Dog Ear Itch and Head Shaking: Effective Medications fo

There are numerous reasons why a dog might experience itchy ears, such as skin conditions around the ears, otitis, ear mites, and parasitic bites. These issues can lead to discomfort and itching, prompting the dog to shake its head or frequently scratch at its ears.

When faced with such a situation, it's crucial to first understand the underlying cause before considering any medication to avoid exacerbating the problem with inappropriate treatment.

Common Causes of a Dog Continuously Shaking Its Head Due to Itchy Ears

1. Water or foreign objects like small insects, grass seeds, entering the ear canal

2. Skin diseases such as ringworm, folliculitis, or allergic dermatitis around the ears

3. Ear mite infestation

4. External or middle ear infections caused by bacterial, fungal, or mite infections

5. Ear canal hyperplasia or tumors

How to Address the Issue?

Step 1

When you notice your dog shaking its head due to itchy ears, the first step should not be to rush into medication. Instead, carefully inspect your dog's ears.

Firstly, look for any abnormal symptoms around the ears, such as hair loss, redness, bumps, or an increase in dandruff.

Secondly, check the inside of the ears for redness, an increase in discharge (which might be brown or black), pus (either watery or脓状), or an unpleasant odor.

Initial Assessment:

● Abnormal skin around the ears—likely a skin condition

● Blackish earwax in the ear canal—possibly ear mites

● Red and swollen ear canal with discharge—bacterial, fungal, or allergic otitis (not excluding ear canal tumors)

● No other abnormalities—there may be an ear canal foreign body

Step 2

Visit a veterinarian promptly for a thorough examination to diagnose the cause and receive appropriate treatment. This may include:

1. Ear canal foreign bodies: Carefully remove with professional tools after securing the dog or administering anesthesia.

2. Ear infections: Flush the ear canal and administer oral or injectable antibiotics, such as amoxicillinclavulanate potassium or Cefadroxil tablets.

3. Ear mites: Treat at home using Ear Cleanse (pet ear cleaning solution) to clean the ear canal, followed by Hydracortisone (antiinflammatory cream) for antiitch relief, and regular deworming with medications containing selamectin or pyriproxyfen moxidectin.

4. Ear canal tumors: Surgical treatment is necessary, with postoperative care to prevent infection.

Step 3

Implement the following home care measures to aid your dog's recovery:

1. Fit your dog with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from scratching and causing further skin damage or infection.

2. Provide your dog with adequate protein and B vitamins to boost its immune system and promote healing.

3. If itching is severe, consider administering antihistamines such as Clorpheniramine maleate tablets to effectively alleviate itching symptoms.

In summary, there are many reasons why a dog's ears might become itchy. The appropriate course of action depends on the specific situation, and if you're unsure how to proceed, it's best to consult with a veterinarian.