My puppy is scratching her red ear, shaking head, whimpering. Why?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | unspayed | 7 months and 18 days old | 10 lbs
Our puppy princess has been scratching at her ear for 2 days now. Shaking her head and whimpering when she scratches. Its a little red today at the base of the canal but she has been scratching and we see no problems like swelling or redness or discharge until now with just redness. She has been teething and we assumed it was that until today as she is 8 months old.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 19th, 2017
At 7 months old, most of her teeth should be in place, and teething does not normally cause ear issues in dogs. Possible causes for her itchy ears include bacterial or yeast ear infection, mites, fleas, or allergies. You can try a medicated ear flush like Dechra Malacetic Ultra Otic for a few days, as well as having Princess on a good flea preventative. If it doesn't get better, she should be seen by a vet for evaluation. The vet will probably do a thorough otic exam and an ear cytology to find the cause of the itch. Then appropriate medications can be prescribed.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 25th, 2017
Poor pup! Scratching at the ears and crying can be caused by ear mites, a bacterial or fungal ear infection, or even skin mites (mange). I would recommend taking Handsome to the vet for an exam when you are able to. He/she can use an otoscope to look inside the ear, and may take a swab of any discharge in the ear canal to help with the diagnosis. Once the problem is determined, the vet will prescribe appropriate medication to treat it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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