Why You Should Pay Attention to Your Dog's Itchy Ears

Dogs, like humans, just need a good scratch sometimes. But if your dog has been scratching his ears, it could indicate an underlying health problem. Here is some helpful advice on what to do when your dog's ears won't stop itching.

Most dogs scratch their ears at some point just because it feels good, but constant or painful scratching is abnormal and should be investigated. Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs scratch their ears:

Allergies

When a dog has allergies, itchy ears may be a symptom. Dogs can have seasonal allergies just like humans, and they can also develop allergies to dust mites, fleas, and even other dogs!

When the allergies flare up, the dog's ears begin to itch deep down inside. The dog then scratches its ears, but doesn't find relief. Untreated allergies can lead to chronic ear infections, which, over time, can lead to ear damage and even deafness.

Ear Mites

Ear mites are highly infectious eight-legged parasites that reside in the ears of dogs and cats. They are passed along through casual contact, usually originating in the ears of outdoor cats. Ear mites cause skin irritation and leave brownish-black dirt in the ears. Left untreated, they can cause skin and ear infections.

If your dog has ear mites, he will scratch his ears and shake his head, which can rupture the delicate blood vessels in his ears. Ear flap hematomas are painful, and might require surgery to repair.

Infection

Ear infections can have many causes, some of which we've already covered. Yeast, bacteria, allergies, and parasites are common causes of ear infections. Scratching can also lead to infected wounds in the ears.

If your dog's ears are red, inflamed, itchy, smelly, or have a discharge, you should seek medical attention from a veterinarian. Your dog will most likely require medication.

Genetics

Some dog breeds are more prone to ear infections than others. Cocker Spaniels often suffer from ear infections because their long, hairy ears lack proper ventilation. Other breeds, such as Schnauzers, have very hairy inner ear flaps which trap debris and bacteria in the ear canal.

Dirt and Debris

Sometimes itchiness has a simple cause: Your dog has dirty ears! If this is the case, a simple solution of half vinegar and half warm water can be used to clean out the ear canals.

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

Take a bulb syringe and fill it with 1 part warm water and 1 part white vinegar. Gently take your dog's ear in one hand and pull it straight up, allowing you access to the ear canal. Insert the tip of the bulb syringe in the ear canal and squirt the solution into the hole.

Next, gently massage your dog's ear canal for about 30 to 60 seconds. You will hear the liquid squishing around inside; this means you're doing it right.

Finally, take some cotton balls and begin swirling them into the ear canal to remove the solution and debris. After the cotton balls come away clean, administer ear drops if your pet requires them. If you notice signs of infection during an ear cleaning , consult a veterinarian for advice.

Remember: Your dog's itchy ears could be a sign of a larger health problem. Keep an eye on their behavior and check their ears regularly for signs of trouble.