Dog Scratching Ears

Fleas or ticks

There could be many reasons why your dog is suddenly scratching at his ears all the time. One of the most common reasons why is very simple: fleas or ticks. These tiny parasites can plague a dog and make them feel terrible. Inspect their ears carefully to see evidence of these little critters. 

Allergies

Allergies to things that have been inhaled, absorbed or digested can also lead to itchiness, which causes dog scratching ear.

Toxins or infection

Sometimes environmental toxins can touch the ears and wind up causing a serious itch. A yeast infection might occur as a secondary problem to the allergies.

Foreign body or tumor

Your dog might have some sort of mass in the ear, such as a slow-growing tumor that causes unbearable itching. Bacterial infections often accompany this problem, and those make the itching even worse. Foreign bodies in the ear can sometimes mimic the symptoms of a mass, and can cause the same kind of frenzied scratching. 

Ear mites

Ear mites are a very common parasite that can bother dogs. Look for evidence of ear mites by turning back the ear and inspecting for brown and crumbly debris. It might appear like a dark crust over the skin. Your dog’s ears might also be red and inflamed around the area. 

When to see the vet about dog scratching ear

If you’re not sure what’s going on, it’s best to head to the vet. These are some sure-fire signs that you need to take your dog to the veterinarian right away:

• Intense ear scratching

• Odor coming from the ear

• A discharge that is brown, yellow or bloody

• Redness and inflamed areas

• Crusty areas of scabs inside the ear

• Loss of hair around the ear

• Swelling of the area

• Head shaking or head tilting

• Rubbing the ear against anything to find relief

• Unusual eye movements

• Walking around in circles

• Loss of balance or coordination

• Hearing loss

A dog who is constantly scratching his ears needs immediate attention. Start by looking into the ear, using a flashlight if necessary. If the dog refuses to allow this, it could be because the itching has progressed to pain, and that means going to the vet immediately.

If you notice that your dog has some sort of infection in the ear, you will likely need medication. But if it appears to be dirt in the ear, or a foreign object, do your best to remove it with a gentle touch and warm water.

If that is not the answer, look at your dog’s recent eating habits. Is there something that could be causing allergies? How about the environment? For instance, a dog who spends a great deal of time outside might have allergies to the fertilizer you put on the lawn – not using it might be enough to stop the itching.

If you see any parasites, wounds, lesions, or other problems, play it safe and take your dog to the doctor before the problem gets any worse. 

Home remedies can help immensely

• Check your dog’s ears often to make sure there are no problems. You want to see a smooth, shiny surface in the ear, and it should be pink, not red.

• Clean the ears regularly to prevent buildup of wax and other issues. Though some dogs are just fine without ever having their ears cleaned, some require it daily – and almost all of them enjoy the feeling.

• If your dog has hairy ears, keep them very well-groomed, and consider removing the hair with a pair of safety clippers if necessary. If your dog gets into water, dry their ears thoroughly with a towel when they are done with their play.

If your dog is scratching their ears often, it’s time to take them to a veterinarian. Remember that early intervention is essential to making sure that your dog gets on the right track to health and that the itch goes away before it drives you both crazy.

Basic dog health check— make sure your dog is healthy: