{"id":1945,"date":"2026-06-01T17:14:35","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T00:14:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.baysideanimalhospitalonline.com\/blog\/?p=1945"},"modified":"2026-06-01T17:14:36","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T00:14:36","slug":"persistent-ear-scratching-in-dogs-infection-allergies-or-parasites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.baysideanimalhospitalonline.com\/blog\/persistent-ear-scratching-in-dogs-infection-allergies-or-parasites\/","title":{"rendered":"Persistent Ear Scratching in Dogs: Infection, Allergies, or Parasites?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A dog scratching his ears constantly, shaking his head, or pawing at the side of his face is hard to watch and hard to ignore. Few things are more frustrating, for you or your pup, than seeing him uncomfortable with no relief in sight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Persistent ear discomfort is one of the most common reasons pet owners call the vet, and for good reason. At Bayside Animal Hospital<\/a> in Granite Bay, CA, we know that reaching the right answer quickly is the key to helping your dog feel comfortable again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Dogs Scratch Their Ears<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ear irritation in dogs almost always has an underlying cause. The tricky part is that several different conditions can look nearly identical from the outside. That’s why a veterinary exam is so important. Guessing at the cause and treating the wrong thing can actually make matters worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The three most common culprits are infections, allergies, and parasites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ear Infections: A Very Common Cause<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ear infections top the list of reasons dogs end up at the vet, and they can develop quickly\u2014 sometimes seemingly overnight. Watch for these signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n