Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    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
    Petco Pay LogoBecome 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

Why is my puppy scratching her ear and crying? Is it an infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | 3 months and 13 days old

Need help! My 3 months old female lab has been scratching her right ear and crying.. what is it? And what should I do ? I went to the vet but he said that it's because of winter without even checking her but I am not satisfied with his answer..I am worried about her.. he has even given me a goldsar-h to give her 2 times a day and don't know for what he gave that

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Johnson VMD

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on December 7th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Silky!

The most common cause for scratching the ears and painful ears is an ear infection. The infection is either from overgrowth of bacteria and/or yeast. This can be from allergies or excessive moisture in the ears.

I would recheck with a different vet with in the practice if you were unsatisfied with the first vet. Or go to a different hospital. The Vet should try, if the dog allows them, to look in the ears. They should use a Q-tip to remove some discharge and look at it under the microscope to identify the organism. They they can show you how to clean out the ears and provide you with an ear cleaner and medicated drops to clear the infection. Sometimes dogs with a lot of pain and inflammation deserve some steroids.

I hope this helps and I wish Silky a speedy recovery!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on June 19th, 2018

    Young dogs with itchy ears most likely have ear mites, however bacterial and or yeast infections are possible as well. Rarely an object such as a tick or a grass seed could be present which can be very dangerous if they migrate through the ear drum. I would highly encourage you to have Aira evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. A small sample from the ear may be taken to look under the microscope to help determine the diagnosis and best treatment plan. Best of luck and I hope Aira improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on June 28th, 2017

    Place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent further scratching. Have Bijju examined by your veterinarian. A swab of the ear can be examined under a microscope to diagnose yeast or bacterial infection. Your vet can clean the ears afterwards and dispense the appropriate medication.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Training & Behavior
My dog is scratching and shaking one ear, could it be an infection?
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like Snow may have an ear infection, which can be pretty uncomfortable for her. She should be seen by a vet to assess the severity of the condition and begin the appropriate treatment. Treatment may include oral antibiotics or topical antibiotics. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any questions you have!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog's ear is dark, rough, and itchy. Is it mites or an infection?
Hi and thank you for using PetCoach! I am so sorry to hear that Snoopy's ear is red. It is very possible Snoopy may have an ear infection. Ear infections are most commonly due to underlying allergies such as environmental or food allergies. It is possible Snoopy has mites in that ear but less likely since only one ear is very affected. I would recommend taking Snoopy in to see your veterinarian. They will likely take swabs from both ears and look at a cytology of them (under the microscope) to look for infections. If this is the case, your veterinarian will recommend ear cleaner/ medication. Good luck! Here is an article that describes ear infections in more detail: https://www.petcoach.co/article/middle-inner-ear-infections-in-dogs/
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My dog keeps scratching his ear and losing fur. Is it an infection?
Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I’m sorry to hear that Bob is scratching his ear. It is possible that he has an ear infection, likely bacterial or yeast in origin. I recommend having him seen by your veterinarian to have him/her perform an ear smear and cytology to look at the cells and determine what type of infection is present. This way, he/she can prescribe the most appropriate treatment. I hope this is helpful!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why does my dog cry out when I touch her ears? Is it an infection?
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Poor Sam. This could be a sign she has an ear infection. Ear infections in dogs can be caused my ear mites, yeast, or bacteria. I’d call her vet to make her an appointment. The vet can diagnose if she does have an ear infection, what’s causing it, and can treat it. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My puppy's floppy ears are itchy. How do I stop the scratching?
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! I would recommend having your vet look in to the ear canals with an otoscope. Sometimes there is discharge deeper in the ear canal that can not be seen from the outside. If that is the case the Vet can use a Q-tip safely to remove some of the wax and look under the microscope to see if it is a yeast or bacterial infection. Some dogs will shake and scratch with even mild overgrowth of bacteria or yeast. Otherwise she may just be itchy due to allergies and you can try an antihistamine. See the links below. I wish you the best! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/claritin/ https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/zyrtec/
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
Health & Wellness
Why is my dog crying and scratching her ear? Is it an infection?
It sounds like Princess has an ear infection. Ear infections in dogs can be caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacteria. You need to take her into the vet in the morning to have this diagnosed and treated. Best of luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog Ear CareDog Ear & Eye MedicineDog Ear & Eye CareDog Health & WellnessAntifungal Medication for DogsDog Medicine and PrescriptionsDog Eye CareDog Allergy Medicine & Itch ReliefCat Eyedrops & Ear MedicationPrescription Shampoo for DogsPrescription Allergy Medicine for DogsDog Pain Relief & Arthritis MedsPet PharmacyCat Ear & Eye CarePrescription Dog AntibioticsDog Anxiety MedicationPrescription Horse Ear & Eye CareDog Asthma MedicationAllergy & Itch Relief Dog ShampoosDog Grooming Supplies
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button