratching Ear: Chronic Ear Infections
When your dog keeps scratching ear areas despite treatment, it may indicate chronic ear infections or an underlying condition that hasn’t been properly addressed. Chronic ear issues can result from:
Anatomical factors : Dogs with floppy ears (like Basset Hounds) or hairy ear canals (like Poodles) are predisposed to ear problems
Endocrine disorders : Conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease
Autoimmune disorders : Pemphigus or lupus affecting the ear tissue
Tumors or polyps : Growths in the ear canal that cause irritation and can block the ear canal, leading to infections and other ear health issues
Anatomical factors : Dogs with floppy ears (like Basset Hounds) or hairy ear canals (like Poodles) are predisposed to ear problems
Endocrine disorders : Conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, which can disrupt skin barriers and increase the likelihood of ear infections
Autoimmune disorders : Pemphigus or lupus affecting the ear tissue
Tumors or polyps : Growths in the ear canal that cause irritation
If your dog keeps scratching ear regions despite treatment, consider potential allergic reactions to food or environment. Chronic cases where your dog keeps scratching ear need veterinary attention to prevent complications such as ear hematomas (blood blisters) or permanent damage to the ear canal. Untreated ear infections can cause permanent changes to the ear canal that may hinder a dog's hearing.
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Dog Scratching Inside Ear: Signs of Internal Issues
You might notice your dog scratching inside ear canals by pawing or rubbing against furniture. This behavior often indicates that the irritation is deeper in the ear canal, possibly affecting the middle or inner ear.
When a dog scratching inside ear becomes persistent, it often indicates inflammation or infection that has progressed beyond the outer ear. Signs that the problem may be deeper include:
Loss of balance or coordination
Head tilting to one side
Unusual eye movements
Walking in circles
These symptoms can indicate a serious condition called otitis media or otitis interna (middle or inner ear infection) and require immediate veterinary attention. Proper cleaning can help prevent your dog scratching inside ear areas excessively, but only when done correctly and when appropriate for the condition, ensuring the ear drum is not damaged.
Understanding Combined Symptoms
Dog Shaking Head and Scratching Ear: Connected Symptoms
The combination of dog shaking head and scratching ear often indicates significant discomfort. Head shaking is a natural response to the sensation of something being in the ear, whether it’s excess wax, water, or parasites. When you observe dog shaking head and scratching ear behaviors, check for visible discharge or redness.
This combination of symptoms is particularly common with:
Water in the ear after swimming or bathing
Foreign objects like grass seeds or small insects
Early-stage infections before other symptoms become apparent
Persistent dog shaking head and scratching ear symptoms warrant a veterinary examination to prevent potential ear injuries, especially if they don’t resolve within 24-48 hours or are accompanied by other signs of distress.
Understanding Dog Scratching Ear and Whining Behaviors
A dog scratching ear and whining often indicates pain rather than just itchiness. This combination suggests that the condition has progressed beyond mild irritation to something more serious. The dog's ear canal is highly sensitive, and inflammation or infection can cause significant discomfort.
If you notice your dog scratching ear and whining, immediate veterinary attention may be necessary. The combination of dog scratching ear and whining can indicate a more serious condition like an ear infection that has progressed to the middle ear, where nerves and sensitive structures can become affected.
Addressing Dog Scratching Ear Until It Bleeds: Emergency Care
In severe cases, dog scratching ear until it bleeds can occur, causing damage to the ear flap and requiring immediate intervention. This extreme scratching can lead to: * Open wounds susceptible to secondary infection * Ear hematomas (blood blisters) from broken blood vessels * Permanent damage to the ear canal or eardrum. Ear hematomas can form due to excessive head shaking and scratching at the ears.
Open wounds susceptible to secondary infection
Ear hematomas (blood blisters) from broken blood vessels
Permanent damage to the ear canal or eardrum
When you observe dog scratching ear until it bleeds, use an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent further damage while seeking veterinary care. The sight of your dog scratching ear until it bleeds indicates an emergency situation requiring veterinary care, as the underlying cause is likely severe and the risk of complications is high. Treatment of an ear hematoma can be surgical or medical depending on a veterinarian's recommendation.
Diagnostic Procedures
When you take your dog to the vet for ear itching and other issues, expect the following diagnostic steps:
Physical examination : Visual inspection of the ear and surrounding area
Otoscopic examination : Using an instrument to look deep into the ear canal
Cytology : Taking samples of ear discharge for microscopic examination
Culture and sensitivity testing : For identifying specific bacteria and effective antibiotics
Allergy testing : If recurring issues suggest an allergic component
These procedures help determine the exact cause of the ear scratching and guide appropriate treatment. Dogs with a history of ear problems often need regular veterinary check-ups to identify underlying causes and prevent recurrence.
