Pet SOS: My Dog's Ears are Hot

From a stuffy nose to a sore throat, the signs of sickness in humans are pretty well-known. The symptoms of illness in dogs, on the other hand, are not common knowledge.

Luckily, there are some signs to look out for that can help you figure out when your dog requires a trip to the veterinarian. 

One of the telltale signs of illness in dogs is when your dog’s ears are hot. Here’s our guide to the most common reasons why a dog’s ears could be hot, when to go to the vet, and boost your pet’s overall health with supplements for dogs to keep symptoms from developing.

Common Reasons a Dog’s Ears are Hot

It is normal for a dog’s ears to be somewhat warm, but hot ears should be a cause for concern in most cases. As the summer season brings higher temperatures, it can be easier to assume that a dog’s ears are hot due to the summer weather. However, it is more likely that a health condition is causing a dog’s ears to be hot to the touch. 

Here are some of the most common reasons a dog’s ears are hot regardless of what the weather is outside:

• Allergies — Some of the more common signs of allergies in dogs are itching and discomfort, but when a dog’s ears are hot, allergies can sometimes be the culprit as well. If your dog’s ears are hot, red and irritated, these are symptoms that suggest that allergies could be the source of the problem. Both environmental and food allergens can make your dog’s ears hot. 

If you notice that your dog is displaying these signs of irritation and an elevated temperature in their ears, keep track of when exactly your dog is experiencing them. For example, if your dog’s ears are hot right after you feed them a meal or give them a dog treat, there is likely a food ingredient in the kibble or treats that is causing the allergic reaction. If your dog’s ears become uncomfortable after playing outside in the garden or taking a walk through the grassy backyard, the irritation is probably caused by an environmental allergen. Some possible sources of environmental allergies include grass, mold, pollen and other outdoor plants. 

• Fever — When you suspect you have a fever yourself, it is probably because your forehead feels hot, or you have an unusual case of the chills. When it comes to a fever in your dog, you can check how the temperature of their ears feels with your hand to figure out if they are not feeling well. A fever is a sign that your dog is suffering from some type of illness, and one of the easiest ways to tell whether or not your dog has a fever is to see if their ears are hot. Some other signs to look out for in a dog with a fever are:
• Reduced Appetite
• Glassy Eyes
• Shivering
• Lack of Energy
• Cough
• Excessive Panting
• Vomiting
• Ear Infection — If you are looking for answers about why your dog’s ears are hot, another potential explanation is that your dog is suffering from an ear infection. If you notice that the temperature of your dog’s ears seems elevated, along with other signs such as inflammation, increased redness or an unusual smell within your dog’s ears, an ear infection should be suspected. Additionally, behavior such as itching at or scratching the ears excessively or shaking the ears and head indicates an ear infection. 
• Ear Mites — Fleas and ticks are not the only pests that can cause your dog to experience many uncomfortable symptoms. Ear mites are another unfortunate creature that dog owners need to be on the lookout for to help prevent dog health problems. If your dog is dealing with an ear mite infestation, their ears might be hot. Some other symptoms that come with ear mites include your dog shaking their head and spending a lot of time itching their ears. 

What to Do When Your Dog’s Ears are Hot

Pinpointing the exact problem causing your dog’s ears to be hot is just the beginning. Now that you know why your dog’s ears are hot, it is essential to know what to do. The steps that should be taken to help remedy your dog’s symptoms often depend on the specific cause. Here are some solutions for each of the common causes described above:

When Allergies Are Running Amok

The most effective remedy is to prevent exposure to the allergen. That is often easier said than done when you do not know precisely what your dog is reacting to. Whether you have noticed that your dog’s ears are hot after dinnertime but are not sure which food ingredient is a problem, or if you have noticed that spending time outside aggravates the symptoms but cannot tell if grass, pollen or another environmental allergen is the culprit, a veterinarian can help you get a definitive answer. Once you know what your dog is allergic to, you can help them avoid their allergens and prevent symptoms such as hot ears from developing. 

When Fido is Feverish

Keeping a dog thermometer on hand can help you confirm whether or not your dog does have a fever. The thermometer reading will also help inform you on what steps you should take next. A fever of 106 degrees or higher in a dog is very serious and requires immediate medical attention. If the fever is between 103 and 106 degrees, you should watch your dog for any concerning symptoms, such as shivering, vomiting or unusual panting. These are signs that a vet visit is in order. If your dog has a mild fever and no other serious symptoms, you can be proactive by offering plenty of water to support hydration and draping cool, damp cloths on their ears or feet to help them cool down and regulate their temperature. 

When Infections are Incoming

Ear infections can turn into more serious infections and illnesses when left untreated in dogs. The best way to keep this from happening is to take your dog to the vet when you notice any sign of a possible ear infection. In this case, it is better to be safe than sorry. If the vet finds that your dog’s ears are hot because they do have an infection, medication will likely be administered. The vet will also probably clean your dog’s ears so that they can heal properly. 

When Ear Mites are Bugging Your Pup

The typical symptoms of an ear mite infestation are often similar to that of an ear infection, including scratching and irritation. For that reason, you must take your dog to the vet to get a professional diagnosis to give your dog the correct treatment. The most effective medications to cure a case of ear mites are those prescribed by the vet, which is another reason that signs of ear mites should be followed up with a vet visit. In the case of ear mites, medication is usually used directly on the skin inside your dog’s ears to take care of the problem. 

Promote Overall Health with Swaggy Tails’ Supplements for Dogs

Several health conditions can make it so that your dog’s ears are hot. The easiest way to prevent yourself from dealing with any of these issues is to support your dog’s overall wellness. Supplements for dogs from Swaggy Tails are the best solution available. When you add supplements for dogs to your pet’s routine, you help promote their health in general so that they are less likely to develop illnesses in the first place. 

From Digestive Enzymes to Omega Skin & Coat to Hemp Calming chews and Joint Support supplements, Swaggy Tails has supplements for dogs that address all of the most common dog health concerns. When you are searching for a way to promote digestive health, support a shiny coat that does not itch and keep your dog free from anxiety and joint pain, Swaggy Tails’ supplements for dogs are the answer you have been looking for. 

Try Swaggy Tails’ supplements for dogs today to be proactive and boost your dog’s overall health!