Does Your Dog Keep Shaking Its Head and Scratching Its Ears?

Dogs sometimes show obvious signs of discomfort by shaking their heads or tilting them to one side while rubbing their ears on the ground. When a dog continually scratches its inflamed ears, it can exacerbate the inflammation. Symptoms may include hot ears, redness in the ear canal, and signs of possible deafness.

Ear Infections Caused by Ear Mites

Ear mites, also known as ear scabies, are common ear canal parasites in cats and dogs. They primarily inhabit the ear canal but can occasionally be found on the head, neck, and tail. Puppies may develop irritating ear infections caused by ear mites as the tiny insects settle in the ear canal and cause intense irritation. When puppies scratch vigorously and shake their heads, they can further damage the cochlea.

The ear canal may fill with red discharge, making it difficult to clean unless the dog is anesthetized. When puppies are infected, it can affect their future health; adult dogs often contract ear mites after playing with infected puppies.

Treating ear mites is relatively simple: clean the ear canal. A few drops of an insecticide-containing ear cleaner can quickly control the mites. If the ear canal is filled with waxy discharge, the medication may not penetrate deeply.

Staphylococcal Infections in Dog Ears

Acute ear infections in the outer ear structures are more common in summer, and dogs may suddenly start shaking their heads and scratching their ears. The incidence of this condition is usually lower than in healthy dogs. Upon examining the inside of the ear flap, there is often a slight odor and redness in the tissue, which can be painful, causing the dog to resist any handling. This condition is typically caused by a staphylococcal infection.

For acute ear diseases, it is essential to seek veterinary care promptly, as correct treatment is crucial before excessive damage occurs to sensitive ear tissues. Since this condition often occurs in summer, it is important to eliminate the possibility of grass seeds accumulating in the ear canal.

The goal of treatment is to alleviate intense irritation by combining anti-inflammatory ointments with appropriate antibiotics. It is usually recommended to sedate the dog early to prevent continuous scratching of the ears. Oral antibiotics can also be used to prevent the spread of bacterial infections to surrounding tissues.

Dog Ear Ulcers

One of the most common ear diseases in dogs during veterinary care is chronic external ear infections, characterized by long, droopy ear flaps. This condition is often referred to as "ulcer," which is not a simple disease, and therefore there is no straightforward solution. Any treatment must be carried out very gently and patiently, with cleanliness being the first consideration. All scabs must be removed immediately, along with any discharge and furry hair.

If the ulcer infection is severe, it is best to consult a veterinarian, as touching the ear can cause intense pain and resentment. Owners should avoid attempting to treat it themselves, as they may not know what will happen.

Hair and Grass Seeds in Dog Ears

Other small foreign objects, such as burrs or grass seeds in the ear canal, can accelerate the invasion of ear pathogens and irritate the inner ear walls. When dogs start shaking their heads frequently, scratching their ears, or digging at them for extended periods, it is time to seek treatment. Upon examining the ears with an otoscope, a mass of dark, waxy deposits may cover the entire surface of the external ear canal. After removal, the skin inside the ear canal may appear red and swollen. If this condition has been present for a long time, the buildup may be thick enough to nearly block the ear canal.

The ears must be thoroughly and gently cleaned, removing the accumulated matted hair and pulling hair from around the tissue of the external ear canal to prevent future infiltration. When cleaning the ear canal, do not use cotton swabs forcefully, as this will only irritate the already damaged tissue and lead to reinfection. It is often necessary to perform this operation under anesthesia, followed by the application of ointment deep into the ear, repeated daily until all irritation symptoms are resolved. Attention to ear infections during dog ownership can reduce the likelihood of chronic ear diseases developing.

Fleas and Flies on Dog Ears

Fleas are a major problem for some dogs, especially in warm autumn weather, which encourages fleas to thrive around household pets. To control environmental infestations, it is important to vacuum or sweep up any loose hair, as skin flakes shed from the hair serve as nutrients for immature fleas in their life cycle.

Most household-safe insecticide sprays can be safely applied around the dog's bedding and sleeping areas. When spraying, pay special attention to cover wooden items or cracks and crevices in brickwork where flea eggs and immature flea

s may hide. When removing fleas from dogs, use safe and reliable insecticides or flea powders.

Flies are particularly attracted to the tips of dog ears. Before cold weather arrives, these blood-sucking flies can become a significant issue. For dogs with large, erect ears, such as German Shepherds or Collies, this is especially concerning, especially if there are black scabs on the ear tips. A small amount of baking soda can be added to warm water to remove scabs, or a veterinarian can provide soothing ointments to treat inflamed areas, applying mosquito repellent to the dog every morning.