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My puppy's ear is itchy at night. What's causing it and how to help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 4 months and 4 days old | 18 lbs

My puppy is itching her ear, we've noticed her doing it more at night than during the day. She's been checked for ear mites and we are good at keeping her ears clean of wax. There hasn't been any change in her food or the environment at home. Do you have any suggestions on what it could be or what we could do to help? Thanks

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on August 30th, 2018

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to say exactly what is causing the itching the and scratching in the ears without examining Luna first but it could be due to a yeast or bacterial infection or perhaps just a ball of ear wax stuck down in her ear canal. If the itching is more on the outside of the ear than on the inside, it could be due to a flea allergy. Fleas like to hang out by the ears, neck, and tail base region. If you've been cleaning out the ears frequently and she is still itching, you may want to have Luna examined by your veterinarian to check for an ear infection, fleas, and to get a better peak down in the ear canals. Your veterinarian may take a sample of the material in each ear to check for an infection. Luna may need ear antibiotics or other medications as needed. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on September 17th, 2018

    If they are scabs from tick or mosquitoes then there is not much to do besides try to prevent more from happening. I would, however, call your veterinarian and ask what type of tick borne infections are in your area and what you should watch for. Also, make sure Luna is on heartworm prevention as it is transmitted by mosquitoes. I also worry that she may have scabs from self trauma from scratching if she has an ear infection, and those are often hard to find without a veterinarian doing a full otoscopic exam. I would encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian if the itching continues. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

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