Your Dog’s Ears: What Head Shaking and Scratching Could Mean
August 13, 2026, 6:28 AM
Dogs can’t tell us when their ears hurt—but they often give us clues. If your dog is frequently shaking their head, scratching at their ears, or has an unusual odor coming from the ears, it may be more than just a little irritation.
Ear infections are common in dogs, and recognizing the signs early can help prevent discomfort and more serious problems.
Common Signs of an Ear Problem
Keep an eye out for:
- Frequent head shaking
- Scratching at the ears
- Redness or swelling inside the ear
- An unpleasant or “funky” odor
- Brown, yellow, or dark discharge
- Sensitivity or pain when the ears are touched
- Holding the head tilted to one side
- Rubbing the ears on furniture or the floor
Some dogs may have an obvious reaction when their ears are touched, while others simply become quieter, irritable, or less willing to be handled.
Why Do Dogs Get Ear Infections?
Ear infections can have several underlying causes. Allergies are one of the most common contributors, especially in dogs that experience recurring ear problems. Allergies can cause inflammation in the ear canal, creating an environment where yeast or bacteria can overgrow.
Other potential causes include:
- Yeast or bacterial infections
- Ear mites
- Moisture trapped in the ear
- Foreign material in the ear canal
- Skin allergies
- Excessive wax or debris
- Underlying skin conditions
Dogs with floppy ears or narrow ear canals may also be more prone to ear problems.
Why an Ear Exam Matters
An ear infection isn't always something that can be diagnosed by looking at the outside of the ear. Your veterinarian may need to examine the ear canal and evaluate a sample of the material inside the ear to determine whether yeast, bacteria, or another problem is present.
This matters because different causes may require different treatments. Using the wrong medication—or using leftover ear medication from a previous infection—can sometimes make the problem worse.
Untreated infections can also become increasingly painful and may spread deeper into the ear.
Don’t Ignore the “Funky Smell”
A strong odor coming from your dog’s ears is often one of the first things pet owners notice. While an odor doesn't automatically mean your dog has an infection, it is worth having the ears checked—especially when it occurs along with scratching, head shaking, redness, or discharge.
If your dog keeps getting ear infections, it's also important to look for the underlying cause, rather than simply treating each infection as it occurs.
When Should You Call Your Veterinarian?
If your dog is repeatedly shaking their head, scratching their ears, showing signs of pain, or developing an unusual odor or discharge, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Your dog may not be able to tell you their ears hurt, but their behavior can.
At Animal Clinic of Mandarin, we're here to help keep your pet comfortable and address ear problems before they become bigger issues.
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