There’s a reason your pup seems to be extra scratchy when his ears hurt. Here’s why dog ear infections are connected to itchy skin and what you can do about it.

Key takeaways:

• Many illnesses that cause dog ear infections also bring on itchy skin issues.

• The shape of a dog’s ear canal predisposes them to ear problems.

• Moisture can get trapped inside the ear canal, which leads to infection and pain.

• Environmental, food, or parasite allergies can cause ear infections and itchy skin.

• Keeping their ears clean and dry can prevent dog ear infections.

Dog ear infections and itchy skin are two of the major reasons for vet visits, and they often go hand in hand. Many conditions that result in an ear infection can also cause itchy skin. Here’s what you need to know about a few of the most common reasons dogs get ear infections that can result in itchy skin, how they’re treated, and how you can start preventing these problems today.

Moisture

Sweat, rain, and bathwater can get trapped inside your pup’s ear and turn it into a petri dish for bacteria and germs. Dogs’ ear canals are shaped like an L, which predisposes them to pooling moisture. This helps initiate infection and feeds it by making it harder for ear wax and skin oils to work their way out. This means your dog suffers from a harmful, itchy build-up deep in the canal.

Swimmer’s ear is one dog ear infection caused by water trapped in the ear. It can happen to people, too, and it's painful and irritating. The initial tickling and itching of the inner ear can be maddening. Pups with an excess of moisture in their ear canals will exhibit head shaking and scratching at the ears and head.

Allergies

Pups with allergies are more susceptible to ear infections. In fact, dog ear infections are often secondary symptoms of allergies caused by mold, pollen, dust mites, and even some dog foods. The skin on the inside of the ear becomes itchy and inflamed from histamines in seasonal irritants. Ears quickly become infected once irritated, and the itching becomes even worse. A dog with allergies will typically display headshaking, sneezing, watery eyes, and scratching around the head, ears, and face.

Thyroid disease

Autoimmune disorders, such as thyroid disease, can put your pup at a higher risk for ear infections. When the thyroid misbehaves, several vital fluid levels fall to critical levels or over-activate and wreak havoc throughout the body, including ear infections. Hyperthyroidism is a common issue among some breeds of dogs. Those that experience it will show marked weight gain and sluggishness. They seek out warm places and lose much of their coat. Some will scratch incessantly.

Wax buildup and foreign bodies

Excess wax serves as food for the normal bacteria and yeast found in a dog’s ear when added moisture causes overpopulation. As the yeast and bacteria feed on this waxy buildup, it produces a foul odor, discharge, pain, and infection. Foreign bodies such as a stick, briar, insect, or other items in the ear can also cause an infection. Your pup will do a lot of scratching at his ear to relieve the pain.

How to treat a dog ear infection

The precise treatment for any dog ear infection depends on its cause. That’s why it’s important to take your dog to the vet as soon as symptoms begin. The first step is a thorough cleansing with a medicated canine ear cleaner. The vet may prescribe a medicated cleaner to use at home. If the infection is severe, an oral antibiotic or anti-inflammatory could be necessary.

Once the appropriate treatment starts, most dog ear infections clear up within a few weeks. Surgery may be necessary if the condition is severe or chronic and other treatments aren’t working.

How to prevent a dog ear infection

Many ear infections that cause itchy skin can be avoided with preventative measures. Excess moisture is a big problem for pup ears. Taking the time to completely dry your dog’s ears after swimming, bathing, or playing outside can go a long way in keeping ear infections at bay. Chronic ear infections accompanied by itchy skin require a deeper diagnosis. More serious problems may require a vet’s assistance to diagnose and treat an underlying condition to prevent a recurrence.

Routine care helps keep your dog clean and healthy!

Ear infections and itchy skin are common problems for many pups. Keeping their ears clean and comfortable is easily manageable with help from your vet and routine basic hygiene. At Scenthound, we ensure your dog is taken care of from teeth to tail, and you get a full report of your dog’s external health with our S.C.E.N.T. Check™ report after each visit. This helps you keep track of your dog’s health and spot any skin issues or infections early so that you can get ahead of them before they become bigger problems.

Find a Scenthound location near you to get started today.