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My dog has ear swelling, scratching, and isn't moving. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | 9 years and 6 months old | 65 lbs

My dog has been acting weird for a while now. I don't know exactly how to describe it, I just get the feeling something is wrong. He also has some kind of swelling in his ear. Also, he has been scratching himself a lot and I don't know if that's normal or if he has fleas or something. Today he scared me because I came outside and I saw him just standing there not moving. We were trying to call him to take him on a walk but he wasn't responding, but after 10 minutes he finally moved.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2018

It sounds like there are a couple of things wrong with Brownie at the moment. The swelling of his ear could be caused by an ear infection, and that could affect his hearing preventing him from responding to your call the other day. The scratching could be due to an ear infection, but it could also be caused by fleas, allergies, ringworm, or mites. With these number of symptoms, I'd recommend a vet visit first thing Monday. The vet can diagnose what is causing all of them, and can prescribe a treatment for him. Good luck, I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 24th, 2017
Ear infections tend to make them scratch and shake their heads a lot, but they do not tend to make them inactive. The picture that you have uploaded does not appear to be a very inflamed, but it's still possible that it is infected. It's also possible that something is stuck down in the ear canal.

Considering that Brownie is showing signs of inactivity, it's best to take him to the vet doctor for a consultation. They will be able to look into the ear and help identify what is causing him to act like this.

I hope that helps and Brownie gets better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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