Hearing is one of your dog's keenest senses, so when his ears are bothering him, it's a big deal! There are many reasons a dog's ears become irritated. Some of the most common are listed below:

Allergies: Food and pollen allergies can make the ears itchy. This can lead to excess wax build-up, which creates the perfect space for bacteria and yeast to grow.

Water in the ears: Swimming and bathing can create a moist area for bacteria and yeast to grow, especially in dogs with long floppy ears.

Parasites: Fleas and mange mites. Fleas cause itching, which causes scratching. Mange mites cause hair loss, itching, and inflammation.

Ear Trauma: Bite wounds, frostbite, over-exposure to the sun, or blunt force.

Tumors: Polyps, tumors, and masses. Tumors can cause inflammation and itching and can affect hearing and balance.

Weather Extremes: Unusually hot, humid conditions can encourage yeast and bacteria to grow, causing infections. Extremely cold temperatures can cause frostbite, and ears are especially vulnerable. 

What are the symptoms of canine ear problems?  

-Scratching the ears or shaking their heads.

-Rubbing their ears against the floor or furniture.

-Foul odor in the ear.

- Redness and/or swelling.

-Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge. 

-Loss of balance.

-Hearing loss.

Ear problems can be painful for your dog, and if they aren't addressed, scratching and head shaking can cause an aural hematoma (a blood-filled pocket). Check your dog's ears regularly and call us if you notice any of the symptoms above. If left untreated, ear infections can harm the ear canal and the middle ear causes hearing loss.