What to do if a dog’s ears are red and itchy?

Red, itchy ears are typically signs of otitis externa—one of the most common issues in dogs. Affected dogs often scratch their ears frequently and shake their heads vigorously. In severe cases, the ears become painful, and dogs will refuse to let their owners touch the affected area.

Cause Investigation

1. Water trapped in the ears after bathing, with no timely cleaning
2. Infrequent ear cleaning over a long period
3. Infections caused by ear mites
4. Foreign bodies or tumors in the ear canal
5. Food or environmental allergies

Solutions

1. If there is a large amount of ear discharge, clean the ears with an ear cleaner once daily, then apply ointment or drops for treating otitis externa.
2. Recommended Products: Ear cleaners (e.g., Epi-Otic, Ear Comfort), broad-spectrum ear medications (e.g., Otomax, Easotic, Erkang).
3. For severe itching, always put an Elizabethan collar on your dog to prevent scratching that may cause further ear damage.
4. If there are growths in the ear canal, seek veterinary attention promptly—surgical treatment may be required.

Preventive Measures

1. Regular Ear Care: Clean ears with a dedicated ear cleaner 1–2 times a week. If you are unable to do it at home, visit a pet store or veterinary clinic for professional cleaning.
2. For dog breeds with excessive ear hair, regularly pluck the hair in the ear canal to keep it unobstructed and dry.
3. Apply a small amount of ear cleaner before bathing, then clean the outer ear canal thoroughly with the cleaner after bathing.
4. Use high-quality cotton swabs that do not easily shed cotton when cleaning ears.

Special Reminders

1. Otitis externa causes significant discomfort to dogs, and the treatment process may induce pain or distress. Be cautious during home care to avoid being bitten or scratched.
2. Since the ears are close to the brain, if there is no improvement after 3–7 days of home treatment, or if the symptoms are too severe to manage at home, consult a veterinarian immediately. Delayed treatment may worsen the condition into otitis media or otitis interna, leading to nerve damage.