01/09/2026
IS YOUR DOG SHAKING OR SCRATCHING AT THEIR EARS?
Before assuming it’s an infection, their ears may simply need a clean.
Wax, dirt and moisture can build up in the ear canal and cause irritation, especially in floppy-eared dogs, swimmers or dogs with hairy ears.
Signs to watch for:
* Head shaking
* Scratching or rubbing the ears
* Wax or brown debris
* Mild redness
* An unusual or ye**ty smell
* Sensitivity around the ears
If the ear isn’t painful, swollen or heavily inflamed, start with a good-quality dog ear cleaner. Apply as directed, massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds, let your dog shake, then gently wipe away what comes out. Never push cotton buds down the ear canal.
Keep an eye on it over the next day or two. If the scratching, smell or discharge continues, keeps returning, or the ear becomes red or painful, book a vet visit. Bacteria, yeast, mites, allergies or a foreign body such as a grass seed may be responsible and require specific treatment.
Regular ear checks and occasional cleaning when needed can help prevent a simple build-up becoming a much bigger problem.
