Why does my dog keep scratching its ears and face?
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Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
If your dog keeps scratching its ears and face, it could be down to irritation, parasites, allergies, an ear issue or skin discomfort. Mange is one possible cause, but it’s not the only one, so the aim is to look for a pattern and any visible changes before deciding what to do next.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the scratching started suddenly or has been building up over a few days.
2. Look closely at the ears, face and around the eyes for redness, hair loss, scabs, broken skin or swelling.
3. See if there’s any discharge, wax, bad smell or extra heat around the ears.
4. Think about whether it happens more after walks, being outdoors, grooming or time in long grass.
5. Check for signs of parasites, such as crusting, patchy hair loss or scratching in other areas too.
6. Notice whether your dog is shaking its head, rubbing its face on furniture or seems bothered when you touch the ears.
7. Look at whether other pets in the home are itching as well, which can sometimes point to a shared trigger.
Common Causes
More often than not, ear and face scratching is linked to irritation from dirt, pollen, grooming products or a mild skin reaction. Allergies are also common, especially if the scratching comes and goes or seems worse at certain times of year.
Ear problems can cause a dog to scratch at the sides of the face and ears, especially if there’s wax, discharge or a smell. Parasites such as mites can also irritate the skin and may lead to mange-type signs, including scratching, hair loss and crusting.
Less commonly, skin infections or other underlying skin conditions may be involved, particularly if the area is sore, inflamed or not settling.
What To Do
Start by keeping a simple note of when the scratching happens, what your dog has been exposed to and whether the skin looks different from one day to the next. This can help you spot a pattern.
Avoid using human creams, ear cleaners or home remedies unless your vet has told you to, as these can sometimes make the problem worse. If your dog is rubbing enough to damage the skin, try to reduce further irritation and keep the area as clean and dry as you reasonably can.
If you’ve recently changed shampoo, grooming products or household cleaners, it may be worth thinking about whether the timing fits. If more than one pet is itchy, or if the signs keep returning, a vet visit is a sensible next step.
If the scratching is mild and your dog otherwise seems well, monitoring for a short period can be useful. If it’s persistent, getting worse, or the ears or face look sore, it’s best to have it checked.
Products That May Help
A gentle grooming routine can be useful if your dog’s ears and face need regular cleaning and you want to keep an eye on the skin more easily.
Related Questions
Why is my dog shaking its head and scratching its ears?
Could ear mites cause face scratching in dogs?
When should I get my dog’s itchy ears checked?
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.