If dogs constantly scratch their ears, then in 8 out of 10 cases a bacterial ear infection is responsible. In individual cases, itching in the ear can also be due to fungal infections, ear mites, allergies or other skin and hormonal problems.
It is important to pay attention to the other signs. Depending on the cause, there are usually other pathological symptoms that can help with the diagnosis.
The position of the ears on the head in combination with their large auricle allows dogs to hear up to 4 times further into the distance. [1]
At the same time, this is also the reason why their ears are significantly more susceptible to injuries, inflammation, parasites or other diseases compared to us.
If your dog scratches his ear every now and then, this is completely normal. It only becomes a problem when it happens very often and the dog scratches itself sore or even bloody.
Are you worried or unsure? Then click here to start a live chat with a veterinarian.
#1 Bacterial ear infection
Since the ear canal of dogs is very warm and dark, it provides the optimal breeding ground for bacteria to multiply. This is especially true when it is slightly damp.
All water dogs and those four-legged friends who like swimming are most commonly affected. The same goes for dogs with long floppy ears.
But even a little dirt or excessive earwax can be sufficient as a breeding ground. An ear infection can therefore basically affect all breeds. [2]
Constant scratching of the ear is one of the most common symptoms. Other typical signs of this are:
- Frequent shaking of the head
- Dark discharge from the ear
- Visible swelling and redness
- Pain when touching the ear
- Unpleasant smell from the ear
- Crooked head posture [3]
According to recent studies, 16% of dogs experience an ear infection every year. Bacteria are responsible for this in around 50% of cases. [4]
Previous ear infections also increase the likelihood of a new infection. This is because they narrow the ear canal, making it more difficult to clean.
Incidentally, an ear infection can affect the inner ear, middle ear and the outer ear. The further inside it becomes infected, the more painful it tends to be.
Here you should visit the vet. A glance from a doctor is usually enough to make a diagnosis. The ear is usually cleaned professionally and antibiotics are prescribed.
If bacteria accumulate and multiply in the dog's ear, inflammation can occur. Affected dogs often shake their heads, constantly scratch their ears, hold their heads to one side and have visible redness on their ears.
#2 Ear mites
In principle, a variety of parasites such as fleas, lice, scabies and ticks can infect the ear. But mites are the most common here.
Ear mites are so small that they can only be seen by people with very good eyesight. In addition to scratching the ear, there are also other symptoms:
- Dry and crusty skin
- Dark discharge from the ear
- Black dirt in the ear
- Severe itching of the ear
- Frequent shaking of the head
- Worse hearing [5]
If the infestation is severe, smaller wounds often form and can become infected. They can also spread to the face and the rest of the body. [6]
If there are ticks, fleas, lice or scabies behind it, you can see it with the naked eye. Here you should pay attention to small and moving points.
In simple cases, apple cider vinegar can be sufficient for treatment. With this home remedy, you should make sure that your dog does not have any open wounds.
Scratching your ear often causes it to become increasingly sore or even bleed. If you then spray apple cider vinegar on it, severe pain will result. [7]
Personally, I have had better experiences with such a spray. It removes the mites relatively quickly and at the same time has a long-term effect of up to 26 weeks.
An infestation of ear mites or other parasites can cause the dog's ear to start to itch and the four-legged friends to constantly scratch at it. Ear mites are usually visible as small black spots in the ear.
This website is for sale.
#3 Fungal ear infection
In addition to bacteria, various fungi can also attack the ear and cause inflammation. This is relatively rare in humans.
This is because the ear canal of dogs has an “L” shape. When swimming, some water often remains trapped, which serves as a breeding ground. [8]
Fungal infections can usually be recognized by a thicker than average layer of earwax and by the smell. Other typical signs include:
- Brown-yellow discharge from the ear
- Redness and swelling
- Balance problems
- Constant scratching of the ear
- Unusual hearing loss
- Spotty hair loss
- Constant shaking of the head [9]
Since fungi primarily feed on sugar, a carbohydrate-rich diet can accelerate their spread. So more fats and proteins are helpful here.
Depending on the severity and type of fungus, either special creams or ear drops are used for treatment. In individual cases, additional medication may also be necessary.
