All About Dog Ear Itching: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

If your pup has been scratching their ears continuously, it's most likely because of itching. Since dogs use their ears to hear and for balance, itching causes discomfort in this sensitive area. This can impact your dog’s hearing quality and general ear health.

Intense scratching, frequent head shaking, or a head tilted in one direction often show that your dog has an ear infection, irritation, allergies, or mites. That's why it's important to take action early to prevent chronic ear infections and further damage.

In this guide, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ear itching to help your pup feel better.

What Causes Dog Ear Itching?

Several factors can trigger dog ear itching, and once you’ve identified the cause, you'll be in a position to provide them with the right relief. Most dogs experience ear itching, mild or severe, for different reasons.

Common Causes of Dog Ear Itching:

• Allergies: Some dogs develop food or environmental allergies. For example, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Basset Hounds, and other floppy-eared dogs are more prone to infections because moisture and debris will collect in the folds.
• Ear Mites: If your pup is scratching their ears relentlessly, it might be because these tiny parasites live inside the ear canal, causing itching.
• Ear Infections: Fungal or bacterial infection is a frequent cause of irritation of the ear. Untreated infections may lead to severe conditions or even impair your dog's hearing.
• Foreign Objects: In some cases, dirt, seeds, grass, or debris gets stuck inside the ear, resulting in the dog's scratching and secondary infections.

Specific Conditions Leading to Itching

According to Saritha’s (2025) article published in Bentham Science, the following conditions can cause ear itching in dogs:

• Dog Ear Infections (Otitis Externa): These are typically bacterial or fungal infections, which cause ear problems, such as itching and infections. The common symptoms include the ear flap becoming swollen, red, and warm to the touch, along with a thick, foul-smelling discharge.
• Dry, Flaky Skin in the Ear Area: Dryness within the inner ear region can irritate the skin, causing itching and scratching.
• Ear Hematomas: Repeated head shaking or dog ear scratching can rupture the blood vessels beneath the ear flap, resulting in a sore, bloody buildup.
• Poor Hygiene: Not cleaning your dog's ears on a regular basis leads to accumulations of wax, dirt, and bacteria that cause infection and itching.

Symptoms of Dog Ear Itching

It's important to catch these problems early so that they don't cause more damage to your pup's ears. Here’s how to identify potential problems early.

How to Spot Ear Problems in Dogs:

• Excessive Head Shaking or Scratching: When your dog shakes their head or scratches the ears repeatedly, it's a sign of pain or irritation. A frequent cause of such behavior is an ear infection or allergies, and if not treated, they might lead to further complications.
• Redness, Swelling, or Bad Smell: If you notice redness, swelling, or foul odor in the inner ear, it’s likely that your pup has an infection. Head tilting behavior typically accompanies these symptoms because of probable balance issues.
• Visible Discharge or Crust: Thick, waxy discharge or crusting on the ear canal indicates irritation or infection. In case your dog has ear mites, the discharge resembles coffee grounds.
• Pain Signs: When your dog develops an infection or inflammation that needs treatment, you’ll notice them showing discomfort when you touch or clean their ear.

Mild Itching vs. Serious Problems

Allergies or a minor irritation can cause mild itching, but you need to monitor the symptoms carefully. If the problem persists or worsens, it could escalate into a more serious issue and cause further damage.

Early treatment is usually beneficial for most dogs, so if your pup's itch or pain doesn’t subside, consult your veterinary team for professional care. Never clean the ear canal with a cotton ball because it will push debris further into the canal.

Identifying and Diagnosing Dog Ear Itching

When your dog is scratching their ears persistently, the best you can do is to find out the root cause of the problem.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Ear Scratching in Dogs

Even if your dog’s ear scratching seems harmless at first, it can lead to more serious complications if you ignore it. According to The Ear Book published by Balkany & Brown (2017), prolonged scratching can cause injury, swelling, and even permanent damage to the ear canal or eardrum.

Diagnostic Methods:

• Ear Swabs: A veterinarian can take samples from the dog's ear to check for bacteria, yeast, or mites.
• Physical Exams: The vet will visually inspect the ear canal for signs of infection or injury, and the dog’s general health to rule out any systemic issues affecting ear health.

Treatment Options for Dog Ear Itching

Once you establish the root cause of ear itching, appropriate treatment can begin. The following are some of the best treatment options.

Vet-Approved Treatments:

• Prescription Ear Drops: In cases of fungal or bacterial infection, your vet might prescribe ear drops to treat the infection and reduce swelling. For instance, our vet-approved soothing spray can control irritation, relieve discomfort, and alleviate itching while soothing the ear.
• Oral or Topical Medications: If allergies are the cause, veterinarians may recommend oral medications like antihistamines or steroids. Topical treatments can also help soothe the skin in and around the ear canal.
• Ear Cleaning Solutions: Specialized cleaning solutions can help flush out debris, wax buildup, and pathogens, reducing the risk of infection.

At Pup Labs, we've formulated K9 EarClear to give your pup the happy life they deserve. This vet-approved dog ear cleaner contains ozonated olive oil, grapefruit extract, fennel extract, Bioflavonoids, and MCT oil, which:

• Gently dislodge built-up wax for cleaner, healthier ears.
• Help prevent and manage ear infections.
• Calm allergic irritations for lasting relief.
• Relieve itching to keep your dog comfortable.
• Keep ear mites at bay.

