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?
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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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
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 1st, 2017
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear your lab is having ear issues. Signs like you are describing (and seen in the picture) can be due to allergies, an infection, skin parasites, a combination of these factors, or another underlying issue. If there is discharge in the ear, then the infection may have recurred. Ear infections in dogs typically have a bacterial or yeast origin (or both), and may require topical medications to resolve. If allergies are contributing, an allergy medication (such as apoquel) may be needed. I would recommend he be re-evaluated by a veterinarian, have any necessary testing done (an ear swab to determine the type of infection, etc) and start any treatment (allergy medication, ear medication) that may be needed to resolve it. Good luck!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 21st, 2018
That could be caused by an inflammation commonly secondary either to an infection (yeast or mites) or secondary to an allergy. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics ear drops may be 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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Hello, my dog has a terrible ear infection. I think it allergy related. I came home from work and she had scratched them so bad she had blood in her bed.
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