Like us humans, dogs scratch their ears from time to time. That's no reason to worry, but things are different if your four-legged friend can't or doesn't want to stop at all.
Then there is reason to act: The Dogs' auditory canal is very complex and very important for the animals – if there is something wrong with it, the furry friend suffers greatly and also runs the risk of developing secondary diseases.
You can find them in the following article 10 most common reasons cause dogs to constantly scratch their ears. I will also give you 8 things you can do to make your four-legged friend feel better soon.
10 reasons for a dog constantly scratching his ear
1. Bacterial infections
In many cases there are Bacteria, which get stuck in dogs' ears and cause itching. This is mainly because the germs there optimal breeding ground find: You are undisturbed, there is a pleasant temperature and there is also humidity.
Bacterial ear infections are particularly common in dogs that have a lot to do with wet conditions, such as swimming a lot. Drooping floppy ears are also a risk factor.
This cause is characterized by strong and frequent scratching. Furthermore, you will probably have one very unpleasant smell can smell on your four-legged friend's ears.
2. Parasites
Parasites can also infect your four-legged friend's ears. Very often a parasite that specializes in ear canals is responsible: the ear mite, also Otodectes cynotis called, finds optimal survival conditions there.
The pests cause a clinical picture that ear mange (Otitis externa parasitaria) is called: The saliva causes significantly more earwax to form, which then crusts over. This not only causes itching, but is also very painful for the animal – it often appears panicked and scratches itself very intensively.
Highly contagious
Ear mites are highly contagious and often spread where many animals are present at the same time. They are not picky when it comes to choosing their host: although they attack people less often, they can affect both dogs and cats, for example!
Significantly less common in the ear, but other parasites such as fleas, lice or ticks are also possible.
3. Fungal infestation
Another common reason for constant scratching in the ear area is Mushrooms: These also find almost optimal conditions in and around the four-legged friend's ear canal: it is dark and rather humid, so that the cultures can multiply easily.
The fungi then grow unnoticed for a long time, and in very serious cases this can lead to one Pheohyphomycosis come, a chronic infestation of several types of fungi that cause the ear to become crusty.
The symptoms are similar to a bacterial infection: If you take a close look into your ear, you will quickly see and smell the fungi in their advanced stages.
4. Injuries
Because of their size and position, dogs' ears are comparatively vulnerable to Injuries. These don't necessarily have to be bite wounds; trauma is also relatively common.
These can go through Disputes with other four-legged friends are caused, but it is also possible that the Dog scratched too hard, shaken excessively or against something bumped has. Often this leads to a pronounced and painful Bruise.
Veterinarian Dr. Frank Apfel about the painful “blood ear”. Source: Frank Apfel / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUSzzzvwyh0 .
At a Hematoma The ears become very swollen and are often visibly darkened. If you try to touch the dog there, he will probably react defensively. The four-legged friends continue to try Relief through scratching to provide. But that often makes the situation even worse, some dogs even suffer from one chronic hemorrhage.
5. Allergies
Many dogs come along – often almost unnoticed by their owners Allergies to fight. These are often environmental influences such as grass or pollen and chemical substances such as cleaning agents. But also one Food allergy or -intolerance affects a comparatively large number of animals.
Some dogs react to this with symptoms that we humans know well, e.g Digestive problems, runny nose and Shortness of breath. However, many four-legged friends only develop one atopic dermatitis, i.e. chronic itching. The ears are particularly often affected.
The dog then scratches its ear incessantly, which makes the problem even worse: skin irritations and occasionally wounds occur; the itching then does not go away but instead gets worse.
6. Hormonal diseases
Furthermore, you can also endocrinological diseases of the hormonal balance be responsible for itching. There are two main causes that are widespread in dogs, namely one Hypothyroidism and the so-called Cushing's syndrome.
In the former disease, the body produces insufficient thyroid hormones, which causes the skin to dry out. Cushing's syndrome, on the other hand, is manifested by an overproduction of cortisol, which damages the skin's natural protective barrier.
Both can also affect the ear Itching with severe scratching lead. Affected animals often show other symptoms, such as significant weight gain or loss, lethargy or – in the case of Cushing's syndrome – significantly thinner, shimmering skin.
