A dog’s ears are like the radiators of a car — they’re designed to release heat, not retain it.
So when your pup’s ears get warm and then stay that way for more than a few minutes, it can mean that something is wrong.
Why are my dog’s Ears hot?
Here are some common reasons why a dog’s ears are warm:
1. Ear infections
Ear infections are caused by bacteria or yeast and can cause pain, inflammation, and discharge from the ear canal.
2. Ear mites
These tiny parasites live in the outer ear canal, feeding on skin cells and causing irritation and itching that leads to scratching at the ears.
The most common sign of ear mites is dark brown waxy debris in the outer ear canal and under the base of your dog’s tail (if he has one).
3. Foreign bodies in the ear canal
Sometimes dogs get things stuck in their ears — usually grass seeds — which irritate them and make them feel uncomfortable.
If you see something in your dog’s ear, check with your vet before trying to remove it yourself.
Learn More:
4. Allergies
If your dog has allergies, the inside of his ears can become inflamed and irritated by things like pollen or dust mites.
The same thing can happen if your dog suffers from food allergies or is sensitive to certain medications, such as flea and tick treatments.
Allergies often cause itching and scratching in other areas of the body too, so if you see signs of this elsewhere on your pet — such as around his eyes or on his skin — it could be due to an allergy rather than an infection.
5. Injury
A minor injury can lead to inflammation inside your dog’s ear canal, causing heat and redness.
If he gets into a fight with another dog or is bitten by a small animal like a rabbit or squirrel, he may develop an infection from bacteria present in their saliva or urine that causes swelling and pain around the wound site.
6. Heatstroke
Heatstroke in dogs is a serious condition, and it can be deadly if not treated immediately.
If the temperature inside the dog’s body rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), then he or she may develop heatstroke.
This condition can cause brain damage and organ failure in some cases. It’s important to pay attention to your dog’s temperature when it gets hot out, especially if you plan on exercising him or her.
Are Dog’s Ears Supposed to be Warm?
A dog’s ears should feel slightly warm to the touch.
If a dog’s ears are hot, moist, or red, he may have an ear infection.
When a dog’s eardrum ruptures or becomes inflamed, it can result in hearing loss and even death.
If your dog has a fever, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Conclusion
Many people mistakenly assume that a dog’s large floppy ears function as a type of air conditioner.
However, their primary purpose is to help the dog maintain balance and thermal homeostasis.
