A puppy shaking its head or scratching an ear may have inflammation of the ear canal. Infection is one possibility, but mites, moisture, a foreign object, or other skin disease can lead to the same signs. Knowing the cause matters because different ear treatments are not interchangeable.
Signs worth noticing
Common changes include red skin, unusual smell, dark or yellow discharge, pain when touched, and repeated head shaking. One ear may be worse than the other. A puppy that scratches intensely can develop a swollen ear flap from a hematoma.
Why the vet examines the ear
An otoscope helps assess the canal and eardrum. A sample of debris can be examined for mites, yeast, or bacteria. Some drops are unsafe when the eardrum is ruptured, so using leftover medication without an examination risks injury and may hide the real problem.
When to seek urgent care
Call promptly for ear pain or discharge. A head tilt, balance changes, falling, abnormal eye movements, severe pain, or swelling requires urgent in-person evaluation. Middle or inner ear disease can cause neurological-looking signs; a video chat cannot rule this out.
Safe care before the visit
Keep the ears dry and avoid alcohol, peroxide, essential oils, vinegar, cotton swabs inside the canal, and human ear preparations. Do not force cleaning when the ear is painful. Tell the vet about recent baths, swimming, grooming, flea treatments, and any previous ear problems.
After diagnosis
Follow the exact treatment and recheck schedule recommended by your veterinarian. Recurrent ear problems may reflect allergic skin disease or other underlying factors. Routine cleaning is not necessarily beneficial for every puppy; ask whether it is appropriate for yours.
Related: how cat ear problems differ. Learn more from the Merck Veterinary Manual’s ear section. Educational content, not a diagnosis.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.