Dog symptom
Ear scratching / head shaking in dogs
Pawing at the ears, head shaking, or an odor from the ear usually means an ear problem. Ear issues are uncomfortable and tend to worsen without treatment.
Common causes of ear scratching / head shaking in dogs
- Ear infection (bacterial or yeast)
- Ear mites (especially in cats and young pets)
- Allergies (a very common underlying cause of recurring ear infections)
- A foreign object such as a grass seed, or trapped water
Who's most at risk
- Floppy-eared and hairy-eared breeds
- Swimmers and frequently-bathed pets
- Allergic pets (recurring ear infections)
- Young pets and cats (ear mites)
What you can do at home
- Look (don't poke) — check for redness, discharge, or odor
- Only clean with a vet-approved ear cleaner; never use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal
- Keep ears dry after baths and swimming
When to see a vet
- Discharge, a strong smell, redness, or swelling
- Your pet is in pain, tilting the head, or off balance
- Repeated ear infections (the underlying allergy needs addressing)
When it's more serious
- Head tilt or balance loss can mean a deep or middle-ear problem — see a vet promptly.
- These signs point to infection — book a vet visit soon.
- That can be an aural hematoma from head shaking — your vet should treat it.
What your vet may do
- Otoscope exam and a swab of the discharge
- Identify yeast, bacteria, or mites under the microscope
- Clean the ear and prescribe the right medication
- Address the underlying allergy for repeat cases
Questions to ask your vet
- What's causing it — yeast, bacteria, or mites?
- Is the eardrum intact (which cleaners are safe)?
- Could an allergy be the real driver?
- How do I prevent it coming back?
Frequently asked questions
What causes ear scratching / head shaking in dogs?
Pawing at the ears, head shaking, or an odor from the ear usually means an ear problem. Ear issues are uncomfortable and tend to worsen without treatment. Common causes include: Ear infection (bacterial or yeast); Ear mites (especially in cats and young pets); Allergies (a very common underlying cause of recurring ear infections); A foreign object such as a grass seed, or trapped water.
Is ear scratching / head shaking in dogs an emergency?
Book a veterinary visit soon. See a vet right away if: Discharge, a strong smell, redness, or swelling; Your pet is in pain, tilting the head, or off balance; Repeated ear infections (the underlying allergy needs addressing).
What can I do at home for a dog with ear scratching / head shaking?
Look (don't poke) — check for redness, discharge, or odor Only clean with a vet-approved ear cleaner; never use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal Keep ears dry after baths and swimming
Sources
Reviewed by the Webvet Veterinarian Team
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis, and does not replace an exam by your veterinarian. If your pet is in distress, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.