My dog scratches his ear, and it's not normal for him to scratch constantly. This behavior is a sign of discomfort that could be caused by an ear infection, a foreign object, a blockage, parasites, allergies, a keratinization disorder, or even an autoimmune skin disease.
My dog is scratching his ear
It is never normal for a dog to scratch or rub its ears. This behavior usually reflects discomfort or even pain due to an ear canal infection called otitis . There are several possible causes of this infection.
Reasons why a dog scratches its ear
Using unsuitable products to clean a dog's ears too frequently, or conversely, washing them too rarely, can cause an imbalance in the symbiotic flora of the ears and explain the itching.
Seek advice from your veterinarian regarding the selection of an ear cleaning product for your dog, as well as determining the frequency and method of cleaning the dog's ears.
1- The presence of a foreign object in the ear canal
The presence of a foreign object in the ear canal is a common cause of ear infections in dogs, causing significant discomfort that leads the dog to shake its head, rub it on the ground, or scratch its head.
A foreign object can irritate or even block the ear canal, potentially leading to infection. These objects can be of plant origin, including spikes, sand, dried residue from household ear care products, or lint from hair that accumulates in the lower part of the ear canal.
How is it treated?
It is essential that the veterinarian remove the foreign object as soon as possible. The longer the wait, the greater the risk of complications such as infection or eardrum perforation. The foreign object is removed by the veterinarian using small forceps, usually while the dog is under anesthesia.
We, the seventh bird, suggest pet.code.clinic to you:
For the best treatment and the best service, you can get a free medical consultation via WhatsApp number 0544789504
2- Blockage of the ear canal
A tumor in the ear canal causes inflammation, resulting in itchy, foreign-looking ears. It narrows the canal, obstructing air circulation and the dog's natural ear cleaning process, and promoting the occurrence and recurrence of otitis externa (outer ear infections).
How is it treated?
The use of a fairly heavy surgical intervention depends on the location, size, or narrowing of the tumor.
We, the seventh bird, suggest pet.code.clinic to you:
For the best treatment and the best service, you can get a free medical consultation via WhatsApp number 0544789504
3- The presence of parasites in the ear canal
Various mites can be found in a dog's ear canal and cause itching. This is particularly true of ear mites, responsible for ear mite infestations in dogs, and canine Demodex mites; while the latter can affect the dog's body, it can also be limited to the ears.
Scabies-associated ear inflammation manifests as severe inflammation and itching of the ears and secretion of dry, granular, brown-black earwax with a distinctive odor.
In the auricular form of demodicosis, the external ear canal is inflamed and contains yellowish to brownish wax. This type of demodicosis is often accompanied by other lesions that can be observed on the animal's body.
How is it treated?
Use frequent and thorough cleaning of the outer ear and auricle and antiparasitic treatment as prescribed by the veterinarian.
Therefore, you may find in the seventh bird :
Bevar Lemon & Lavender Ear Cleanser
Avicin Labs 6in1 Antifungal Cream for Dogs and Cats
Otoflor ear drops for dogs and cats to treat ear infections, by Avicin Labs
4- Allergy
Dog allergies are a major cause of erythematous psoriasis in dogs. Consequently, dermatitis can manifest.
How is it treated?
Depending on the cause of the allergy, which the veterinarian will need to determine, the itching will be relieved by following a diet or measures to eliminate the allergens responsible for the dog's hypersensitivity (e.g., changing food in the case of a food allergy) and/or treatments for the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. In the case of a superinfection, it will be necessary to complete the treatment by eliminating the pathogens that have colonized the ear canal with medication based on the specific agent: an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, an antifungal for a yeast infection.
Therefore, you may find in the seventh bird :
Andorina ear wash for dogs and cats with tea extract and almond oil
Oridermil ear ointment for treating external ear infections in dogs and cats, from Phytoquinol