How to deal with a dog's itchy ears that constantly scratch and shake their head

There are various reasons for a dog's itchy ears and head shaking, and it is necessary to identify the cause before symptomatic treatment. Parasite infections and fungi are the main causes of itchy ears in dogs. If it's ear mites, clean the ears with ear wash first, then drop the medication; if it's fleas, give the dog external parasite prevention; if it's a fungal infection, clear the affected area first, then apply antifungal drugs containing ingredients such as Itraconazole and Fluconazole. Foreign objects stimulating the dog's ear canal can also cause itching, and it is necessary to remove the foreign objects promptly. Poisoning and distemper sequelae are also potential causes of head shaking, but there generally won't be itchy symptoms. If discovered, timely medical treatment is essential.

1. Parasite Infection

When a dog's ears are infected with mites, it will not only cause severe itching but also produce some black substances inside the ear canal. Owners can first trim the hair around the dog's ear canal and use pet-specific ear wash to clean the dog's ears, removing any foreign objects. Finally, drop the medication into the ears for treatment.

If a flea bites the dog's ears, it can also cause itching. In this case, the dog will constantly scratch or shake its head to try to shake off the fleas. Owners need to give the dog emergency parasite prevention as soon as possible to avoid the dog's skin from being damaged due to excessive scratching.

1. Fungal Infection

When dogs are infected with fungi such as ringworm, they will experience severe itching and develop ringworm lesions and scales on their skin. Owners can first clean the affected area with physiological saline or warm water, then apply antifungal drugs containing ingredients such as Itraconazole and Fluconazole.

1. Foreign Objects

Dogs may encounter foreign objects in their ears during play or activities. If the itching is caused by a foreign object, clean the dog's ears with a cotton swab to remove any debris. Be aware that dog ear canals come in different shapes, are sensitive and fragile, so owners must maintain a gentle force throughout the process. If the foreign object is large or deeply embedded, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for professional removal.

1. Other Diseases

If a dog accidentally eats toxic substances such as alcohol, these substances can cause nerve paralysis, leading to constant head shaking. Additionally, some dogs exhibit shaking and other sequelae during the recovery period after distemper. Owners should promptly take their dogs to the veterinary hospital for inspection and treatment.