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My dog keeps scratching his ear and whining, but it looks fine.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Fox Terrier | Male | neutered | 1 year and 3 months old

My miniature foxie often scratches his left ear and whines. The ear doesn't seem to be red and has no bad odour. I also can't see any mites. He does this on occasion and seems fine most of the time. He has had all his injections and is treated regularly for fleas and ticks. I can't see any reason for his ear to be irritating him. He has got a bit of dirt in both ears as he was bread on a farm but he won't let us remove it and the other ear seems fine. Thanks for the help

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 19th, 2018

Ear infections in dogs can be caused by bacteria and yeast as well as ear mites, so simply because you can't see ear mites doesn't mean Harvey does not have an ear infection. It's clearly bothering him if he scratches at it and whines. This is something that has to be seen by a vet, and I recommend giving your vet a call now to set up an appointment for him. Best of luck.

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