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Dog whines, scratches ears, and has red skin. Is it an ear infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 79 lbs

My dog whenever I pet him on the back of the head kinda on the upper part of his neck behind his ear especially after we have just come in from a walk he turns his head a strange way he has been itching his ears from time to time and kinda whinning when he does it could it be his ears are bothering him his skin has been a little red also he does have an appt on Monday to see the vet but why is he doing this and what should I do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 12th, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Hercules. I am happy to hear that he has an appointment with his veterinarian. I am concerned that his ears are bothering him. His behavior can be seen in dogs with an ear infection. Mention your concerns to his doctor. An instrument known as an otoscope to look deep within his ear canals. If there appears to be an infection, then his veterinarian to will collect a sample from each ear to evaluate under the microscope. This will confirm the infection and guide his veterinarian to the best treatment choice. In the meantime, you can clean his ears if you have an ear cleaner for dogs. I hope this information helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Maria DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 3rd, 2019
Sounds like Khaleesi may have an ear infection. I would recommend calling your veterinarian in the morning to have it looked at. They can perform an ear swab to see if it is bacteria and/or yeast and that would help decide what medications we can use to treat it. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Emily, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 21st, 2017
Samson likely has an infection of his ears, likely bacterial. With this appearance he needs prescription strength medications for this to heal. Therefore he needs to go see his veterinarian so they can do an exam and prescribe the appropriate antibiotic. If left untreated some of these cases can cause permanent changes to the ears, hearing loss, chronic pain and even have resistant bacterial infections that are even more difficult to treat. So early intervention is key.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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