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Why are my dog's ears bleeding and red from constant scratching?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 6 years and 9 months old | 13 lbs

My dog has been scratching his ears a lot until I realized it’s bleeding & has a lot of red marks as in dried up blood. What can it be?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 7th, 2018

These signs could be compatible with an otitis (inflammatory or infective most of the times). Often otitis can have an underlying allergic predisposing disease. A check up should be ideally seek to confirm this clinical suspicion and have it treated appropriately. Antibiotics and anti-antiinflammatory ear drops are probably needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 15th, 2020

    Thank you for contacting Petcoach with your question about Reggie and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. Poor boy, his ears are quite red! I suspect he has an ear infection, and it may be a middle ear infection. It's obviously bothering him since he is scratching them to bleeding. He needs to see a vet as soon as possible for this as leaving it untreated can lead to hearing loss. I would try to get him into a vet tomorrow. Tonight put a cone on him to keep him from scratching his ears. You can make one at home if you don't have one already. I hope this helps! http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

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    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 1st, 2018

    Did you go to the veterinarian recently? If not I would go for a recheck. I would have the veterinarian look into the ear canal with an otoscope to make sure there is not an infection deep in the ear. I would also discuss a possible ear cytology with your veterinarian to rule out an infection. I have seen some animals with allergies that scratch their ears that have no infection. If there is truly no infection I would discuss the options regarding allergies with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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