Why Are My Dog's Ears Hot? Potential Causes Explained

If you’ve ever felt your dog’s ears and thought, “Wow, they’re really warm,” you’re not alone. Many dog owners have experienced this, but what does it mean? There are several reasons why your dog’s ears might feel hot to the touch, some of which are completely normal and others that may require further investigation. Your dog’s ears might be hot because of increased blood flow due to stress or excitement, an ear infection, allergies that cause inflammation, or even a foxtail or other foreign object. Keep an eye out for other symptoms and contact your vet if you’re concerned.

While it’s always good to check on your dog’s ears, especially if you notice they feel warm, it’s important to note that warm ears alone aren’t necessarily a cause for concern. To help you better understand why your dog’s ears might feel warm, let’s take a look at the science behind the potential causes of increased ear temperature in dogs. This will help you better understand the harmless and potentially worrisome causes, so you can decide if you need to take your dog to the vet.

How to Tell If Your Dog Has an Ear Infection

Ear infections in dogs can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild irritation to more serious issues. The American Kennel Club lists some of the most common symptoms as head shaking, scratching at the ear, dark discharge, odor, redness, swelling, pain, and itching. In some cases, there may be no symptoms other than a noticeable accumulation of wax and discharge.

More serious infections can cause additional symptoms, including hearing loss, loss of balance, and strange eye movements, according to the Bear Creek Veterinary Clinic. The ears may also feel hot or swollen to the touch, which is a sign of inflammation and infection.

There are several risk factors that can make a dog more likely to develop ear infections. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, one of the biggest risk factors is moisture in the ear canal, which can create an environment that's conducive to bacterial and fungal growth. Dogs with floppy ears and dogs with excessive hair in their ear canals are also more likely to develop ear infections. Finally, allergies are a factor in up to 80% of dogs with food allergies and 50% of dogs with allergic skin disease.

If your dog is experiencing a combination of symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. Catching the infection early can help prevent it from getting worse and reduce the risk of complications, which can include a ruptured eardrum or permanent hearing loss. By learning to recognize the symptoms of ear infections, you can be better prepared to catch and treat any potential issues before they become more serious, ensuring your dog's health and happiness.

Prevention: How to Keep Your Dog's Ears Healthy

Frequent ear cleanings with a vet-recommended solution can help prevent infections, according to the American Kennel Club. Making sure your dog's ears are completely dry after they get wet, like after a bath or a swim, is important to prevent the moisture buildup that can cause bacteria and yeast to grow, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.

You can also help prevent ear infections by treating any allergies or removing excess hair in and around the ears, according to the Bear Creek Veterinary Clinic. The American Kennel Club also recommends checking your dog's ears for dirt, odor, and redness on a regular basis. The Animal Care Center stresses that good ear hygiene and grooming practices can help prevent ear infections.

By making sure to clean, dry, and maintain your dog's ears, you can help prevent painful and recurring ear infections. That said, if your dog's ears still feel warm to the touch, there may be some other things you can do at home before you take them to the vet.

How to Treat Hot Ears at Home: Short-Term Solutions and When to Call the Vet

If your dog has hot ears, there are a few things you can do at home to help them feel better. According to WebMD, you can use a damp cloth or a water spray to cool your dog's ears, which may help them feel more comfortable. You can also make sure your dog is drinking water and resting in a cool, shady spot to help them lower their body temperature.

In addition, some over-the-counter ear cleaners or natural solutions like apple cider vinegar may help with the itchiness that can accompany hot ears, says GoodGood Pet. However, it's important to make sure that you never put anything in your dog's ear without first talking to your vet. This can cause more harm than good.

If your dog is experiencing more severe symptoms, like a high fever, severe pain, or any other symptoms that you're worried about, GoodGood Pet recommends that you take your dog to the vet immediately. If your dog has a serious condition, not getting it treated can lead to complications, so it's important to make sure that you don't wait to get medical help when you need it.

Although you may be able to use some at-home treatments to help your dog feel better if they have hot ears, it's important to know what's causing the issue if you want to manage it in the long run. That leads us to the next section, which is all about the role that allergies and other medical conditions can play in your dog's ear problems.

Allergies and Other Underlying Causes

Food, environmental, and other types of allergies can lead to inflammation in a dog's ears, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Some breeds are more susceptible to ear infections due to their floppy ears or excessive hair, says the American Kennel Club. In addition, hypothyroidism and autoimmune diseases are examples of underlying causes that can make ear infections more likely.

To prevent recurring ear infections, it's important to treat the underlying cause, such as allergies or hormonal imbalances, according to Preventive Vet. Therefore, dogs with chronic or recurring ear infections should work with their vet to determine and treat the underlying cause. This will help ensure that the dog gets the best care possible and breaks the cycle of inflammation and infection.

Although short-term home remedies can help dogs with mild hot or irritated ears, dogs with more severe or recurring symptoms will need to see a vet for professional care. Knowing when to take your dog to the vet is important to help protect their ear health.

When to See a Doctor: Signs of a More Serious Issue

If your dog's ears feel very hot to the touch, are extremely swollen, or if your dog has a high fever, Poway Vets says you should take your dog to the vet immediately. If your dog is experiencing constant head shaking, balance problems, or strange eye movements, it may be a sign of a severe infection or complication, according to Stockton Vets. If your dog is in a lot of pain, or if there is blood or discharge coming from the ears, you should also take your dog to the vet right away, says PetMD.

If your dog's symptoms don't improve after a day or two of at-home treatment, GoodGood Pet recommends that you call your vet. If your dog is dealing with chronic or recurring ear problems, you may need to take your dog to the vet for more advanced treatment or diagnostic testing to figure out what's going on. If you don't get your dog's ear problems treated, it could lead to other health issues, so it's important to take your dog to the vet if you think it's necessary.

If you know what to look for, you can make sure that your dog gets the medical care they need to address any serious ear-related issues and keep them healthy and happy.

Final Thoughts: Decoding the Mystery of Your Dog's Warm Ears

There are many reasons why a dog's ears might feel hot, from harmless excitement to more serious infections or underlying conditions. Regular ear checks and proper hygiene are important for preventing infections and maintaining your dog's ear health. If you notice that your dog is experiencing multiple symptoms or is in a lot of pain, make sure to get them to the vet as soon as possible.

It's also important to make sure that you're addressing any underlying allergies or other health issues that could be contributing to chronic ear problems. By staying on top of your dog's ear health, you can help make sure that they're happy and healthy.