It’s common for dogs to scratch their ears occasionally. However, persistent scratching, signs of pain when scratching, a tilted head, or visible redness and hair loss around the ears warrant a closer look. Ear problems in dogs can stem from various issues, including parasites, foreign objects, or severe allergies. As Dr. Julia Miller, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology, points out, allergies are a primary culprit, often leading to secondary infections. While temporary relief for allergies can be managed, it’s crucial to identify and address the root causes for effective long-term control. Successfully managing allergies, though complex, can lead to positive outcomes, even with the common occurrence of secondary yeast and bacterial infections that require specific treatment.
Common Causes and Their Management
For seasonal allergies triggered by plant pollens, a short course of corticosteroids may alleviate itching. For year-round allergies, the most effective approach involves skin or blood testing to pinpoint the specific allergens, followed by immunotherapy. Dogs suffering from severe allergies often benefit significantly from a referral to a veterinary dermatologist.
Ear Mites
Intense ear scratching can be a sign of ear mites. Observing dark brown, coffee-ground-like debris in your dog’s ear canal strongly suggests an infestation. These parasites can spread between dogs, cats, and other household pets like ferrets. Fortunately, unlike fleas, ear mites do not establish themselves within the home environment, making treatment of all affected pets an effective way to eradicate them. Dr. Miller notes that over-the-counter products may not always be effective and can sometimes exacerbate ear inflammation. Your veterinarian, however, can provide a suitable cleaning solution and appropriate medication to eliminate the mites.
Foreign bodies, such as insects, ticks, or plant matter like foxtails, can often be flushed out by a veterinarian. For objects lodged more firmly in the ear, sedation might be necessary to allow for safe removal with forceps.
Infections
Ear infections can be quite painful for dogs. If you notice significant debris, redness, inflammation, moisture, or a pus-like discharge, your dog may require a professional examination and cleaning under anesthesia.
An emergency veterinary visit is crucial if the infection progresses to the middle ear. Severe symptoms, including a persistent head tilt, a wobbly gait, vocalization, and excessive scratching that leads to secondary trauma on the face (resulting in visible scratches or open sores), indicate a serious condition.
Owners often wonder how to manage ear issues over weekends or while traveling. Dr. Miller advises that preventing your dog from scratching vigorously is paramount to avoid further complications. An Elizabethan collar or a no-flap ear wrap can help prevent self-inflicted trauma. While an over-the-counter ear cleaner can offer temporary reduction of bacteria or yeast, seeking veterinary attention as soon as possible remains the best course of action.
Ear Hematoma
Vigorous scratching and head shaking can rupture a blood vessel, leading to an ear hematoma. If left untreated, the hematoma can cause the ear flap to develop a hardened, “cauliflower-like” appearance as it regresses.
If you observe a soft swelling on your dog’s ear flap, contact your veterinarian immediately. This swelling can be uncomfortable, and your dog might hold their ear slightly away from their head due to the pain. Hematomas are more common in dogs with floppy ears, such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers, compared to those with prick ears. Surgical intervention is often recommended.
Precautions and Treatment
Swimming Safety
Swimming in natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and streams is a frequent cause of ear infections. It’s advisable to prevent water from entering your dog’s ears. While clean water itself may not be problematic, a warm, moist ear canal creates an ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to proliferate. This is a particular concern for breeds with droopy ears. Gently drying the ear and wiping the canal with a cotton ball after swimming can help mitigate this risk.
Veterinary Examination and Treatment
During a veterinary visit, a swab of any ear discharge or debris will be collected for microscopic examination. This allows for the identification of parasites, bacteria, and yeast, guiding your veterinarian’s choice of topical, oral, or combination medications.
Your veterinarian will also perform an otoscopic exam to check for foreign bodies and mites, and to assess the integrity of the eardrum. The condition of the eardrum influences the types of medications that can be safely administered. Dogs exhibiting a head tilt require a thorough otoscopic examination, and radiographs may be beneficial to rule out middle ear infections or potential growths.
There is no doubt that a dog scratching and digging at its ears is in significant distress. Promptly diagnosing the underlying cause and initiating appropriate treatment is essential. Delays can allow secondary infections to develop, further complicating the situation. A visit to your veterinarian is a worthwhile investment in your dog’s well-being.
This article was reprinted with permission from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s DogWatch newsletter, published by Belvoir Media Group. Becoming a member of the Riney Canine Health Center provides a complimentary subscription to DogWatch.
