If your dog keeps shaking their head and scratching their ear, you should contact your vet promptly, as it often signals an underlying issue like an infection, mites, allergies, or a foreign object, which needs professional diagnosis and treatment, with early intervention preventing more serious problems like aural hematomas or deeper infections. While gently checking for redness or odor is okay, avoid sticking anything in the ear; the vet can safely examine, clean, and prescribe necessary medications (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories) or suggest allergy management.

Why is my dog always scratching her ears and shaking her head?

Bacterial and Yeast Infections in the Ear

The most frequently diagnosed health problem that causes excessive head shaking dogs is an ear infection. Ear infections tend to be itchy and produce a lot of discharge and inflammation, all of which make dogs want to shake their heads.

How do I treat my dog's ear infection at home?

Hydrogen Peroxide: Use a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide to clean the ear. Be cautious not to use too strong a concentration, as it can cause irritation. Witch Hazel: Apply witch hazel to the ear with a cotton ball. It has astringent properties that can help dry out the ear and reduce inflammation.

What does a yeast infection look like in a dog's ear?

Yeast infections in dogs' ears typically result in head shaking and rubbing, itching, odor, redness, and brown discharge. Ear mites in dogs have many of the same symptoms, however, there are a few slight differences. Ear mites cause a dark discharge from the ear that can be waxy or crusty.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean my dog's ears?

No, you should not put hydrogen peroxide in your dog's ear because it irritates healthy skin, damages sensitive tissues, strips natural oils, and can worsen infections, despite its bubbling action looking helpful. Instead, use a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner with cotton balls or gauze (never cotton swabs, which push debris deeper) and consult your vet for persistent issues like redness, odor, or excessive scratching.
 

Dog Yeast Ear Infections: Great OTC Home Remedy

What kills ear mites in dogs?

A single dose of NexGard® for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA® for Dogs is highly effective at treating ear mites in puppies and dogs. Dogs with ear mites may develop secondary ear infections which require additional treatment. If ear irritation persists, always consult with your vet.

What are signs of an ear infection?

The symptoms of an ear infection usually start quickly and include:

• pain inside the ear (earache)
• a high temperature.
• difficulty hearing.
• discharge running out of the ear.
• a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear.
• itching and irritation in and around the ear.
• scaly skin in and around the ear.

How to flush out dog's ears?

How To Clean Your Dogs Ears

1. Place a cotton ball or piece of gauze in the outer ear canal. ...
2. Fill the ear canal with cleaning solution. ...
3. Massage the ear canal. ...
4. Let your dog shake their head. ...
5. Wipe away the rest of the debris. ...
6. Treat time!

Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?

You clean them, you treat them, and yet they keep coming back. Frequent ear infections aren't just a nuisance; they're a sign that something deeper is wrong. Allergies, parasites, and moisture buildup are common culprits.

What are common mistakes when cleaning dog ears?

Dog Ear Cleaning: 6 Mistakes to Avoid for Healthy, Happy Ears

• Using the wrong ear cleaning solution. ...
• Not using enough ear cleaning solution. ...
• Using a cotton swab. ...
• Cleaning your dog's ears next to your brand new couch. ...
• Disciplining your dog during the cleaning process. ...
• Waiting to see your veterinarian.

Why does my dog's ear itch and shaking his head?

An ear mite infection will cause your dog's ears to itch, which often results in them shaking their head excessively, or scratching at their ears with their paws. Ear mites can also cause your dog's ears to: produce wax. become irritated, causing them to look red and inflamed.

What breeds are prone to ear infections?

Some breeds, particularly those with large, floppy, or hairy ears (e.g., cocker spaniels, miniature poodles, Old English sheepdogs) are more prone to ear infections, but they can occur in any breed.

What makes ears stop itching?

To stop itchy ears, keep them dry, use over-the-counter (OTC) soothing ear drops or a few drops of oil like olive oil for dryness, avoid inserting anything like cotton swabs (which can worsen the problem), manage allergies with antihistamines if needed, and use a humidifier for dry air, but always see a doctor if itching persists, as it could signal an infection or allergy needing specific treatment.

What are the symptoms of ear mites?

Pets who are infested usually experience itching, head shaking, and abnormal ear discharge. Although ear mites in cats can cause extreme discomfort, they are not typically life-threatening. However, if left untreated, they can cause secondary bacterial infections, pain, and severe inflammation in the ear canals.

How to naturally get rid of an ear infection?

Here are options to try:

1. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain and fever reliever. ...
2. Warm compress for an ear infection. ...
3. Rest. ...
4. Saltwater gargle. ...
5. Drying eardrops for an ear infection. ...
6. Hydrogen peroxide. ...
7. Home remedies used to treat related illnesses. ...
8. Avoid using Q-tips for ear infection cleaning.

What kills yeast in dogs' ears?

To kill yeast in a dog's ears, a veterinarian typically prescribes antifungal ear drops containing ingredients like miconazole, ketoconazole, or terbinafine, often combined with anti-inflammatory medicine; for severe cases, oral antifungals or thorough ear cleaning are needed, but always consult a vet first as home remedies like vinegar rinses should be used cautiously and with professional guidance.
 

What happens if dog ear yeast infections go untreated?

If a dog's yeast infection is left untreated, it will progressively worsen and lead to extreme discomfort. Over time, the discomfort can cause the dog to become very sick.

What foods cause dog ear infections?

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.

How can I get rid of my dog's ear infection without going to the vet?

Here are some home remedies you might want to try:

1. Tea. Brew some green tea, let it cool, and then use a pure cotton ball (not synthetic) to gently clean the ear. ...
2. Olive oil. A few drops of olive oil can work wonders as a natural ear cleaner. ...
3. Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is another good cleanser. ...
4. Apple cider vinegar.

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