Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My dog's ear and mouth are bleeding from scratching. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | spayed | 7 years and 1 month old | 40 lbs

My dogs ear is bleeding she keep scratching it. Also near her mouth she’s been scratching and there’s just been signs of minor bleed there too

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 8th, 2019

Poor Lola! Her ear does look quite irritated in the photo. Scratching at the ear is usually caused by an ear infection or underlying allergy problem, which may also be why she is scratching at her mouth and face as well. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam when you are able to, to find out for sure what's wrong and get her started on appropriate treatment. In the meantime, you can place an e-collar (plastic cone) on her to prevent her from continuing to scratch at her ear and make it more irritated, or put a bootie or sock on her rear paw so that she can't scratch as effectively.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 19th, 2020

    You may want to have Simmy checked by the veterinarian to try to figure out why she is itching so much. There are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not address the underlying cause. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing her diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. You can wash the lesions once a day with a hypoallergenic baby wipe. once it is dry, apply a tiny dab of organic coconut oil. Also protect the area from trauma by having your pup wear an elizabethan collar at all times. If the lesions do not start improving within a week or if they are getting worse, have her examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 21st, 2017

    It looks like she has an ear infection of some kind. I recommend getting her in to see your vet. They can do an exam, clean her ear out thoroughly and probably prescribe an antibiotic, possibly an anti-inflammatory to help relieve the soreness and itching. This will help her heal faster and more completely than trying to take care of yourself at home.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 31st, 2016

    You are very welcome. It sounds like she is just having normal itchiness then. Wounds that are healing can be a bit itchy in pets, just like in people. She should be fine. : ) Just keep a close eye on the skin to make sure it heals all the way.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored