Not Always Ear Mites: Other Causes Of Itchy Ears In Dogs
When dogs get itchy ears, their owners often assume ear mites are to blame. Indeed, these tiny insects are at fault for a lot of cases of itchy ears in dogs. However, ear mites are far from the only possible cause if your dog's itchy ears. If your dog keeps scratching their ears, it is important to take them to the vet for a diagnosis instead of just assuming it's ear mites. Here are some of the other possible things that might be happening.
An Ear Infection
Ear infections occur when bacteria make their way into your dog's inner ear, and then proliferate. They don't cause itchiness so much as they cause pain and pressure. However, your dog will often respond to this pain and pressure by scratching their ears. Thus, the owner assumes the dog's ears are itchy. If your vet finds that your dog has an ear infection, they'll prescribe antibiotics, which you'll need to give to the dog orally for about a week.
Fleas
Fleas are tiny, biting insects that live on your dog's skin and cause itchiness when they bite. Fleas can live all over the dog's body. However, they tend to favor the warmest spots, such as behind a dog's ears. When a dog has recently become infested with fleas and there are not that many fleas, you may notice the itchiness predominantly behind the ears. A vet can give your dog a pill to kill any adult fleas and their eggs. They will then recommend a preventative measure, such as a flea collar or monthly pills, to prevent the fleas from coming back.
Hematoma
Look closely at your dog's ears. Do you see any swollen lumps or bumps in the ear flaps? If so, your dog may have what's known as a hematoma. This is an area where a blood vessel bursts and leaks blood into the ear cartilage. It can be quite painful and itchy. Vets can drain a hematoma, and some also prescribe steroids to bring down the inflammation and ease discomfort. Most heal within a week or two, although your dog may always have a little scar tissue left behind.
If your dog is itching their ears, they might have ear mites, but they might also have one of these other conditions. This is why you're best off letting a vet diagnose and treat your dog for the cause of their itchy ears.
For more information, contact a local veterinarian.