Flap-flap-flap. Every dog owner knows the sound of a good head shake. Usually it means nothing more than an itch or a post-bath protest.
When it becomes the soundtrack to every evening, however, your dog may be trying to tell you that something is bothering their ears.
Moisture, ear mites, something stuck in the ear, ear shape, environmental allergies and food allergies can all play a part. Sometimes an infection joins the party and makes everything much more uncomfortable.
Is it an itch or an ear SOS?
Look out for:
- frequent ear scratching or head shaking;
- redness around the ear;
- extra wax or discharge;
- an unusual smell;
- rubbing the head on furniture or carpet; or
- discomfort when the ear is touched.
An occasional scratch is ordinary dog behaviour. Pain, marked swelling, a strong smell, discharge or holding the head to one side deserves a call to your vet. Ear infections need proper examination and treatment.
Meet the usual suspects
Treating an infection may settle the immediate problem, but the original trigger may still be hanging around. The usual suspects include:
- ears staying damp after swimming or bathing;
- ear mites or another parasite;
- a grass seed or other foreign object;
- environmental triggers such as pollen or dust mites;
- a reaction to something in the diet; or
- a mixture of more than one factor.
Food belongs on the list, but it does not automatically get top billing. Recurring ear trouble cannot prove a food allergy or identify a particular ingredient.
Become an ear-weather reporter
You do not need a clipboard and trench coat. For a week or two, simply note:
- which ear is affected;
- when the scratching or head shaking starts;
- swimming, bathing or grooming;
- food, treats, chews and flavoured medicines;
- paw licking or skin itching elsewhere; and
- any seasonal or household changes.
You may discover that the shaking follows swimming, peaks during pollen season or appears alongside paw licking. That pattern is often more helpful than a vague memory that it “happens quite a lot.”
Photos can help you show changes over time, but avoid putting cleaners or home remedies into a sore ear unless your vet has advised them.
Our pet food and symptom diary guide offers an easy way to keep everything together.
Help your dog turn down the flap soundtrack
If you would like to explore possible sensitivities alongside those observations, take a look at our Dog Optimum Test and check what is included before choosing.
Your report can be a starting point when reviewing your dog's routine. It does not diagnose an ear infection, allergy or its cause. Your vet should examine recurring or painful ear trouble and guide any significant diet change.
Atlas, our 24/7 AI assistant, can help with questions about Test My Pets orders and reports. If your question is more complicated, a member of our customer service team will get back to you as soon as they can.