Dog Ears Are Hot: In an ideal world, we would pet, play with, and cuddle our dogs throughout the day.
As a result, we have a better understanding of what is normal and abnormal about their bodies.
This includes their core body temperature. When a dog’s skin feels unusually cold or hot to the touch, pet parents may become concerned.
Your dog’s nose can tell you a lot about how they’re feeling. But did you know that your dog’s ears can send you signal when they’re sick?
Doggie ears are frequently warm, but if they are too hot to touch, something is wrong. The following are some of the most common causes of hot dog ears and what you can do to help.
6 Reasons why your Dog Ears Are Hot
Your dog’s ears are one of the first places to show signs of heat stress. Here are five reasons why your dog’s ears may be hot to the touch:
1. Your Dog Is Overheating
If your dog is panting heavily and their ears are hot to the touch, it’s likely they are overheating. Dogs don’t sweat through their skin like humans do, so they pant to release heat. If your dog is overheating, get them to a cool, shady spot and offer them water to drink.
2. Your Dog Has Ear Infections
One of the most common reasons for hot, red ears in dogs is an ear infection. Ear infections are usually caused by bacteria or yeast and can be very painful for your dog. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, take them to the vet for treatment.
Both bacterial and yeast ear infections can cause hot ears in dogs. Your pet may be shaking their head or scratching at their ears more than usual. If they have redness, inflammation, or an odor coming from their ear canal, you should consult with your veterinarian to rule out an ear infection.
Also Read: How to Calm a Restless Dog at Night?
Other common causes of ear infections are as follows:
- Excessive water in the ear canal
- Allergies to foods or the environment
- Underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism
- A mass in the ear canal (such as a polyp) that can trap moisture and cause infection
- Wax accumulation
3. Your Dog Is Stressed
Dogs can get stressed for a number of reasons, and one of the signs of stress is hot, red ears. If your dog’s ears are hot and they seem anxious or stressed, try to remove the source of stress from their environment. This could be anything from a loud noise to a change in routine.
4. Your Dog Has Allergies
Allergies are another common cause of hot, red ears in dogs. Allergies can be caused by anything from environmental allergens to food. If you suspect your dog has allergies, talk to your vet about treatment options.
5. Your Dog Has a Fever
If your dog’s ears are hot and they seem lethargic or have a reduced appetite, they may have a fever. A fever is usually a sign of an underlying health condition and should be checked out by a vet.
If you notice your dog’s ears are hot to the touch, it’s important to check for other signs of illness or stress. If your dog is panting heavily, has a fever, or seems otherwise unwell, take them to the vet for an examination.
6. Ear mites
Your dog’s hot ears could be caused by an ear mite infestation. These pesky critters can infect the ear canals of both dogs and cats, causing irritating symptoms such as constant scratching and head shaking.
If you suspect ear mites are causing your dog’s ear problems, make an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian right away. Ear mite infestations can be treated with veterinary medication.
How warm should your dog’s ears be?
When it comes to your pup, one of the most important things to monitor is their body temperature. Dogs’ normal body temperatures run a little higher than their human companions, usually between 99.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, so their ears should feel warm to you.
However, sometimes their ears might feel warmer than usual. This could be due to a number of things, including being out in the cold or having an infection. The best way to tell if your dog is running a fever is to take their temperature.
If their temperature is above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, they may have a fever and you should take them to the vet. Additionally, if their ears are hot to the touch or if they are showing other signs of being ill, such as lethargy or loss of appetite, you should also seek medical attention.
By keeping an eye on your pup’s temperature and general health, you can help ensure that they stay happy and healthy!
When to visit the vet when your dog ears are hot?
It’s summertime, which means it’s time to enjoy the warm weather and spend time outdoors with your furry friend. But just like us, dogs can get too hot, and one warning sign that your dog may be overheating is if their ears feel hot to the touch.
If you notice that your dog’s ears are hot, it’s important to take action to help them cool down and avoid any potential health problems. Here’s what you need to know about dog ear temperature and when to visit the vet.
What’s the Normal Ear Temperature for Dogs?
A dog’s normal body temperature is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and their normal ear temperature is usually a few degrees warmer. So, if you touch your dog’s ears and they feel hot to the touch, they may be overheating.
How to Help a Dog with Hot Ears
If you think your dog’s ears are too hot, there are a few things you can do to help them cool down. First, try moving them to a cooler area, such as shade or air conditioning. You can also wet their ears with cool water or apply a cool, damp cloth.
If your dog is still panting and their ear temperature remains high, they may be suffering from heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. If this is the case, you should immediately take them to the vet.
When to Visit the Vet for Hot Ears
If you’re not sure whether your dog’s ears are too hot or if they’re suffering from heat stroke, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and visit the vet. The vet will be able to take their temperature and assess their overall condition to determine if they’re overheating and in need of medical treatment.
Keep your dog cool and healthy this summer by being aware of the signs of overheating and knowing when to visit the vet.
