Did you know dogs can suffer from allergies just like humans can? Dog allergies can present symptoms in a variety of ways. The most common is itchy ears.

Many dog owners are unaware their dog has an ear allergy. When the problem isn’t addressed early, it can cause significant harm to your dog’s health.

This article provides some tips for identifying dog ear allergies so you can seek treatment as soon as possible.

Recurrent Scratching of the Ears

Signs of dog ear allergies include recurrent scratching of the ears. This behavior can occur due to skin irritations that dogs may experience from food allergies, environmental irritants, parasites, or skin and ear infections.

Those who suffer from allergies may shake their head, rub their ears on carpets or furniture, or may have an inflamed and foul-smelling ear canal.

Veterinarians recommend that pet owners frequently check their dogs’ swollen ears regularly for any signs of redness or compulsive scratching.

Inflammation of the Ears

Allergies can cause inflammation of the ears in dogs as an immune system reaction. The ears may also be red, warm, and tender to the touch. There may be intense ear inflammation with possible thickening of the ear flaps.

If the ears are very painful, the dog may become head shy and not want anyone to touch them. If caught early enough, ear allergies may cease with a visit to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and possibly allergy testing or medications. If the symptoms are overlooked or not treated in a timely manner, serious secondary ear infections may emerge.

Tilting of the Head

One of the most common physical signs is the tilting of the head, which usually indicates that something is wrong with the dog’s ears. Tilting of the head could be a sign of an ear infection, an allergic reaction, or an inflamed ear canal.

If you notice your dog tilting their head, it’s important to get them to the vet to have them checked out. If the vet confirms that your dog is suffering from an ear allergy, they may recommend a course of treatments, such as medications or allergy shots.

By paying close attention to your dog and watching for signs of ear allergies, you can take steps to keep them healthy and reduce their risk of developing more serious health issues.

Discharge or Buildup of Wax

This discharge can appear yellow, white, grey, or brown in color. Wax buildup can be very obvious, with large and visible accumulations at the opening of the ear canal, but it can also be less visible, with a thin layer of wax covering the entire ear flap. 

If you’re wondering about a common medication such as Apoquel, is there a generic Apoquel? Not currently, but you can still obtain a generic version of a closely related antihistamine medication, which your vet can recommend.

Learn All About Dog Ear Allergies

Dog ear allergies, while not always serious, should never be ignored. If your pet displays signs of irritation and inflammation in their ears, it is best to contact your veterinarian.

With timely and proper medical care, your pet can be happy and healthy once again. Remember, prevention is the best cure!

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