For itchy dog ears, see a vet first to find the cause (allergies, mites, infection), as treatments vary; they might prescribe medicated drops, oral meds (Apoquel, Cytopoint for allergies, antibiotics/antifungals for infections), or suggest regular cleaning with vet-approved solutions. At home, try gentle drying after water, fatty acid supplements, oatmeal shampoos, or cool compresses, but avoid putting anything in the ear without vet guidance to prevent worsening issues like a ruptured eardrum.
Head shaking and ear scratching in dogs often indicate ear infections or parasites like ear mites. Symptoms include redness, odor, discharge, and discomfort. Treatment involves cleaning the ears with vet-approved solutions and administering prescribed medications such as antibiotics or anti-parasitic drops.
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"Treating" your doggo with a home remedy for the wrong thing won't help and can even lead to other problems. If your pet has a ruptured ear drum, there's a very real risk of causing pain, balance problems, and hearing loss. Never put anything in your dog's ear without veterinary instruction.
You might notice these physical symptoms as well: swelling, reddish ear wax, and redness. These symptoms are similar to yeast infections, but a significant difference is the dark granules in your dog's ears that resemble coffee grounds. These granules are ear mite discharge.
What are some home remedies for my dog's itching? Some natural remedies to soothe itchy skin are coconut oil, a baking soda paste applied to the area or a baking soda bath, a 50:50 mix of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle applied to the affected area, green or chamomile tea baths, and aloe vera.
10 Remedies for Itchy Ears That Actually Work
Irritation in your dog's ear can be caused by many other things. Allergies are a common cause of ear irritation, but it can also be caused by a bacterial or yeast ear infection. It's important to book an appointment with your vet so they can determine whether ear mites are the cause of your dog's irritation.
Here are some home remedies you might want to try:
8 Signs Your Dog Has an Ear Infection
Ear mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that are normally contracted from the outdoor environment that your feline friend comes into contact with. This can include wooded or grassy areas, or animal shelters or veterinary offices with poor hygiene.
Ear infections often develop as a secondary symptom of underlying allergies, especially to molds, dust mites, pollens, and dog food that contains animal proteins such as chicken.
Olive oil or coconut oil is sometimes applied to soften wax or soothe irritation. These oils can help loosen debris but do not treat bacterial or fungal infections. Oils can also trap moisture in the ear canal, potentially worsening the condition if overused or used inappropriately.
Home treatments for dog ear infections
Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. Apply a small amount to the ear with a cotton ball and massage the base of the ear.
Ear mites are extremely small, making it difficult to spot them. If you use a soft cloth to wipe the dog's ears, you may be able to spot the mites in the residue. They appear as tiny white dots. Some symptoms to look out for are brown or black waxy ear secretions and a strong odor from the ears.
The cause may be an itch or a full-blown infection. Most dogs scratch at an ear occasionally. However, if you notice your dog scratching frequently, crying when they scratch, holding their head tilted sideways, or if they have ear redness or hair loss, then you need to investigate.
Breeds Prone to Ear Infections and Signs to Watch For
It cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Dr Ooi said itchy ears could be a symptom of ear eczema, which may also cause dryness and discolouration. The condition is more common among people with a personal or family history of eczema, asthma or allergies.
Next, apply a small dollop of Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original on the outer areas of your ears with a cotton bud. This hypoallergenic jelly has been awarded the US National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so you can rest assured that it treats your symptoms of sensitive skin and dryness as you go about your day.
Commonly prescribed anti-itching medications include glucocorticoids, and essential fatty acids, cyclosporine, and oclacitinib. Treating itchiness with antihistamines is common, but their success in treating itching is highly variable.
For temporary relief of itching, try these self-care measures: