Why do puppies always scratch their itchy ears

When you see your lively and cute little dog playing carefree, but suddenly scratching its ears frequently with its paws, with a hint of annoyance and discomfort in its eyes, do you feel worried and heartbroken? Dogs with itchy ears always scratch, and there are many possible reasons behind this behavior. Understanding these reasons is the key to helping dogs get rid of their troubles and recover their health.

The ear structure of a small dog is relatively unique, with an L-shaped ear canal. This structure makes the inside of the ear relatively closed, warm, and humid, providing a breeding ground for various pathogens and parasites. Once there is a problem, it can easily cause ear itching, making the puppy unable to resist scratching.

Parasitic infection is one of the common causes of itchy ears in small dogs. Ear mites are the most typical ear parasites, they are small in size but can reproduce massively in the ear canals of small dogs. These little ones make a living by feeding on dandruff and lymphatic fluid in their ear canals, and their activities can stimulate the skin of the puppy's ear canal, causing severe itching. You may find that puppies not only scratch their ears frequently, but also shake their heads from time to time, trying to alleviate this discomfort. Careful observation of the puppy's ears reveals brownish black or reddish brown secretions, similar to coffee grounds, which are actually traces left by the activity of ear mites. If left untreated, ear mites may further damage a puppy's ear canal, leading to more severe inflammation.

Allergies are also a common cause of itchy ears in small dogs. Puppies may be allergic to pollen, dust, mold, and other substances in their environment, as well as certain ingredients in their food. When a puppy comes into contact with allergens, its immune system will overreact and release chemicals such as histamine, which can irritate the ear skin and cause itching. For example, during the pollen season, when a puppy goes out to play, it may experience ear itching symptoms due to exposure to pollen. Food allergies are relatively subtle and may require owners to carefully observe the diet and changes in symptoms of their dogs in order to detect them. If a puppy frequently experiences symptoms such as ear scratching and skin redness after consuming a new food, it may be a food allergy.

Infection is also an undeniable factor. Both bacterial and fungal infections can cause ear inflammation, leading to ear itching. Bacterial infection is usually caused by the lack of timely cleaning and care of a puppy's ear after injury, allowing bacteria to invade and trigger inflammation. Fungal infections often occur in humid environments, such as when a small dog fails to dry its ears promptly after bathing, which can provide opportunities for fungal growth. Inflammation caused by infection can cause redness, swelling, and pain in a puppy's ears, as well as an increase in secretions, seriously affecting the puppy's quality of life.

In addition to these, foreign objects entering the ears can also make the puppy feel uncomfortable. When a puppy is outdoors, foreign objects such as dust, sand, and small insects may enter its ears. These foreign objects can irritate the ear canal, causing itching and pain, and the puppy will instinctively scratch with its paws.

When we find that a puppy's ears itch and it always scratches, we should take timely measures. Firstly, carefully inspect the puppy's ears to see if there are any abnormal conditions such as secretions, redness, swelling, or odors. If signs of ear mites are found, pet specific mite removal drugs should be used promptly and treated according to the instructions. For ear itching caused by allergies, try to identify allergens and avoid contact with small dogs. If it is a food allergy, it may be necessary to replace dog food.

If suspected to be caused by infection, do not self medicate and be sure to take the puppy to a pet hospital. Doctors will determine the type of infection through professional examinations, such as ear canal secretion smear examination, and then prescribe appropriate medication for treatment. During the treatment process, it is important to strictly follow the doctor's instructions and administer medication to the puppy on time, without arbitrarily increasing or decreasing the dosage.

A puppy's itchy ears always scratch, which may seem like a small problem, but it can cause great pain to the puppy. As owners, we should always pay attention to the health of our puppies and take care of them with love and patience. When the puppy regained its lively and lovely appearance, happily surrounding us, the joy and peace of mind cannot be described in words. Let's work together for the health of our little dogs and spend every wonderful time with them.