Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog keeps scratching his ear and whining, but it looks fine.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Fox Terrier | Male | neutered | 1 year and 3 months old

My miniature foxie often scratches his left ear and whines. The ear doesn't seem to be red and has no bad odour. I also can't see any mites. He does this on occasion and seems fine most of the time. He has had all his injections and is treated regularly for fleas and ticks. I can't see any reason for his ear to be irritating him. He has got a bit of dirt in both ears as he was bread on a farm but he won't let us remove it and the other ear seems fine. Thanks for the help

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 19th, 2018

Ear infections in dogs can be caused by bacteria and yeast as well as ear mites, so simply because you can't see ear mites doesn't mean Harvey does not have an ear infection. It's clearly bothering him if he scratches at it and whines. This is something that has to be seen by a vet, and I recommend giving your vet a call now to set up an appointment for him. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My puppy keeps scratching her ears and whining. What should I do?

This can be a sign of an ear infection, which can be caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacteria. You need to take Lilly into the vet to get the cause of it diagnosed so she can get the correct treatment. I'd take her into the vet today. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog scratching her ears? Could it be ear mites or infection?

It may be that she has an ear infection (due to bacteria or yeast), or she may have ear mites. Ideally, take her to the vet, as he or she will be able to diagnose the cause and give you medication to effectively treat it. If you are unable to go to the vet, and she is otherwise doing ok, you could try something like this https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-ear-solution, but I don't know if its available to you in South Africa. Best of luck, I hope she's feeling better soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog constantly scratching one ear with lots of ear dirt?

He needs to see a vet so that they can look down inside the ear with an otoscope. Dogs have very long ear canals. The part you can see with your eyes is only about 10% of the actual ear canal. He likely has a problem way down inside: there may be a chronic infection in the lower part of the ear that is causing an issue (this is my best guess). He could have a problem with the ear drum. He could have a polyp in the ear. There are so many possibilities. If you want to get this cleared up you need to get him to a vet for an exam.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog cries when I touch his ears, but there's no infection sign.

Your dog could have a middle or inner ear infection. The symptoms for middle and inner ear infections are often similar to outer ear infections, and include pain in the ear, head shaking, infected or bloody discharge, and scratching or pawing at the head or ear. Your vet can diagnose an ear infection, and because untreated ear infections can lead to hearing loss, I'd recommend taking Speckles into your vet to have them examine the ear. If it is an ear infection, Speckles will need an antibiotic to treat the infection.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's ear is bothering him. Could it be an ear infection?

It could be that Milo has an ear infection, and he will need to see a vet for it. I would take him into the vet first thing in morning. The vet can diagnose if he has an ear infection, what is causing it (mites, yeast, or bacteria), and can treat him for it. It's very important to have any ear problem checked out and treated promptly, as leaving it untreated can lead to hearing loss.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's ear smells musty and he scratches it. Is it an ear infection?

Hello, thank you for your question about Max. Based on the symptoms you are describing it sounds like Max may just have some mild irritation in his ears. You can have his ears cleaned and continue monitoring him for any discharge/scratching/redness/head shaking. If any of these signs develop I would recommend having him evaluated by your veterinarian so that they can look for signs of an ear infection. Hope this helps, good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

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

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share