why does my dog keep scratching his ear? causes and what to do

If your dog keeps scratching his ear, common causes include an ear infection, allergies, ear mites, or something stuck in the ear, such as a foxtail or grass seed. Moisture, your dog’s ear shape, and underlying allergies can also make ear irritation and infections more likely.

Occasional ear scratching is normal. Persistent or frequent scratching is not something to ignore, especially if your dog is also shaking their head; has smelly ears; or has redness, swelling, discharge, or pain. The best way to know what is causing ear scratching is to have your dog’s ears examined by a veterinarian.

If your dog’s scratching will not stop or comes with odor, redness, discharge, or obvious discomfort, get your dog’s ears checked.

Is it normal for a dog to scratch their ears?

Occasional ear scratching is normal for dogs. A quick scratch here and there usually isn't a reason to worry, particularly if your dog otherwise seems comfortable and their ears look and smell normal.

Frequent or persistent scratching can be a sign of an ear problem. Pay closer attention if your dog repeatedly scratches the same ear, shakes their head, rubs their ear on furniture or the floor, or seems bothered when you touch the ear.

Other signs to pay attention to:

• Redness or swelling
• Brown, yellow, green, or bloody discharge
• A strong or unusual odor
• Whining or pulling away when the ear is touched
• Frequent head shaking
• A head tilt or changes in balance
• Scratching that causes bleeding or open skin

If you notice these signs, your dog may need more than routine ear cleaning. A veterinary exam can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

Why does my dog keep scratching his ear? Common causes

Several conditions can cause a dog to scratch their ears. Some are relatively simple to manage, while others need prompt veterinary treatment.

Ear infection

Ear infections are a common cause of persistent ear scratching in dogs. Bacterial and yeast infections can cause itching, redness, pain, odor, and discharge. The discharge may be brown, yellow, or another unusual color.

Ear infections are often connected to an underlying problem, such as allergies, moisture, ear anatomy, or another source of irritation. That is why treating the infection alone may not prevent it from coming back.

If you think your dog has an ear infection, have your veterinarian examine the ear rather than trying to diagnose or treat it at home. See our guide on whether you can treat a dog ear infection without a vet for more information.

Read more:

Download more about external ear infections

Download more about middle and inner ear infections

Allergies

Allergies are a common underlying cause of chronic ear scratching and recurring ear infections in dogs. Dogs can have environmental allergies, food allergies, or other allergic conditions that cause itchy skin and ears.

When allergies contribute to ear problems, treating each ear infection without addressing the underlying allergy may lead to a cycle of recurring irritation and infections. Your veterinarian can help determine if allergies are contributing to your dog’s symptoms and develop a treatment plan.

Ear mites

Ear mites are parasites that can cause itching and irritation inside the ear. They are more common in cats than dogs but can still affect them, particularly puppies or dogs living with other pets.

A dog with ear mites may have dark, dry debris that looks similar to coffee grounds in the ear. Ear mites can spread between pets, so if one pet has them, other household animals may need to be checked.

Because ear mites and ear infections can cause similar symptoms, an ear exam is the best way to determine what is causing the problem.

Something stuck in the ear, such as a foxtail or grass seed

A foxtail, grass seed, or other foreign object can become lodged in a dog's ear canal and cause sudden, intense scratching or head shaking. This can happen after a dog spends time outdoors, particularly around tall grass or plants.

A foreign object may affect just one ear, and the scratching can start suddenly. If your dog develops intense ear scratching or head shaking after being outdoors, contact your veterinarian.

Do not try to dig around inside the ear to find or remove a suspected foxtail. A foreign object can be difficult to see and may cause additional injury if pushed deeper into the ear.

Moisture and ear anatomy

Moisture trapped in the ear can contribute to irritation and ear infections. Dogs that swim or get regular baths may be more prone to ear problems, particularly if their ears don’t dry well.

A dog’s ear canal also has an L-shape, and some dogs have floppy or heavily haired ears that can make ventilation and cleaning more difficult. These factors can make certain dogs more prone to recurring ear irritation.

If your dog frequently develops ear problems after swimming or bathing, ask your veterinarian about an ear-care routine. For routine cleaning guidance, see how to clean your dog’s ears safely, step by step.

How to check your dog's ears at home

You can safely look at the parts of your dog's ears that are easy to see. A quick visual check can help you notice changes, but it won’t diagnose the underlying cause of an ear problem.

Healthy ears generally have little odor and should not be noticeably red, swollen, or painful. Some visible wax can be normal, but a sudden increase in debris or a change in odor can signal a problem.

Do not put anything deep into your dog’s ear canal while checking it. Never use a cotton swab to probe the ear, and do not pour hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or human ear drops into it.

Treating an ear problem without knowing its cause can make the irritation worse. Some ear medications are not safe to use if the eardrum is damaged, so your veterinarian may need to examine the ear before recommending treatment.

How to ease the scratching until you can see a vet

If your dog is scratching while you’re waiting for an appointment, focus on preventing additional injury rather than trying to fix the issue.

Keep your dog's nails trimmed to reduce the chance of scratches when they paw at the ear. If your dog is scratching hard enough to damage the skin, a recovery collar may help prevent further trauma until they can be examined.

If your dog is exposed to water through swimming or bathing, flush and dry their ears with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls to help them stay dry.

There is no single safe home remedy that treats every cause of ear scratching! These steps are only a bridge to veterinary care. If the scratching is persistent, finding and treating the cause is the best way to provide lasting relief.

Treatment depends on the cause of the ear scratching. An infection may require medication, while allergies may require longer-term management. A foreign object such as a foxtail needs to be removed, and parasites such as ear mites require appropriate parasite treatment.

Finding the underlying cause is particularly important when a dog keeps getting ear infections. Treating the infection without addressing contributing factors can allow the problem to return.

For more information about yeast-related ear problems, read about dog ear yeast infections.

Dog ear scratching FAQs

Medically reviewed by Diana Luplow, DVM

Important Notice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet's health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this page.