Tried-and-tested home remedies here include coconut oil and tea tree oil. To avoid unnecessary pain, I still recommend visiting the vet. [10]
Various fungi can accumulate and multiply in the dog's ear. In most cases this leads to severe itching and painful inflammation. Affected dogs therefore constantly scratch their ears and have visible redness and swelling.
#4 Othematoma
If a small vein bursts in the dog's ear and a bruise forms, then it is called an “othematoma”. It is also colloquially called “blood ear”.
In most cases it is caused by the dog scratching its ear too roughly, hitting itself or even being in a fight with another dog. [11]
But inflammation, autoimmune diseases and allergies are also possible causes. The most common symptoms include:
- Roundish swelling on the ear
- Abnormally warm ears
- Constant scratching of the ear
- Frequent shaking of the head [12]
According to statistics, dogs with floppy ears are more commonly affected. For treatment, the blood is usually drained at the vet under local anesthesia.
Depending on the underlying cause, ointments or medications can also be used. In severe cases, surgery may also be necessary.
To rule out a recurrence, a follow-up examination is usually carried out two weeks later. Here the vet simply checks that the wound has healed. [13]
Dogs with a blood ear always feel like there is something on their ears. For this reason, they try to remove the suspected object by constantly scratching their ear. In order to avoid wounds and bleeding, the veterinarian should be consulted.
#5 Contact dermatitis
In a common allergic reaction, symptoms occur all over the body. Typical examples of this are fever, weakness and breathing problems.
Contact dermatitis, on the other hand, is characterized by the fact that the symptoms only occur where there was direct contact with the allergen. [14]
Or to put it another way: If your dog's ears came into contact with an allergen, the ear may also itch. Typical signs here are:
- Swelling of the ear
- Constant scratching of the ear
- Dry skin
- Redness in the ear
- rash [15]
Typical triggers include mold spores, various grasses, cigarette smoke, pollen, house dust mites and substances in sunscreen.
In principle, however, a dog can have an allergic reaction to anything. If he scratches his mouth, among other things, then this could be a sign of food allergies.
An allergy test can help with diagnosis. Acute symptoms can also be treated with antihistamines. However, there is no cure. [16]
Various allergens can cause an allergic reaction in the dog's ear. In most cases, mold spores and pollen are responsible. You can usually tell if the ear is red and the dog is constantly scratching it.
#6 Hormone disorders
Problems with hormones are rarely the cause of ear itching, but they can greatly promote the development of infections. Typical causes here are:
- Hypothyroidism
- Increased estrogen levels
- Cushing's syndrome
- Increased testosterone levels [17]
All of these factors influence the skin's sebum production. If there is a problem, too much sebum can form in the ear. Dogs try to remove the sebum by scratching.
Of all these problems, hypothyroidism is the most common. Dogs with this disorder produce too little thyroid hormone. [18]
This in turn means that the entire organism runs slower. Affected dogs are therefore usually abnormally tired, listless and sleep a lot.
Genes are often responsible for this. Under certain circumstances, illnesses can also be behind it. A hormone test from a doctor can help diagnose this.
Home remedies can sometimes help against acute itching in the ear. Green and chamomile tea in particular have a calming effect and can provide relief. [19]
If dogs constantly scratch their ears and at the same time appear tired and listless, then hormonal disorders may be behind it. In many cases, such a disorder is genetically determined. A blood test from a doctor is sufficient for diagnosis.
#7 Skin problems
In addition to inflammation, fungi and allergies, other skin problems can also be behind the itching of the ear. This includes:
- Warts
- Herpes
- Neurodermatitis
- Insect bites
- Dry skin
- mange
- Rashes [20]
Aggressive shampoos or too frequent bathing are often responsible for these problems. Every 4 weeks with a dog shampoo is sufficient.
In principle, all of the above problems can also occur in other parts of the body. The symptoms vary greatly depending on the cause:
- Small pimple-like bumps
- Redness and swelling
- Itching and scratching of the ear
- Frequent licking [21]
To relieve the itching, aloe vera or coconut oil can sometimes bring about improvement. For diagnosis and prevention, I recommend visiting the vet.
Various skin problems can cause dogs to itch, both on the ear and the rest of the body. You can usually tell if the ear is red, there is slight swelling, the dog is constantly scratching it or the area is even bleeding.
#8 Other causes
In…