Why Is My Dog Scratching His Ears?

Dogs scratch. Just like we might rub our eyes or adjust our glasses. It’s part of being a living, slightly itchy creature. But when that habit starts turning into a routine, multiple times a day, every day, it’s worth paying closer attention.

Some dog breeds are more prone to it than others. Floppy-eared dogs, for example, are like moisture magnets. Upright ears? Less so, but not immune. And just like humans, dogs can get a bit itchier in certain seasons, too.

So how do you tell the difference between a harmless itch and a problem?

If the scratching lasts a few seconds and your puppy moves on, you’re probably fine. If they keep going back to the same ear, start shaking their head more often, or seem uncomfortable when you touch it, it’s time to take a closer look.

Because while a little scratch here and there is no big deal, constant ear-scratching could be your dog’s way of telling you something’s off.

Why Do Dogs Scratch Their Ears? 5 Common Reasons

There’s a big difference between the occasional scratch and a pet who won’t leave their ears alone. If it’s happening more than a few times a day or comes with other symptoms, it’s worth checking yourself or going to the veterinary medicine clinic near you.

Let’s walk through some of the 5 most common reasons your dog’s ears might be giving them grief.

1. Ear Infections

Moisture is the perfect setup for bacteria, fungus, and yeast to move in. And your dog’s ear canal is the best place for that.

Dogs can develop ear infections from trapped water, any liquid, a dog allergy, or even just dirty ears. Floppy-eared breeds like Cocker Spaniel or Golden Retriever are especially prone. Their ears create a warm, moist space with less airflow, which is ideal for unwanted guests.

Some signs to watch for:

• A strong, unpleasant odor
• Red or inflamed inner ears
• Discharge (sometimes dark brown or yellow)
• Head shaking, especially after sleeping
• Pulling away when you try to check their ears

If you’re seeing any of this, don’t wait it out. This isn’t a “let’s see how it goes” kind of issue. Infections hurt. And they don’t clear up on their own. A vet visit is your next step.

2. Allergies (Dog Food or Environmental)

Yes, your pet can have a dog allergy, too. And their ears are often the first place to show it. Common triggers for allergies in dogs include:

• Dog food ingredients (chicken, beef, dairy, wheat)
• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Mold

You might also notice your dog licking their paws, rubbing their face on furniture, or sneezing more than usual. Some dogs even develop rashes or hives.

Dog food allergy symptoms can overlap with infections, which makes diagnosis tricky. Sometimes, you’ll need to rule out one thing at a time with help from your vet. That might mean switching diets, trying antihistamines, or doing a full allergy workup.

It takes patience. But it’s manageable.

3. Ear Mites

If your dog is scratching like they’re being eaten alive, it might be because they kind of are.

Ear mites are microscopic parasites that feed on oils and wax inside the ear. They’re especially common in puppies, but any dog can get them, especially if they’ve been around other pets.

Here’s what to look for:

• Constant scratching
• Head shaking
• A crumbly, dark discharge (think coffee grounds)
• Red, irritated ears

Ear mites are highly contagious between animals, but can’t infect humans. But, they’re easy to treat with the right medication. Just make sure all pets in the home are treated, even if only one has symptoms.

4. Excess Wax Buildup or Debris

Dogs produce earwax just like we do. And in small amounts, it’s helpful. It traps dust, dirt, and tiny particles before they get too far inside.

But too much wax can cause itching and irritation. It can also trap allergens or moisture, making the ear more prone to infection.

If your dog’s ears look packed with gunk, skip the Q-tips. Pushing debris deeper into the canal can make things worse. A vet can do a proper cleaning, and if needed, recommend a safe at-home ear wash going forward.

5. Foreign Objects (Even Grass Seeds)

Dogs are curious. And their ears aren’t always picky about what they pick up.

Grass seeds, small twigs, or even loose bits of fur can get stuck in the ear canal. Once there, they can be extremely irritating and sometimes painful.

If your dog suddenly starts scratching one ear, yelps when touched, or won’t stop shaking their head, a foreign object could be the reason. This needs vet attention. The ear canal is sensitive, and digging around can lead to more damage.

What You Can Safely Check for at Home?

You don’t need a veterinary medicine degree to spot the basics. A quick check at home can tell you if something’s worth a closer look.

Start with the outer ear. Look for any redness, scabs, or crusty discharge. Healthy skin should look clean and calm, not angry or inflamed.

Next, do a sniff test. If the ear smells strong or unpleasant, that’s not normal. A mild doggy scent is fine. Sour or yeasty? That’s a flag.

Watch your dog’s head movement, too. Tilting one side, frequent shaking, or stumbling could mean something’s going on deeper inside the ear.

Don’t go poking around with cotton swabs or fingers. The ear canal is more fragile than you’d think. Going too deep can cause real damage.

If your dog pulls away, flinches, or whines when you touch near the ear, stop there. That’s enough of a sign.

Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.

When Should You Call the Vet?

• Scratching that doesn’t stop: If it’s been more than 2–3 days and your dog’s still going at it, it’s likely something more than a passing itch.
• Bad smell: A strong odor coming from the ear is almost always a sign of infection.
• Redness, swelling, or discharge: Anything more than mild irritation should be checked. Especially if there’s pus or brown gunk.
• Hearing loss or balance issues: If your dog seems disoriented, isn’t responding to your voice, or is tilting their head, the issue might be deeper in the ear.
• Bleeding or open wounds: These can get infected fast and are painful for your dog.

Ear issues don’t usually go away on their own. If left untreated, they can lead to long-term problems or chronic discomfort.

Can You Prevent This Scratching in the First Place?

In a lot of cases, yes. You won’t stop every itch, but you can lower the chances of it turning into something more serious. The key is building a few simple habits into your routine.

Here’s a short list that goes a long way:

• Clean your dog’s ears regularly. A gentle wipe with a vet-approved solution can help remove wax and dirt. Just don’t overdo it. Once a week is usually plenty, unless your vet says otherwise.
• Dry ears after every bath or swim. Moisture that sticks around is one of the biggest causes of ear infections. Use a soft towel. Take your time.
• Use vet-recommended cleaning products. Avoid DIY mixes or random pet-store bottles. Some ingredients can irritate your dog’s ears more than help.
• Manage allergies. If your dog has known sensitivities, keep them under control. This might mean dietary adjustments, medications, or avoiding certain environments.
• Schedule regular checkups. Especially for dogs with floppy ears. Your vet can spot early signs of buildup, irritation, inflammation, or infection before it becomes a problem.

Related: How to Clean Dog Ears

Why Is Your Dog Scratching His Ears?

Sometimes it’s nothing. Other times, it’s their way of telling you something’s wrong.

Since dogs can’t tap you on the shoulder and explain what’s going on, you’re left reading the signs. Scratching. Head shaking. Maybe a weird smell. It’s subtle, but it matters.

You’re already doing the right thing by asking questions and paying attention. That alone puts you ahead.

If something feels off, keep track. Jot down what you notice. How often does it happen? What side are they favoring? That kind of info can help your vet make faster, better decisions.