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Dog's ear is swollen and puffed after shaking. Is a vet visit urgent?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My neighbor’s dog was shaking his ear last night. Today, the ear is swollen and puffed up badly. I could not reach my neighbor. How critical is this for a vet to see.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 22nd, 2020

This looks like an aural hematoma, a condition where the space between the skin and the ear cartilage fills with blood. It most commonly occurs secondary to an ear infection. While a veterinarian needs to be involved to treat the hematoma and the underlying cause, it is not necessarily an emergency and I think it would be okay for the dog to wait a couple days if necessary as long as he isn't too uncomfortable. If your neighbor is out of town for more than a couple days you should take the dog to a vet.

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on February 19th, 2022

    It looks like Trooper has swelling in his pinna (the flappy part of the ear). It is often caused by shaking the head, and can lead to a hematoma (blood that forms under the skin, looks like a pillow). Common causes of head shaking in dogs includes ear infection, allergies, and fleas. Unfortunately, the treatment varies depending on the cause, so Trooper will need to go see a vet. Costs vary widely based on your location, diagnostics needed, and the specific treatment. This article explains the process likely going on: https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/aural-hematoma/

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 3rd, 2019

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Sonny. It appears he has an aural hematoma. This is fluid and blood trapped between the skin layers of the outer ear, and is a sign of an ear infection. It develops when the dog shakes his head a lot and scratches the ear due to the infection. You need to have him seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose if he does have an ear infection, what's causing it, and can treat it and the aural hematoma. I'd take him into a vet today or tomorrow. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 18th, 2017

    It sounds like your dog has an aural hematoma, which is blood and fluid trapped between the skin of the ear flaps. This happens when a dog shakes their head a lot, and this shaking can be caused by an ear infection. There is honestly nothing you can do for him at home, he has to see a vet ASAP for this. Leaving an ear infection untreated can lead to hearing loss, and if this has been going on for a while, it needs to be treated now. This will also be painful to him, and the hematoma will have to be drained sterilely to prevent infection from being introduced into the area. Please do not give him any human pain medicines, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I can give you a number of resources that may help you afford a vet. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
 The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.
 Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. I hope one of these resources helps you, please take your dog into a vet now.

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