Is This Normal? Finder · Skin, ears and eyes

My puppy keeps scratching one ear. What's wrong?

By Dr. Steve Pelton, DVM

The short answer

Scratching at one ear or shaking his head a lot often means an ear infection, and floppy-eared and doodle puppies get them a lot. Call your vet today. A sore ear is also a classic reason a puppy suddenly hates having his head touched.

Why it happens

Floppy ears and hairy ear canals stay warm and damp, which yeast and bacteria love. Trouble in one ear usually means something's going on in that ear.

Which door?

CALL TODAYHead shaking, scratching, redness or a smell means call today.

When to call

Tick what fits and see which door you're at.

CALL TODAYScratching, head shaking, redness or a smell
CALL TODAYAn ear flap that suddenly puffs up like a pillow

Your door: WATCHWATCH

Nothing ticked and he's bright, playful, eating and drinking? Keep an eye on him, jot down what you see, and call in the daytime if it doesn't settle.

What helps

Skip leftover drops from the cabinet. What helps one ear problem can make another worse

Under 16 weeks, a toy breed, or not done with his shots? Move everything one door closer to GO NOW.

Not sure which door you're at? That's a call. Call your vet.

Worried right now? Check the Three Doors list, from most urgent down, and stop at the first door that fits.

Is this an emergency?

General education, not veterinary advice. Your vet's plan for your puppy comes first.