My dog keeps scratching his ears — what could it be?

Frequent ear scratching is one of the most common complaints in dogs. While the occasional scratch is normal, persistent scratching — especially combined with head shaking — indicates something is irritating or infecting the ear canal.

Common causes

- Otitis externa (ear infection) – The most frequent culprit. Bacteria and yeast thrive in warm, moist ear canals. Dogs with floppy ears (Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds) and dogs that swim frequently are most at risk. Signs include dark or yellowish discharge, a foul odour, and redness inside the ear.
- Ear mites – Tiny parasites that cause intense itching and produce a dark, crumbly discharge resembling coffee grounds. More common in puppies and dogs in contact with cats.
- Allergies – Environmental allergies (pollen, dust mites) or food allergies frequently manifest as ear inflammation. If your dog's ears flare up seasonally or recurrently, allergy testing may be worthwhile.
- Foreign body – A grass seed or small object lodged deep in the canal can cause sudden, severe scratching on one side only.
- Polyps or tumours – Less common but should be ruled out in older dogs with chronic ear problems.

What you can do at home

Use a vet-approved ear cleaner to gently clean the visible part of the ear. Never insert cotton swabs deep into the canal. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can damage the delicate tissue.