My dog shakes head, paws ear, looks normal. Infection or foxtail?

Question

Hi my dog keeps shaking his head (frequently) and pawing at his ear but his ear doesn’t seem abnormally red. What could this be? Ear infection? If so, how could he have gotten one? I should mention i also think he has allergies because he’s always itchy but this ear thing is new. Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 1 year and 7 months old | 57 lbs

Eryn Taormina, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hi there! I'm so sorry to hear about Marshall's ear trouble! Sometimes when a dog has an ear infection, it isn't noticeable from the outside. They can have a middle ear infection, and have very long, L-shaped ear canals. A veterinarian would need to look with an otoscope and check the entire ear canal for redness, swelling, and discharge (ear wax for example) that can indicate an infection. From there, they may recommend swabbing the ear to identify what is actually causing the infection - bacteria, yeast, or both for example. Then the vet will medicate the ear accordingly. In addition, in some states, like California, there are lots of foxtail weeds. The tips of the weeds can break off and get stuck on a dog's coat and migrate into the skin on their feet and body. They can also come off and get stuck in the throat, eyes, or ears. They usually will quickly travel deep into the ear canal and get lodged there. A veterinarian can look in with an otoscope and usually visualize the foxtail. Sometimes sedation is required to pull the foxtail out of the ear, depending on the dog's cooperation and how irritated the ear is. A lot of patients will come in to see me for the same signs you're describing. The dog is shaking and pawing at the ear, but the ear looks OK from the outside. I'll look in and find a foxtail very often when this is the case, especially this time of year. Foxtail season is in full effect! I would definitely take Marshall in to his veterinarian to have an examination. I hope you find my answer helpful. Best of luck!

My dog shakes head, paws ear, looks normal. Infection or foxtail?

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