What should I do if my dog keeps pawing at its ear?
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Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
If your dog keeps pawing at its ear, something is likely irritating it. It could be a build-up of wax, moisture, a mild skin issue, a foreign body, ear mites, or an ear infection. You can check a few simple things at home, but you can’t safely tell the cause for certain just by looking.
Things To Check
1. See whether your dog is shaking its head, tilting it, or scratching the same ear more than the other.
2. Look for redness, swelling, discharge, scabs, a bad smell, or visible dirt around the ear opening.
3. Check if the ear feels warmer than usual or if your dog pulls away when you touch it.
4. Think about whether the problem started after swimming, bathing, grooming, or a muddy walk.
5. Notice if your dog seems uncomfortable when eating, sleeping, or resting on that side.
6. Look for signs of flea or skin irritation elsewhere, especially around the neck, belly, and tail base.
7. If you can do so safely, check whether there’s any obvious grass seed, debris, or insect inside the outer part of the ear.
Common Causes
The most common reasons are wax build-up, moisture trapped in the ear, or general irritation from dirt, grooming, or allergies. Ear infections are also common and can be linked to bacteria or yeast.
Less commonly, pawing can be caused by ear mites, a small foreign body, or a skin reaction affecting the ear. In some dogs, repeated scratching can quickly make the area sore, which then makes the pawing worse.
What To Do
Start by keeping the ear dry and avoiding anything that could make it more irritated. Don’t put cotton buds into the ear canal, and don’t use human ear drops unless your vet has told you to.
If your dog seems mildly bothered but otherwise well, keep an eye on the ear for a day or so and note any changes in smell, discharge, swelling, or head shaking. If the pawing is repeated, the ear looks sore, or the behaviour is getting worse, arrange a vet check so the ear can be properly examined.
Products That May Help
If you’re managing regular grooming or ear hygiene at home, this collection may be useful as part of a calm routine for your dog’s coat, paws and ears.
Related Questions
Why does my dog keep shaking its head?
How can I tell if my dog’s ear is dirty or infected?
Should I clean my dog’s ears at home?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.