Every summer we get the same question from dog owners. Why has my dog suddenly started shaking his head and scratching his ears now the weather has warmed up?

The short version is that summer is hard on dog ears. Almost everything that irritates them peaks at the same time of year, which is why the head shaking tends to arrive with the good weather.

Some scratching is nothing to worry about. A lot of scratching usually means something specific is going on, and it helps to know what you're looking for.

Is it normal for dogs to scratch their ears more in summer?

A bit more scratching in warm weather is normal, yes. The skin inside a dog's ears is thin and sensitive, so it reacts to seasonal triggers the same way the rest of their skin does.

What's not normal is scratching that doesn't stop. Constant head shaking, rubbing their head along the carpet, a red or hot ear flap, a smell, or dark waxy gunk inside the ear. Those are signs the ear needs proper attention.

What causes itchy dog ears in summer?

The usual suspects are pollen allergies, warmth and moisture inside the ear, grass seeds, and water from swimming. Mites and fleas come up too, though less often than people think.

Pollen and allergies

This is the big one. Grass, tree and weed pollen all peak between late spring and early autumn in the UK, and dogs with sensitivities react through their skin rather than sneezing like we do. The ears often show it first.

The PDSA lists skin allergies among the most common reasons dogs end up at the vet, and itchy ears usually turn up alongside itchy paws and belly scratching. So if your dog is chewing his feet as well as shaking his head, pollen is the most likely culprit. Dogs can get hay fever much like we do, and our guide on whether dogs can get hay fever runs through the signs and what actually helps.

Warm, humid ears

A dog's ear canal is shaped like an L, so air barely moves through it. In warm weather it gets hot and damp in there, and the yeast and bacteria that live on the skin anyway start multiplying more than they should.

Floppy eared breeds have it worst. Spaniels, Labradors, Bassets. The ear flap sits over the opening like a lid and traps everything underneath. Hairy eared breeds like Cockapoos and Poodles have a similar problem because the hair holds moisture and muck in place.

Swimming

Lots of dogs turn into water babies the minute it warms up, and rivers, lakes and paddling pools are all fair game. The trouble is the water that stays behind in the ear afterwards. It softens the skin and keeps the canal damp, and pond water isn't exactly clean to begin with.

If your dog's ears flare up around the same time the swimming starts, that's probably not a coincidence. Get into the habit of towel drying the outer ear after every dip.

Grass seeds

These are a different beast altogether. From about May to August, dry grass seeds with sharp pointed heads drop off long grass and catch in fur. They only travel one way, and if one gets into the ear canal it keeps working its way in.

A grass seed doesn't build up slowly. Your dog is fine on the walk, then an hour later he's shaking his head like mad, holding it to one side or pawing at one ear.

Mites and fleas

Ear mites cause fierce itching and a dark crumbly discharge that looks like coffee grounds. They're more common in puppies and dogs that live with cats. Fleas don't usually live in the ears, but a flea allergic dog will scratch around the head and neck enough to make the ears sore, and fleas are busier in warm weather.

How can I tell which one it is?

The pattern tells you a lot.

You can't see down the ear canal yourself though, and ear problems get painful fast once they take hold. If the ear is hot, smelly or clearly hurting, or the itching has gone on more than a few days, see your vet.

How do I soothe my dog's itchy ears at home?

For mild summer itchiness, a few habits make a real difference.

If you want to get ear care right all year round, not just in summer, our complete guide to canine ear care covers the whole routine.

It's also worth thinking about diet, because summer ear trouble is so often part of a bigger picture of sensitive skin. Omega fatty acids help maintain the skin's natural barrier, ears included. If your dog is itchy all over rather than just around the ears, our guide to the common causes of itchy skin in dogs is a good place to start.

A natural option for itchy summer ears

If your dog goes through this every summer, this is exactly why we make Ear Stuff. It's a 100% natural dog ear oil made from black seed oil, olive oil and coconut oil, designed for irritated ears. It gently loosens built up wax so it can clear on its own, soothes the itch without stinging, and supports the ear's natural balance when you use it regularly.

No alcohol, no harsh chemicals, no cotton buds.

How to use Ear Stuff

It's safe if licked and fine for puppies from 12 weeks. If the ears are part of wider itchy skin, Food Stuff, our natural daily food supplement, works alongside it to support the skin from the inside.