Top 5 Causes of Canine Ear Itching
Pup's Got Ear Troubles? Here's the Scoop on Itchy Ears
Catching a dog scratching their ears like crazy? It ain't normal! Let's dive into the reasons behind your furry pal's itchy ears.
Hey there, dogs everywhere are dealing with this issue on a day-to-day basis, and Dr. Jodi Lynn Smith, a vet at Animal Care Unlimited in Columbus, Ohio, has seen it all! "You name the species, and I see itchy ears multiple times a day, every single day of the week, all year long!" she says.
But never fear, there are plenty of solutions to soothe your pup's irritated ears, whether it's through prescription meds like Zenrelia, or nutritional supplements that boost skin health!
Remember to read the package insert before using Zenrelia, including the Boxed Warning.
Got a clue what's going on? Know the signs to look for. Understanding these can help you rid your pooch of that discomfort!
Signs of Itchy Ears in Dogs
In addition to constant scratching, here are some other signs to watch out for:
- Head-shaking
- Redness, swelling, or discharge in the ear canal
- Bloody discharge
- Bumps on the ear surface
- Odor
- Rubbing the head on household items
- Head tilt
- Lethargy or lack of appetite
- Vocalizing (whining, crying, or yelping when the ear is touched)
- Visible scabs or hair loss around the ear and head
- Loss of balance
- Loss of hearing (temporary or permanent)
If any of these signs appear, it's time to contact a vet stat! Your dog's ear troubles are probably causing discomfort or pain, and prompt action can help prevent the issue from worsening.
Dog Ear Itch: Common Causes
Why is your dog scratching away? Here are the most common culprits:
Dermatitis, Hot Spots, or Allergies
Itchy, inflamed skin could be the cause. Allergens in pet food or the environment might also be triggering the problem.
Bacterial, Fungal, or Yeast Infections
Infections can result in discharge, odor, redness, swelling, and hair loss. Without treatment, these infections could lead to hearing loss.
Ear Mites or Fleas
Ear mites cause symptoms like itchiness, redness, irritation, head shaking, and a dark, coffee-ground-like discharge. Fleas might also contribute to overall itching, though they don't directly affect ears.
A Foreign Object in the Ear
If there's a foreign object in your pup's ear, scratching or digging attempts to remove it could be at play. Reach out to your vet before messing around with it—they can make sure no harm comes to your pet while removing the object.
Polyps or Tumors
If you can't figure out why your pooch is scratching away, polyps or tumors might be the issue. Your vet can run a thorough ear exam to determine if there's a serious problem.
Itchy Dog Ears: Helping Your Pup Feel Better
Know the signs, know the causes—now you're ready to help your furry buddy find relief! If your dog is scratching, check for signs of discharge, redness, or odor in the ears. Contact a vet immediately for a proper diagnosis and targeted treatment. The specific treatment depends on the cause, and could range from allergy medications like Zenrelia to ear cleansers or wipes approved by your vet.
Remember to read the package insert before using Zenrelia, including the Boxed Warning.
Preventing Itchy Ears in Dogs
Once you've identified and treated the root cause of the itchiness, take steps to keep it from recurring! Work with your vet to remove allergens from your pet's diet or home environment, and ensure proper ear care by keeping them clean and dry. Regular checks can help catch issues in their earliest stages before they become more difficult to treat.
- A dog's health-and-wellness and mental-health can also suffer due to chronic ear issues, as itchy ears may cause discomfort and even lead to loss of hearing.
- To maintain a dog's skin-care and overall health, regular check-ups and cleanings, along with a balanced diet and proper preventative measures, are essential in ensuring that ear troubles don't recur. Therapies-and-treatments like Zenrelia, ear cleansers, or wipes may also be necessary to alleviate itchy ears and prevent discomfort for your furry friend.
