Dog scratching ears: Warning signs owners must not ignore

The owner is responsible for carefully observing their pet. Only by doing this can we determine if something is wrong. Not everyone knows that seemingly ordinary scratching around the ear can have significant meaning.

How can we recognize if our dog is in pain? Unfortunately, animals cannot directly tell us when something is wrong. However, they send us signals that indicate something terrible is happening. One of these signals should never be ignored.

Shaking the dog's head and constantly scratching its ear can have several causes. Sometimes, something itches, and the dog tries to deal with the problem this way. If it happens occasionally, we can remain at ease.

However, if our pet does this more frequently, we should immediately pay attention. Sometimes, it is a way for the dog to signal to the owner that something is hurting. Often, it turns out that the pet is dealing with an ear infection, which, if untreated, can even lead to hearing loss.

Swelling and redness, which can also appear, should not be ignored. Brown, characteristic discharge from our pet's ear should also concern us.

If we suspect the dog might have ear problems, we must promptly go to the veterinarian, who will thoroughly examine the pet and prescribe the appropriate medication.

Prevention is better than cure. This is why it is so important to properly care for a dog's hygiene, including its ears. First, regularly remove the excess wax accumulating in the ear canals.

If the pet has long, drooping ears, you should gently fold them outwards occasionally. This can be done, for example, when the animal is sleeping peacefully. It is also essential to thoroughly dry the dog's ears after every bath.