Why Does My Dog Get Itchy Ears in Summer?

Summer can be a brilliant time for dogs — longer walks, more time outdoors and plenty of opportunities to explore. But for some dogs, warmer weather can also mean one thing: itchy ears.

If your dog seems to scratch their ears, shake their head or become more uncomfortable during the spring and summer months, seasonal allergies could be playing a part.

Pollen, grass, dust, heat and moisture can all contribute to irritation, particularly in dogs that already have sensitive skin or a history of ear problems.

Why Are My Dog’s Ears Worse in Summer?

There are several reasons a dog’s ears may become itchier during warmer weather.

Seasonal Allergies

Dogs can react to environmental allergens including:

• Grass pollen
• Tree pollen
• Weeds
• Dust
• Mould spores

Unlike people, who often experience sneezing and watery eyes, dogs with environmental allergies commonly develop symptoms affecting their skin, paws and ears.

Some dogs may only experience problems at certain times of year, while others have symptoms all year round that become noticeably worse during spring and summer.

Grass and Pollen Exposure

Dogs pick up pollen and other allergens while walking through grass, fields and woodland.

These allergens can settle on the coat, paws and around the ears.

Dogs with sensitive skin may then begin scratching, rubbing their face or shaking their head after walks.

Wiping your dog down after being outdoors can help remove some of the pollen left on their coat.

Heat and Moisture

Warm, humid conditions can create an environment where the naturally occurring microorganisms on a dog’s skin can multiply more easily.

Ears can be particularly vulnerable because the ear canal is warm and enclosed.

This can be especially noticeable in dogs with:

• Floppy ears
• Hairy ear canals
• Narrow ear canals
• A history of allergies
• Regular swimming habits

Breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Labradors and other floppy-eared dogs can be particularly prone to recurring ear trouble.

Does Swimming Make Itchy Ears Worse?

It can.

Dogs that spend more time swimming during summer may end up with moisture trapped around the ear canal.

This doesn’t automatically cause an ear infection, but persistent moisture can contribute to an environment where irritation or microbial overgrowth is more likely.

After swimming, gently dry the outer part of your dog’s ears and keep an eye out for changes such as:

• Increased head shaking
• Scratching
• Redness
• Wax build-up
• Unusual smell
• Discharge

If your dog regularly develops problems after swimming, speak to your vet about an appropriate ear-care routine.

Could Fleas Cause Itchy Ears?

Yes.

Fleas are another common cause of itching and can become more noticeable during warmer weather.

Some dogs are particularly sensitive to flea saliva, meaning even a small number of bites can cause significant itching.

Keeping your dog’s flea treatment up to date is an important part of managing itchy skin and ears.

If you’re not sure which flea treatment is appropriate for your dog, speak to your vet.

What Does an Ear Allergy Look Like in Dogs?

Dogs with allergy-related ear irritation may show:

• Scratching around the ears
• Frequent head shaking
• Rubbing their face along furniture or the floor
• Redness inside the ear
• Increased wax
• Recurring ear problems
• Paw licking or chewing
• Itchy skin elsewhere on the body

If the irritation appears around the same time every year, environmental allergies may be worth discussing with your vet.

However, these symptoms can also be caused by ear mites, infection, foreign bodies and other conditions, so it’s important not to assume allergies are always responsible.

How Can I Help My Dog’s Itchy Ears in Summer?

There are a few simple things you can do to support dogs that become itchier during warmer months.

Wipe Your Dog After Walks

A damp cloth can help remove pollen and grass residue from:

• Paws
• Legs
• Face
• Outer ears
• Belly

This is especially useful after walks through long grass or areas with high pollen levels.

Keep Bedding Clean

Pollen, dust and other allergens can build up in dog beds and blankets.

Wash bedding regularly and vacuum areas where your dog spends a lot of time.

Dry Ears After Swimming

Gently dry the outer ear after your dog has been swimming or bathing.

Avoid pushing anything into the ear canal.

Check the Ears Regularly

Get into the habit of looking at your dog’s ears.

Healthy ears should generally be comfortable, without significant redness, swelling, discharge or a strong unpleasant smell.

Spotting changes early can make it easier to deal with problems before your dog becomes very uncomfortable.

Can Ear Stuff Help With Itchy Summer Ears?

For dogs with waxy, dry or sensitive ears, Stinky Stuff Ear Stuff can be used as part of a regular ear-care routine.

Ear Stuff is an oil-based formula designed to help soften wax and debris while gently conditioning the skin around the ear.

Because only a small amount is required, it can also be useful for dogs that dislike having large amounts of liquid ear cleaner applied.

Shop Ear Stuff – Natural Dog Ear Drops

Ear Stuff is intended for routine ear care rather than as a replacement for veterinary treatment.

If your dog has a painful, inflamed or infected ear, speak to your vet before applying an ear-cleaning product.

When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?

Contact your vet if your dog has:

• Persistent or severe itching
• Repeated head shaking
• Significant redness
• Swelling
• Pain when the ear is touched
• Yellow, green or bloody discharge
• A strong unpleasant smell
• A head tilt
• Loss of balance
• Repeated ear infections

Recurring summer ear problems may be linked to allergies, but your vet may need to rule out infection, mites, foreign bodies or other causes.

How Can I Prevent Summer Ear Problems?

You can’t always prevent itchy ears completely, particularly in dogs with allergies, but good routine care can help.

Try to:

• Check ears regularly
• Keep flea treatment up to date
• Wipe pollen from your dog after walks
• Dry the ears after swimming
• Keep bedding clean
• Avoid over-cleaning healthy ears
• Speak to your vet if problems keep returning

For dogs with recurring seasonal issues, keeping a note of when symptoms start and what your dog has been exposed to can also help identify patterns.

The Bottom Line

Itchy ears in summer are common in dogs and can be linked to pollen, grass, allergies, fleas, heat and moisture.

Occasional mild irritation may be manageable with good grooming and regular ear checks, but persistent scratching, head shaking, redness, smell or discharge should always be investigated.

If your dog’s ears tend to become waxy or sensitive during the warmer months, a gentle ear-care routine can help keep them clean and comfortable.

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You can also read our Dog Ear Wax Removal Guide for more advice on keeping your dog’s ears clean safely.