This episode explores ear problems in dogs, why pets scratch, shake, or rub their ears, the most common underlying causes, and how vets diagnose and treat ear disease. The discussion covers allergies, infections, parasites, anatomy differences, foreign bodies, ear haematomas, chronic disease, and practical home-care strategies that help prevent recurring issues.
Podcast Summary: Understanding Ear Problems in Dogs
- Ear scratching and head shaking are usually caused by itch, which may originate inside the canal, on the ear flap, or from generalised facial itch due to allergies.
- Allergies are the most common underlying cause, triggering redness, heat, inflammation, and secondary bacterial or yeast overgrowth.
- Ear mites are far less common in adult dogs but common in puppies and kittens; they create black, crusty discharge and are easily treated with modern parasite controls.
- Fleas, midges, mosquitoes, and biting flies can cause itch on ear tips, especially in warm climates, leading to irritation and self-trauma.
- Weather-related vasculitis, including cold-induced ear-tip cracking, can cause severe discomfort and chronic wounds.
- Chronic ear infections lead to thickening of the ear canal, narrowing the opening and worsening airflow and moisture retention.
- Floppy-eared breeds and those with hairy canals (e.g. Poodles, Spaniels) are more prone to infection because reduced airflow creates a perfect environment for bugs to grow.
- Grass seeds and foreign bodies can lodge deep in the canal, causing sudden severe irritation and often needing sedation for removal.
- Ear haematomas occur when shaking or scratching ruptures blood vessels, filling the ear flap with blood; underlying itch must be treated to prevent recurrence.
- Ruptured eardrums may occur in chronic infections, limiting which medications are safe to use.
- Some breeds, such as Shar-Peis, have naturally narrow or complex canals, increasing risk of chronic disease.
- Diagnosis involves history, ear examination with an otoscope, microscopy of swabs, and sometimes deep ear flushing under sedation.
- Treatment depends on cause: allergy control, topical and oral medications, parasite treatment, infection management, anti-inflammatories, and in severe cases, surgery.
- Regular ear cleaning helps prevent flare-ups; cleaning techniques should avoid pouring solutions into painful ears and instead use gentle cotton-ball methods.
- Owners should learn what their pet’s “normal” ears look like to spot early changes and seek treatment before problems become chronic.
Jump to a Section
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:00 – 01:05 | Why pets scratch and shake their ears — identifying itch vs pain. |
| 01:05 – 04:33 | Allergies, secondary infections, redness, yeast and bacterial overgrowth. |
| 04:33 – 06:56 | Ear mites, fleas, and insect-related ear irritation. |
| 06:56 – 11:01 | Cold-weather ear-tip vasculitis and anatomy issues affecting healing. |
| 11:01 – 13:27 | Ear canal anatomy, swimming, ruptured eardrums, and chronic infection cycles. |
| 13:27 – 16:00 | Foreign bodies like grass seeds and challenges in diagnosis. |
| 16:00 – 18:10 | Allergy treatments, topical medications, infection control, and culture testing. |
| 18:10 – 20:40 | Ear cleaning methods, cotton-ball technique, and managing painful ears. |
| 20:40 – 23:10 | Recurrent infections, long-term planning, and allergy management. |
| 23:10 – 27:00 | Parasites, ear mites, flea baths, and easy fixes for infestation. |
| 27:00 – 29:30 | Haematomas, surgical vs medical treatment, and scar tissue formation. |
| 29:30 – End | Prevention strategies — routine checks, drying ears after baths, and cleaning frequency. |
General advice only. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your pet.