What's Causing My Dog's Itchy Ears

When you see a dog scratching its ears frequently or shaking its head incessantly, and the hair around its ears becomes messy, you must be filled with worry. Dogs cannot speak, they can only convey their discomfort through these actions. Itchy ears may seem like a minor issue, but they can also hide many health risks. As the closest companion of dogs, understanding the reasons behind their itchy ears is the key to providing them with timely care and assistance.

Infection with parasites is one of the common causes of itchy ears in dogs. Ear mites are tiny parasites that parasitize the external auditory canal of dogs, and they prefer to survive in dark and humid environments. Ear mites crawl and reproduce in the ear canal, feeding on skin debris and lymphatic fluid, which can irritate the skin of dogs' ears and cause severe itching. Dogs infected with ear mites will produce black brown secretions in their ears, similar to coffee grounds, and also emit unpleasant odors. Dogs will frequently scratch their ears due to itching, and even rub their heads against the ground in an attempt to relieve discomfort. If left untreated, ear mites may cause otitis externa, further exacerbating the pain of dogs.

Ear diseases are also an important cause of itching in dogs' ears. External otitis is a common ear disease, which can be caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. When a dog's ears get wet and are not wiped dry in a timely manner, or are left in a damp and poorly ventilated environment for a long time, it is easy to breed bacteria and fungi, leading to inflammation. Otitis externa can cause redness, swelling, pain, and increased secretion in dogs' ears. Dogs may frequently scratch their ears due to pain and itching. Otitis media is more severe, which is an inflammation of the middle ear area. It may be caused by the spread of otitis media, or by diseases such as colds and respiratory infections that cause blockage of the Eustachian tube, leading to otitis media. Otitis media not only causes itching in dogs' ears, but also affects their hearing, leading to shaking of their heads, imbalance, and even systemic symptoms such as fever and mental fatigue.

Allergies can also make dogs' ears itch. Dogs may be allergic to certain substances in food and environment, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, etc. Allergic reactions can cause inflammation of the ear skin, resulting in symptoms such as itching, redness, and papules. Some dogs are allergic to ingredients in certain brands of dog food or snacks. After consuming them, not only will their ears itch, but they may also experience other allergic symptoms such as skin itching and diarrhea. When dogs come into contact with allergens, their immune system will overreact, releasing chemicals such as histamine, stimulating ear nerves, and causing itching.

When you notice itching in your dog's ears, don't blindly deal with it. First, carefully observe your dog's symptoms. If black brown secretion is found in the ear, it is likely to be caused by ear mite infection; If there is redness, swelling, pain, and increased secretion in the ear, it may be otitis media or otitis media; If a dog is accompanied by other allergic symptoms such as itching, sneezing, etc., it may be caused by allergies. After observing the symptoms, it is best to take the dog to a pet hospital for examination. The veterinarian will use methods such as otoscopy and secretion smear to accurately determine the cause and provide targeted treatment plans.

For ear mite infections, veterinarians usually prescribe ear drops containing ingredients such as ivermectin and doramectin, and regularly give ear drops to dogs according to medical advice. It usually needs to be used continuously for a period of time to completely kill the ear mites and their eggs. When using ear drops, gently open the dog's ears, drop the ear drops deep into the ear canal, and then gently massage the base of the ear to ensure that the medication is fully distributed in the ear canal. For ear diseases, depending on the pathogen causing the infection, antibiotics, antifungal drugs, or antiviral drugs may be used for treatment. If it is otitis media, oral medication or intravenous therapy may also be necessary. For ear itching caused by allergies, it is important to identify the allergen and avoid contact with dogs as much as possible. Antiallergic drugs can also be used to alleviate symptoms.

Dogs' itchy ears are a distress signal from their health. Every careful observation, every rush to take the dog to the hospital, and every time we treat the dog according to the doctor's advice, are all manifestations of our deep love for them. I hope every dog can stay away from the problem of itchy ears, live a healthy and happy life under the care of their owner, and continue to use their warm companionship to light up our every day. Let us use love and patience to protect the health of dogs' ears and keep their world clear and beautiful.