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My dog's ear is bruised from scratching. What's making her itch?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Wirehair | Female | spayed | 2 years and 8 months old

she's itching her ear and its bruised. why you might think she's doing that ?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 13th, 2018

Bella likely is suffering from ear mites or a fungal or bacterial infection of the ear canal. This is something very uncomfortable for Bella and because she vigorously scratches the ear it is bruised. Your veterinarian will examine the ear with an otoscope to ensure that the ear drum is intact, and possibly take a swab of the ear canal and will look at it under the microscope to find out which type infection is causing the problem. This is important as each cause is treated with a different kind of medication.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 31st, 2016
Hello again. If the wound itself has improved, but she is still shaking her head, then an inner ear infection (in the ear canal) may be present. Bella may need more than just the antiseptic clean, and in fact she may need an ear medication for you to use at home. Check inside her ears and see if any debris or foul odor. If there is, then a vet visit is needed for her to get medication to treat her ears.
Also wounds on the skin typically heal within 3-7 days.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 6th, 2017
I am sorry to hear about Bella! While a skin issue like this isn't considered an emergency in the sense that it isn't life threatening, in some cases a pet is so miserable and itchy that owners will elect to pay an emergency fee to get the pet treated right away. That is a personal decision you have to make based on how bothered you feel Bella is and whether or not it can wait. You may talk to your vet about whether or not they feel it would be safe to give her an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine in the meantime to try to decrease the itching, or to apply a topical hydrocortisone cream to decrease the itching. If she is rubbing/scratching constantly she may also be at risk of causing an ear hematoma, where blood vessels in the ear pinnae (the floppy part of the ear) can rupture and cause a painful swelling. For this reason you may consider picking up an e-collar for her (you can find these at most pet stores) to try to prevent self trauma.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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