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Puppy has itchy ears, red bumps, and shaking head. Is it infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd - miniature | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 26 days old | 11 lbs

My mini aussie puppy 7 months has little red bumps in his ears possibly like scabs. He has been really itchy and shaking his head a lot lately. I have looked for ticks and fleas and haven’t seen anything. It’s kinda hard to see in the photos but I just want to make sure he is okay. Thank you so much for your help!

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1 Answer

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Answered By Catherine Stecyk

Veterinarian

Published on March 27th, 2019

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Brigg is shaking his head so much. These are classic clinical signs of an external ear infection, or otitis externa. I recommend bringing Brigg to your veterinarian at their next available appointment for an exam. Your veterinarian can perform an ear smear of any debris in the ears, and look at this under a microscope. Most ear infections are either bacterial and/or yeast infections, treated with topical medications. I hope this is helpful!

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