Dog Ear Scratching & Head Shaking
Frequent ear scratching, head shaking, or ear rubbing — usually infection, allergies, or mites.
Causes
6
Red flags
5
Prone breeds
9
Related
1
Good fit for telehealth
Recurring ear infections are usually allergy-driven and manageable via telehealth. A first-time severe infection (foul odor, dark discharge, obvious pain) may need in-person exam.
When to call the vet now
Any of these signs means telehealth isn't enough — get in-person vet care today.
- ×dark brown or black discharge
- ×strong foul smell
- ×obvious pain when ear is touched
- ×head tilted to one side persistently
- ×balance issues (possible inner ear)
Common causes
- —yeast ear infection
- —bacterial ear infection
- —allergies (ears are a common allergy symptom)
- —ear mites
- —foreign body (grass awn, etc.)
- —excess ear wax
Breeds most prone to ear scratching & head shaking
Not exhaustive — any dog can have this. These breeds are just more commonly affected.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
toy · Popular AKC breed
Beagle
small · Top 10 AKC breed
Havanese
toy · Popular AKC breed
Poodle (Standard)
large · Top 10 AKC breed
Golden Retriever
large · Top 10 AKC breed
Labrador Retriever
large · Top 10 AKC breed
Cocker Spaniel
small · Popular AKC breed
Bernedoodle
large · Designer breed
Goldendoodle
large · Designer breed
What can help
Products and services matched to this symptom.
Dutch
24/7 vet care and prescriptions delivered
- —Unlimited vet chats
- —Rx delivered to door
- —$11/month
- —Covers anxiety, allergies, derm
Vetster
Book online vet appointments with licensed professionals
- —Licensed vets online
- —24/7 appointment access
- —Video, chat, and voice
- —Prescription support where permitted
Zesty Paws Allergy & Immune
Seasonal allergy + immune support chews
- —NASC Quality Seal
- —Seasonal allergy support
- —Salmon oil for skin
- —Chewable, dogs love them
Related symptoms
Searchbreed is not a veterinary service and does not diagnose or prescribe. This is educational content to help you understand your dog's symptoms. For diagnosis and treatment, talk to a licensed vet.