It is not unusual for the dog to scratch his ear. Just like us humans, your dog may sometimes experience itching in various places on its body. This can be completely normal and harmless – but if you have a dog that scratches its ears a lot – it could be a sign of ear problems. We explain what can be common reasons why your dog scratches its ears!
Table of contents
The dog scratches his ear
Fungus in the dog's ear
One of the reasons why dogs scratch their ears a lot is a fungal infection. Symptoms of ear fungus in dogs can vary – and in addition to itching, you can also often see an increased production of earwax. However, these are symptoms that also overlap with other ear problems – and it is therefore important to have a veterinary examination to make the correct diagnosis.
Treatment of ear fungus in dogs
Although fungal infections in the ear are quite common in dogs, they can be uncomfortable for your four-legged friend. As mentioned, a visit to the vet is necessary to rule out other diseases and find the right treatment plan, as there are several different types of fungal infections that require different treatments. At the vet, the dog's ears will be examined and samples will be taken to identify which type of fungus is causing the infection. Treatment is often medication in the form of ear drops or ointments with antifungal agents.
Common symptoms of ear fungus in dogs
In addition to itchy ears, there are also some other common symptoms of a fungal infection.
- Itchy ears
- Overproduction of earwax – often thick, dark and with a characteristic odor
- Redness and swelling
- Discharge from the ear – may be yellowish, greenish, or brownish-yellow in color and have an unusual odor
- Reduced hearing
The dog may show signs of pain or discomfort when the ears are touched or handled.
Ear infection in dogs
Did you know that dogs can also get ear infections? In fact, ear infections in dogs are a common problem that we veterinarians encounter regularly. Approximately 20–50% of Norwegian dogs and 10% of our cats suffer from ear infections one or more times in their lives. Read on to learn how to identify signs of an ear infection in your dog – and what to do if you suspect your dog has an ear infection.
Causes of ear infections in dogs
Ear infections in dogs are usually caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or fungi in the dog's ear canal. This overgrowth is typically related to various underlying causes such as:
- Excess hair in the ear canal, moisture or earwax build-up
- Frequent or excessive picking and cleaning of a normally healthy ear
- Infection with ear mites
- Presence of foreign objects in the ear canal
- Underlying allergic reactions
- Hormonal disorders – such as low metabolism
- Polyps or tumors in the ear canal
- Acute and chronic ear infections
Dogs can experience both acute ear infections and develop more persistent chronic inflammatory conditions.
In acute cases, the dog will usually show signs of itching and redness in the ear canal. Increased production of earwax or brownish secretions in the ear canal is also not unusual. As an owner, you can often notice that the ear has a different smell than normal.
If acute ear problems are not treated properly – the condition can develop into a chronic one. Chronic ear infections are usually more painful than itchy – and it is common to notice changes in the discharge. The ear can become inflamed, swollen and very painful. The pain can become so intense in the dog that it disrupts both nighttime sleep and significantly reduces its quality of life.
If the dog goes untreated for a long time with an ear infection – the risk of the eardrum bursting and the infection spreading to the middle ear increases. This can also lead to permanent damage to the ear canal – which in turn can result in increasing problems for the dog over time. Especially in spaniel breeds, scar tissue can form in the ears and cause the ear canals to become narrow. From there, ear function will gradually decrease – and surgery may be necessary to get the situation under control.
Although ear infections are common and usually harmless, the condition should be taken seriously as untreated ear infections can lead to permanent damage to your dog's ear over time. The most common cause of chronic conditions is a lack of early diagnosis of acute problems.
Symptoms of ear infection in dogs
In order to detect an ear infection and ensure that your dog receives the right treatment, it is a good idea for you as the owner to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of ear infection in dogs are:
- Frequent shaking of the head or a crooked head posture
- Visible accumulation of earwax in the ear canal – often with a brownish to yellow color
- The dog scratches the ear area or tries to rub the ears against the ground
- An unusual smell coming from the ears
- Redness and irritation of the skin inside the ears
- Pain is experienced when the ears are touched
- Presence of scabs or hair loss around the ears
- Swelling in the ears
- Balance disorders
- Reduced hearing
Diagnosis and treatment of ear infections
During a veterinary examination, the ear canal will be carefully inspected using an otoscope – a small instrument used to examine the ear canal and eardrum. A sample of earwax or pus from the ear canal will also usually be taken and then analyzed under a microscope. Based on the results of these examinations, the veterinarian will determine the most appropriate and effective treatment for your dog.
Most cases of ear infections are treated with topical treatment that includes the use of ear drops or ear cleaner. Your veterinarian will train you on how to perform this cleaning to achieve the best possible results from the treatment. You can read more about how we treat ear infections in dogs here.
Other ear complaints in dogs
There are also other potential reasons why the dog scratches his ear a lot. For example, the itching can be caused by food intolerance, allergies, ear mites or a foreign body. It is difficult to find the exact cause without a veterinary examination. We therefore recommend taking your dog to the vet if you notice that it is scratching its ears abnormally a lot. At our clinic, you can easily book an appointment online.
It is important to note that untreated ear problems in dogs can lead to chronic and permanent problems that cannot be reversed.
