# [Dog Scratching Ears](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/behavior/dog-scratching-ears) And Eyes


## Key Takeaways

- Persistent ear and eye scratching in dogs is a clinical sign indicative of underlying inflammation or irritation, necessitating veterinary diagnosis to identify causes such as allergies (atopic dermatitis, food sensitivities), otitis externa (bacterial or yeast infections), ocular conditions (conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dry eye), or parasitic infestations (ear mites, fleas).
- Diagnostic procedures at a veterinary clinic may include otoscopic examination, fluorescein staining and Schirmer tear testing for ocular assessment, and cytology of ear or skin samples to identify causative agents like bacteria, yeast, or mites.
- Treatment is etiology-dependent, ranging from medicated ear drops and oral antimicrobials for infections, to antihistamines, immunosuppressants (e.g., Apoquel, Cytopoint), or allergen-specific immunotherapy for allergies, and antiparasitic medications for infestations.
- Prevention strategies involve routine ear cleaning with veterinarian-approved solutions, especially after water exposure, maintaining ocular hygiene, consistent ectoparasite prophylaxis (fleas, ticks), and managing environmental or dietary allergens.
- Ignoring chronic scratching can lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections, excoriations, and potential vision impairment due to untreated ocular pathology.

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When a dog repeatedly scratches at its ears and eyes, it is often a clear signal that something is wrong. This behavior can stem from mild irritation or indicate a more serious underlying condition. While occasional scratching is normal, persistent or intense scratching warrants attention. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to intervene can help you protect your pet's comfort and health.

## Quick Q&A: Common Questions

**Question:** Why is my dog scratching its ears and eyes?
**Answer:** Dogs scratch their ears and eyes due to allergies, infections, parasites, or foreign material. The behavior often signals underlying inflammation or irritation that requires veterinary attention to diagnose the root cause. Ignoring persistent scratching can lead to secondary infections or self-inflicted injuries.

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## Common Causes of Ear and Eye Scratching

### Allergies
Allergies are one of the most frequent reasons dogs scratch their ears and eyes. Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and mold can trigger atopic dermatitis, leading to pruritus (itching) around the face, ears, and eyes. Food allergies, often to proteins like chicken or beef, can also cause similar symptoms. Allergic reactions typically produce redness, mild swelling, and a urge to scratch that may worsen seasonally or after dietary changes.

### Ear Infections
Otitis externa, or inflammation of the outer ear canal, is a common cause of ear scratching. Bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both can flourish when the ear environment becomes moist or compromised. Dogs with floppy ears, narrow ear canals, or a history of swimming are especially prone. Signs include head shaking, a foul odor from the ear, discharge, and redness. Because the ears and eyes share nerve pathways, some dogs may also rub their eyes when an ear infection is present.

### Eye Conditions
Scratching at the eyes can indicate conjunctivitis (pink eye), corneal ulcers, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), or the presence of a foreign body like a grass seed. These conditions cause discomfort, redness, excessive tearing, or squinting. Dogs may paw at their eyes or rub them against furniture. Eye issues require prompt veterinary assessment to prevent corneal damage or vision loss.

### Parasites
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are highly contagious parasites that live in the ear canal and cause intense itching. They are most common in puppies but can affect dogs of any age. Other external parasites such as fleas, ticks, or demodectic mange mites can also cause generalized itching that includes the head and face. A telltale sign of ear mites is dark, crumbly discharge resembling coffee grounds.

## Home Care Steps to Consider

Before a veterinary visit, you can take a few safe steps. Examine your dog's ears gently for visible debris, redness, or swelling. For the eyes, look for discharge, cloudiness, or foreign material. You can wipe away mild discharge from the eye area using a soft, damp cloth using a separate clean area for each eye. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal or applying over-the-counter medications without a diagnosis. Do not use cotton swabs deep in the ear, as this can push debris further in and damage tissues.

If scratching is mild and infrequent, a clean environment and a hypoallergenic diet trial may help. However, if your dog is scratching intensely or showing signs of pain, home care is not a substitute for professional evaluation.

## What to Expect at the Veterinary Clinic

### Diagnostic Approach
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam, focusing on the ears, eyes, and skin. An otoscopic exam allows visualization of the ear canal and eardrum. For the eyes, a fluorescein stain can detect corneal ulcers, and a Schirmer tear test measures tear production. Your vet may collect samples from the ear or skin for cytology (microscopic examination) to identify bacteria, yeast, or mites. In chronic or severe cases, allergy testing or blood work may be recommended to rule out systemic conditions.

### Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For ear infections, your vet may prescribe medicated ear drops or cleansers, along with oral antibiotics or antifungals. Allergies are often managed with antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, or prescription medications such as Apoquel or Cytopoint. Eye conditions may require antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops, lubricants, or surgical intervention in severe cases. Parasites are treated with appropriate antiparasitic medications. Your veterinarian will provide a tailored plan and may recommend follow-up visits to monitor progress.

## Prevention Strategies

Preventing ear and eye scratching begins with routine care. Clean your dog's ears weekly with a veterinarian-approved ear cleanser, especially after swimming or bathing. Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed to reduce irritation. Use flea and tick prevention year-round as recommended by your vet. For dogs with known allergies, minimize exposure to triggers by using air purifiers, washing bedding frequently, and feeding a balanced diet with novel protein sources if needed. Regular wellness exams allow early detection of problems before they escalate. If your dog is prone to recurrent issues, discuss a long-term maintenance plan with your veterinarian.

By staying attentive to your dog's scratching behavior and acting early, you can prevent minor discomfort from becoming a serious health issue. Your veterinarian is your best partner in keeping your dog's ears and eyes healthy and itch-free.

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