Your dog can’t tell you that his ear is itchy, but he’ll let you know by shaking his head or scratching at his ears. Then it’s up to you and your veterinarian to figure out why it’s itchy—and what to do about it.
Causes
What’s behind that annoying tickle in your dog’s ear? Some common causes include bacterial or yeast infections, ear mites, food or inhalant allergies (atopy), other skin diseases (such as seborrhea), hypothyroidism, and foreign objects (such as polyps, tumors, hair, or plant material) in your dog’s ear canal.
What you can do at home
You can’t diagnose the problem, but you can make your dog more comfortable. Start with a gentle ear cleaning, using a cotton ball and ear cleanser formulated for pets. Always dry your dog’s ears after a swim, and put cotton in his ears before baths. Why? Moisture in the ears can lead to ear inflammation and infection.
Your veterinarian may recommend an over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointment to alleviate the itch. Ask the doctor how much to apply—and how often.
When to call the veterinarian
Some causes of ear shaking respond to hydrocortisone ointment and regular ear cleaning. However, most cases require professional diagnosis and treatment. If the scratching and shaking persist for more than a few days or seem to worsen after an ear cleaning, seek veterinary help. You also should call the doctor if you notice discharge in the ears or if they’re red and swollen.
What your veterinarian will do
Most ear problems are easy to identify. The veterinarian will first check your dog’s ears with an otoscope for signs of inflammation and infection, ear mites, polyps, or foreign objects. The veterinarian also may swab the ear to check for mites, bacteria, or yeast under a microscope. If the doctor suspects hypothyroidism, allergies, or other skin diseases, he or she may run blood tests or refer your pet to a veterinary dermatologist.
Once the problem is identified, treatment usually is a snap. Your veterinarian will administer an injection or drops to treat ear mites, topical and possibly oral antibiotics to treat an infection, and a steroid injection if itching is severe. If the cause is atopy, your veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines or steroids for you to administer at home. Food allergies require a hypoallergenic diet.
Although most causes of ear scratching aren’t a serious problem, your dog will appreciate a prompt diagnosis and treatment.