Prevention Strategies
Regular Maintenance
Preventive care is the best approach to maintaining the health of dog's ears: 1. Regular inspection : Check your dog’s ears weekly for signs of redness, discharge, or odor 2. Routine cleaning : For dogs prone to ear issues, establish a regular cleaning schedule using appropriate products 3. Drying after water exposure : Thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after swimming or bathing to prevent moisture-related infections 4. Hair management : For breeds with hair in the ear canal, consider regular trimming by a professional groomer 5. Environmental control : Manage known allergens in your home. A dog's diet should be rich in natural, carnivorous options to help support their immune system and ear health.
Regular inspection : Check your dog’s ears weekly for signs of redness, discharge, or odor. Regularly checking a dog's ears after outdoor activities can help catch ear problems early, especially for dogs that roam in grassy areas. 2. Routine cleaning : For dogs prone to ear issues, establish a regular cleaning schedule using appropriate products 3. Drying after water exposure : Thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after swimming or bathing to prevent moisture-related infections 4. Hair management : For breeds with hair in the ear canal, consider regular trimming by a professional groomer 5. Environmental control : Manage known allergens in your home
Regular inspection : Check your dog’s ears weekly for signs of redness, discharge, or odor
Routine cleaning : For dogs prone to ear issues, establish a regular cleaning schedule using appropriate products
Drying after water exposure : Thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after swimming or bathing
Hair management : For breeds with hair in the ear canal, consider regular trimming by a professional groomer
Environmental control : Manage known allergens in your home
Breed-Specific Considerations
Different breeds require different approaches to dog's ear care. Dogs with droopy or V-shaped ears are at a higher risk for ear infections due to limited air circulation and moisture retention.
Breed Type |
Risk Level |
Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
Floppy-eared breeds (Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels) |
Very High |
Need more frequent cleaning and drying; limited air circulation increases moisture and risk of infection |
Dogs with hair in ear canals (Poodles, Schnauzers) |
High |
Regular hair trimming or plucking may be necessary; consult with groomer or vet about best practices |
Dogs with erect ears (German Shepherds, Huskies) |
Lower |
Better ventilation but still need regular checks; more vulnerable to foreign objects entering the ear |
Wrinkled breeds (Shar Peis, Bulldogs) |
High |
Skin folds near ears can harbor bacteria; need special attention to cleaning around ear base |
Water-loving breeds (Labrador Retrievers) |
Moderate to High |
Need thorough drying after swimming; consider ear-drying solutions recommended by veterinarians |
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Home Care and Remedies
Gentle cleaning with natural ear cleansers using a cotton ball and avoid using a q-tip as that can cause damage to the ear.
Gently use warm compresses to soothe inflammation
Preventing moisture after swimming or bathing
Collars to prevent further scratching
Diet modifications if food allergies are suspected
Conclusion
Ear problems are among the most common health issues affecting a dog's ear, with research showing that one in every 14 dogs experiences ear infections annually. By understanding the causes behind dog ear scratching and recognizing the signs that indicate different conditions, you can take appropriate action to help your pet.
Remember that while some minor irritations may respond to home care, persistent or severe symptoms require veterinary attention. The ear canal is a sensitive area, and untreated problems can lead to chronic pain, hearing loss, or even more serious complications.
With regular inspection, appropriate cleaning, and prompt attention to problems, you can help ensure your dog’s ear health and overall well-being. Your vigilance and care make a significant difference in your pet’s quality of life, preventing the discomfort and potential complications associated with ear problems.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian regarding the health of your pet.
About Dr. Alex
Dr. Alex is RCVS accredited Veterinary surgeon and consultant currently practicing at a small animal veterinary practice in the U.K. He achieved his degree In veterinary medicine from the Royal Veterinary College (one of the top 3 vet schools in the world) and has a keen interest and skill in writing. He loves to write veterinary related articles by providing the most up to date and scientifically accurate information in an easy to consume format for pet owners. He can cover a range of topics and is passionate about educating owners worldwide!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dog scratch his ears after eating?
Some dogs may experience dog's ear scratching after eating due to food allergies. The allergic response can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the ears. Consider working with your veterinarian on an elimination diet to identify potential food triggers.
Can stress cause ear scratching in dogs?
While stress itself doesn’t directly cause problems with a dog's ears, stressed dogs may engage in more scratching behaviors. Additionally, stress can weaken the immune system, potentially making dogs more susceptible to infections or allergic reactions.
Are certain dog breeds more prone to ear problems?
Yes, breeds with floppy ears (like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds), dogs with hairy ear canals (like Poodles), and dogs with known allergic tendencies (like Retrievers and Terriers) are more predisposed to dog's ear problems. The RVC study found that Labradoodles have a 1.63 times higher risk of ear infections compared to the average dog population.
How can I tell if my dog has ear mites or an infection?
While both conditions cause scratching and discomfort, ear mites typically produce a dark, coffee-ground-like discharge, while bacterial or yeast infections often create a yellowish or brownish discharge with a strong odor. Only a veterinarian can make a definitive diagnosis through microscopic examination of the dog's ear canal.