Home Remedies for Dog Ear Infections and Supportive Care

• Natural Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids and dog probiotics can help reduce inflammation, support immune function, and promote overall ear health. At Pup Labs, we offer supplements that can complement your dog’s treatment plan.
• Grooming and Regular Cleaning: Regular grooming and ear cleaning are essential for preventing ear infections and maintaining healthy ears. Ensuring your dog’s ears stay dry and free of moisture is crucial.
• Check for Foreign Objects or Ear Mites: Inspect your dog's ears gently for wax, dirt, or mites. If itching continues or the problem gets worse, take your dog to the veterinarian.
• Seek Professional Help: If the symptoms persist or if you notice signs of an infection, such as swelling, excessive discharge, or foul odor, seek professional advice. A veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist can identify the exact cause and recommend a treatment schedule.

Managing and Preventing Future Issues

• Ear Checks and Cleanings: Regularly check and clean your dog’s ears, especially after outdoor activities. Use soft ear wipes that are gentle on your dog’s delicate ear tissue.
• Diet Adjustments: For dogs prone to allergies or skin issues, dietary changes may help improve skin and ear health. Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods and supplements, like those found in Pup Labs’ products, can help promote your pup's overall health and well-being.

Proper nutrition and supplementation play an important role in maintaining ear health. Supplements help support your dog’s skin and ear health by reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy immune response. Additionally, probiotic supplements can reduce the risk of secondary infections, which sometimes may manifest as ear issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do I Do If My Dog Keeps Shaking His Head and Scratching His Ear?

If your dog keeps shaking his head and scratching his ear, it’s likely a sign of discomfort or irritation in the ear canal. The most common causes of head shaking and ear scratching are ear infections, ear mites, allergies, or foreign objects stuck in the ear. Begin by gently inspecting your dog’s ear for any visible debris, redness, or discharge. If you notice ear discharge or foul odor, take your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis. Untreated ear infections can lead to chronic ear issues, so prompt attention is crucial. In some cases, your veterinary team might recommend an ear cleaning solution or medication to relieve your dog’s discomfort and treat any infections.

Why Does My Dog Keep Scratching His Ear and Then Licking His Paw?

When your dog scratches its ear and then licks its paw, it’s often a sign of discomfort caused by allergies or an ear infection. The ear scratching could be a response to itching from allergens like pollen or food, while licking the paw can indicate your dog is soothing the irritation caused by the same allergens. If you notice other symptoms like redness, swelling, or ear discharge, it could point to an ear infection. Not all pets will show the same signs, so monitor your dog’s behavior and seek veterinary attention if symptoms persist. Allergic reactions can trigger both behaviors, and identifying the root cause will help you address the issue effectively.

How Do You Tell If Your Dog Has Ear Mites or Just Dirty Ears?

Both ear mites and dirty ears can cause intense itching and discomfort, but there are some key differences. Ear mites often lead to a dark, coffee-ground-like discharge in the ear, and the itching is typically more intense. If your dog’s ear is shaking their head and there's a strong odor, it may be a sign of ear mites. On the other hand, dirty ears may simply have excess wax buildup without the characteristic discharge. To accurately diagnose if your dog has ear mites or dirty ears, it’s best to consult a vet. The vet can perform an ear swab to identify ear mites and recommend the appropriate treatment.

What Kills Ear Mites in Dogs?

Your vet will likely recommend topical medications such as ear drops that specifically target and kill the ear mites. In some cases, oral medications may also be prescribed to alleviate ear discharge caused by ear mites. It’s important to treat all pets in the household, as ear mites are highly contagious. If you ignore them, ear mites can cause chronic ear infections and other complications, so timely treatment is essential for your dog’s health.

How do I know If My Dog's Ear Infection is Fungal or Bacterial?

See a vet to help you determine if your dog has a fungal or bacterial ear infection. Both types of infections can have similar symptoms, such as redness, swelling, and ear discharge, but they're treated differently. Fungal infections, like those caused by yeast, often result in a dark, waxy discharge and a distinct, musty odor. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, may cause thicker, yellow, or greenish discharge and a foul odor. In some cases, a vet will take an ear swab to identify the infection type. Untreated bacterial infections can spread to the middle ear, leading to hearing loss or more severe health concerns. That's why you need veterinary care to determine the root cause and start the appropriate treatment.

Final Thoughts

Dog ear itching is very uncomfortable and can lead to more serious health issues if left untreated. You can help ease your dog’s discomfort and prevent future ear problems by understanding the causes, spotting the symptoms early, and seeking prompt treatment.

Regular ear checks, proper cleaning, supplements, and a balanced diet all play a role in maintaining healthy ears. Keep an eye on your dog’s ears for any signs of itching and reach out to your veterinary team when needed.

References

• Balkany, T. J., & Brown, K. D. (2017). The ear book: a complete guide to ear disorders and health. Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Saritha, G. (2025). Otitis Externa and its Clinical Management. In Common Ear Diseases in Dogs: Diagnosis and Management (pp. 170-189). Bentham Science Publishers.