Is scratching your dog's ears a sign of illness? Here are three possible causes and solutions

Many dog ​​owners have probably often seen their dog scratching its ears.

In particular, dogs with droopy ears may have poor ventilation and may be suffering from otitis externa or dermatitis, but this is not the only cause. Dogs may also scratch their ears to express emotions such as happiness or nervousness.

This article will explain in detail the causes of ear scratching in dogs and how to resolve it. Use this article as an opportunity to consider when to visit a veterinarian and to understand your dog's feelings.

Dogs scratch their ears not only because they're sick

Causes of ear scratching in dogs include otitis externa, allergies, and other skin conditions, as well as infections such as fleas. However, it can also be a sign of stress, anxiety, or tension. In cases of stress, your dog may scratch not only his ears but also his neck and body.

If your dog scratches its ears frequently, observe it to determine the cause and the occasions when it does so.

Three Reasons Why Dogs Scratch Their Ears

Let's look at three possible reasons why your dog might scratch its ears.

Stress

Dogs, just like humans, experience stress in their daily lives. When they feel sad, anxious, or stressed, they scratch to soothe themselves. There are many reasons why dogs feel stressed, including changes in their environment (such as moving), changes in family relationships (such as having a baby), and environmental factors such as noise and room temperature.

They may also scratch their ears to relieve tension when they are experiencing conflict during training, when they feel uneasy in an unfamiliar environment like when traveling, or when they encounter a dog they don't like.

Feeling Satisfied/Dissatisfied

When a dog scratches its ears, it can also be expressing a sense of satisfaction. For example, have you ever seen it scratch its ears with its hind paws after playing with its owner or after a meal?

In this case, it's said to be a sign of emotional satisfaction. Your dog's expression should also be calm, so observe it closely.

Also, if your dog scratches with its front paws, it's said to be expressing dissatisfaction, such as wanting more attention. It's important to carefully observe when your dog scratches its ears and understand whether it's satisfied or dissatisfied.

Signs of Illness

If your dog is sick, it will clearly show signs that are different from usual, so check the following points.

• Ear odor
• Sticky earwax
• Red ears
• Head-shaking behavior

If you notice any of these symptoms, your dog should see a vet because it may have ear inflammation caused by bacterial, flea, or tick infections, otitis externa, food or house dust allergies, or dermatitis. Treatment, such as ear medication, may be necessary.

Here's an article detailing what to check when your dog's ears are red, so please check it out.
[Three things to check when your dog's ears are red. This could be a sign of illness! 】

How to Fix Your Dog's Ear Scratching

Next, we'll introduce ways to resolve your dog's ear scratching. Find a solution that suits the cause.

Release Stress

If stress seems to be the cause, you need to find out what's stressing your dog. To do this, first eliminate the possible source of stress.

For example, if your dog moves to a corner of the room and scratches its ears when the TV is on, try turning down the volume. If you've just brought home a new puppy, you may need to shorten the amount of time you spend with your puppy until they get used to it, and then gradually increase the amount of time you spend with them.

Dogs also feel comfortable when they're close to their owners. Try to limit their time alone and provide plenty of physical contact as much as possible. For dogs that like to exercise, we recommend increasing the number of walks and letting them play ball games or go to the dog park to exercise to their heart's content. However, be aware that strenuous exercise can be stressful for small or elderly dogs.

If you suspect an ear disease, consult a veterinarian for proper care.

If you suspect an ear disease, you should clean your dog's ears by gently wiping them with a clean cloth. However, we recommend visiting a vet as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening.

French bulldogs and pugs, known for their narrow ear canals, and toy poodles, known for their hairy ears, require careful attention. These breeds require regular ear plucking and ear cleaning. Consult a veterinarian for proper care. Also, even for other dog breeds, if you notice symptoms such as earwax or ear odor, please visit a vet.

Please refer to the following article for a detailed explanation of dog earwax.
【What do dogs do with their earwax? Is cleaning necessary? Normal Earwax and Signs of Earwax that Require Attention】

Understanding Signs of Stress in Dogs

Dogs cannot speak, so they use their bodies to communicate their feelings, such as their position, anxiety, or irritation. These are called calming signals, and they can be thought of as signals to calm both you and the other person. The following behaviors can help you understand your dog's feelings, so observe their usual behavior carefully.

• Averting your face or eyes = A behavior shown when dealing with someone who is slightly scary
• Yawning = A behavior shown when feeling uncomfortable
• Licking after biting = A way to express "please stop resisting." Behaviors that can lead to a reversal of leadership between owner and dog

Summary

Did you enjoy learning about the causes and solutions for your dog's ear scratching?

If illness isn't suspected, stress is likely the cause. Recognize your dog's stress early and address it promptly.

Dogs also love spending time and playing with their owners. To prevent your dog from accumulating stress, be sure to give them plenty of physical contact and affection.