7. Too much hygiene
Dogs can be really stinky, which is why many owners decide to keep their pet Bathe as often as possible – There are even supposed to be animals that have to get into the tub every day.
But that's not really species-appropriate: Of course, sometimes a dog just needs to be cleaned, but you shouldn't overdo it. Too much hygiene – especially with care products that are unsuitable for four-legged friends – damages the skin and makes them more susceptible to infections and itching.
There is also the risk that… too much water in the ears the four-legged friend gets lost. Both together often lead to ear problems, which the dog then tries to combat by scratching.
8. Insect bites & -bites
Especially in warmer seasons, dogs are also affected by Insects plagued: Unlike parasites, these do not remain in the fur of the four-legged friends, but rather annoy them in the form of stings and bites.
The one included Poison or the saliva The insects then irritate the dogs: swelling often occurs. If the dog has an allergy, even more severe reactions, including anaphylactic shock, can result.
The animals then often try to get relief by scratching, including on the ear. Most swellings subside after a short time, but it is also possible that parasites or their larvae get onto/into the dog through the puncture or bite.
9. Rash, blisters & tumors
In some cases, various factors can cause the dog to develop a rash or similar abnormalities in the ear area. These include, for example:
- Warts
- Herpes
- Benign tumors & malignant tumors
- Rash due to bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites.
These causes are usually immediately visible as soon as you take a closer look at the dog's ear.
10. Foreign body
And finally can too Foreign body Cause irritation in the ear. These are often small splinters or grains of sand that find their way into the ear canal. If they accumulate, they can cause small injuries and also become a source of infection.
The result is often Inflammation of the ear canal. The dog tries to get it under control by scratching, but this has little success. Foreign bodies also often occur in dogs that spend a lot of time in water, as lake or sea water often contains small grains of sand or salt.
Dog often scratches his ear: You can do these 8 things
If a dog scratches his ear, there can be many reasons: Before you start deciding which solution is appropriate, you first have to check whether it is in the ear canal or in the outer ear. This makes it possible to get closer to the cause.
Some reasons are rather harmless, others are more serious. In any case, you have to do something about it: itching or even pain are things that are not to be trifled with, and your four-legged friend in particular suffers from it.
Luckily, there are some things you can do. The following solutions have proven particularly useful.
1. Inspect ears regularly
In general, it is recommended to check your four-legged friend's ears regularly, e.g. once a week, to be examined more closely. This is best done at a time when the… Animal is relaxed and has complete trust in you – for example in the evening before going to bed.
You should carefully examine the outer layer of the ears for any scratches, wounds or hematomas. You may be able to get into the ear canal look inside with a small lamp: Pay particular attention to fluid accumulation, scabs and brown or green spots.
Also one “Smell test” should be included: If you have a bacterial or fungal infection, your pet's ear will stink a lot.
2. ruff
A very effective way to immediately stabilize the dog is one ruff. This means he can no longer scratch his ear, so the situation doesn't get unnecessarily worse.
But that alone is not enough, because it is immobilization rarely lasting success crowned. If it stayed that way, the dog would have terrible itching or pain without being able to do anything about it: That would be torture for the fur nose.
Therefore, this possibility should only be considered if: another solution in parallel is present.
3. home remedies
There are many circulating home remedies, which are considered by dog owners to be true miracle weapons against itching. Personally, I would be very careful with this, as in most cases they can provide some relief, but very rarely completely eliminate the causes.
It's best not to put it in your ear
I would not treat infections or injuries to the ear canal at home. Although some dog owners rely on comparatively gentle products such as olive oil, this can also backfire. Since the inner ear is also responsible for the dog's balance, I wouldn't do anything without it expert guidance company.
Very careful I would be with acidic agents like vinegar mixtures. The risk that the dog will get pain or that his situation will worsen is quite high.
More promising and comparatively safe gentle solutions such as chamomile or curd compresses. They often have a soothing effect and can better bridge the time between symptoms and healing.
4. Dry your dog's ears well after contact with water
Many dogs – especially floppy-eared ones – have ear problems because…