Rubbing dog ears: Dog Ear Rubs | Why Do Dogs Love Getting Their Ears Rubbed

Dog Ear Rubs | Why Do Dogs Love Getting Their Ears Rubbed

It’s hard not to notice a dog’s delight when his ears are being rubbed: he leans in to your hand, rolls back his eyes and lets out a long sigh or groan.

So, next to a good belly rub, why do all dogs love having their ears massaged?

Nerves — a whole branch of them — release endorphins that make your dog feel downright relaxed.

Understanding a Dog’s Ears

For years, alternative-health therapists have targeted the ears when practicing acupuncture or acupressure. Why? Because a dog’s ears contain a network of nerve branches that extend to internal organs, sending impulses throughout the body.

This “map of the body” within the ear provides an effective means for alternative-health physicians to perform therapy on a dog’s body, says Dr. Christine Makowski, a Landenberg, Penn., veterinarian.

With that in mind, you might be able to understand that a dog’s ears are very sensitive to touch.

Ecstatic Ear Rubs

Has your dog ever fallen into a trance, or into a light sleep, while having her ear’s rubbed? The nerve impulses sent through the hypothalamus and pituitary glands actually secrete endorphins — the same pain-killing, feel-good hormones humans release during exercise, for example — that make your four-legged companion feel relaxed, mellow and very happy.

When you rub your dog’s ears, she’s essentially getting high on her own hormones, says Dr. Allen Schoen, director of the Center for the Advancement of Veterinary Alternative Therapies.

In addition, Schoen says massaging a dog’s ears meets a basic need for affection and communication from pet owners.

Dogs may be rather selective as to whom may give them the long-awaited pleasure of an ear rub.

Not All Ear Rubs Are Welcome

Just because dogs love a good ear rub doesn’t mean they want everyone to reach down and give it a shot. According to “The Secret Lives of Dogs”, dogs are particular about who rubs their ears. Strangers with outstretched hands may make your dog somewhat nervous.

To understand this reaction, you should recognize that dogs associate the height of their heads (and others’ heads) and any touching to their heads as a dominance issue.

Have you ever noticed a submissive dog tucking his head under another dog’s chin and gently rubbing? Considered to be a sign of respect, the opposite behavior would be one dog deliberately placing his head on top of another dog’s head. Both behaviors are power moves — and dogs will naturally associate a person’s hand resting on their head or rubbing their ears as dominant.

In other words, dogs may be rather selective as to whom may give them the long-awaited pleasure of an ear rub.

Now Hear This

One of the top reasons dogs visit veterinarians each year? Ear infections.

A dog’s ear canals bend and curve sharply, making them prone to ear infections. This can be easily avoided with regular ear cleanings. However, if your dog suddenly shows signs of pain during an ear rub, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. An infection should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

In addition, be careful when massaging the ears of a dog whose ears have been clipped. Some dogs may be sensitive to having their ears handled.

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Dog Massage Techniques For the Home

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Take your petting to the next level.

The benefits of massage are well known. Anyone who’s had the pleasure of getting a massage knows they can be a great way to work out tension and muscle aches and aid in circulation. What you may not know is that is that dog massages can be just as good for your fur baby.

“Massage can be very beneficial,” says Rod Newman, a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner at Canine Rehabilitation Center of Nashville. “It is one of the tools we use to help dogs recover.” Pam Holt, a certified canine massage therapist with Buddha Dog Animal Massage, agrees. “Mostly, massage is about increasing circulation of blood, lymph and nutrients to the tissue,” Holt explains.

“Massage releases toxins from muscles and other tissues. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. It stimulates the release of endorphins. Essentially, massage enhances every system and organ in the body.”

A professional dog massage therapist can be a real boon for your dog’s well being. “They should be educated in the anatomy and physiology of your dog,” Holt points out. “They have the experience that helps them benefit your dog as much as possible. But I believe everyone can massage their dog if they use common sense. Ask a credentialed animal massage practitioner to show you massage strokes when you hire them.” As part of canine rehab, Newman says that he often offers classes to teach pet parents to massage their own dogs.

If you want to give your dog a massage at home, try these six techniques:

1. Stroke Your Dog
   This is a natural way to help your dog relax, and it will feel familiar to your buddy. Simply start at your dog’s head and make long, slow and relaxing strokes all the way along the body, always petting with the direction of the hair. Use both hands, alternating pressure to keep a continuous flow of touch on your dog’s body.
    
2. Knead Your Dog’s Muscles
   Like you, your dog can hold tension in her muscles. To knead, move your fingers and thumbs in small circular movements around the muscles. Try gently kneading some of those areas that tend to hold the most tension, such as around the withers (shoulder area) and the upper portion of the leg.

   This helps to relax and increase circulation to the muscle. Increased circulation helps to rid the muscle of toxins and lactic acid, the chemical that causes soreness after a workout. Use a light touch with small breeds, since their tiny bones are fragile.
    

3. Roll Your Dog’s Skin
   Grasp the loose sections of skin and gently roll them between your fingers. Roll the skin down the length of the body. Be careful not to pinch your dog’s skin in the process. This technique helps to reduce skin adhesions and increases circulation to the skin and hair follicles. Increased blood flow contributes to a healthy coat.
    
4. Stretch Your Dog’s Legs
   Just like you need a cool-down after a workout, your four-legged athlete can benefit from a good stretch. This is a little advanced and should never be forced on a dog. If you are unsure, start by watching how your dog stretches himself, then gently copy his gestures. The safest stretches start in the legs. Stretch the front legs out and forward. Stop stretching as soon as you feel resistance.
    
5. Rub Your Dog’s Ears
   Your dog’s ears are loaded with nerve endings. When you rub them, they send signals to the brain that do everything from relax your dog to increase her production of endorphins, the feel-good hormone. To rub her ears, start at the base of the ear (closer to the head) and grasp it firmly but gently. Rub down to the tip and repeat.
    
6. Massage Your Dog’s Feet
   Like human feet, a dog’s feet become cramped and tense after walking all day. By teaching your dog how nice a massage can be, you may start to find it easier to clean his feet and clip his nails. Start by bending the foot at the ankle area. Gently squeeze the ankle, then knead the foot down to the end of each toe. Pull each toe separately and gently bend it forward and backward.

After a massage, make sure that your dog has plenty of water to flush any lactic acid or toxins from his body. In the beginning, keep your total massage time short, just a few minutes. As both you and your little buddy become used to massage, you can lengthen your session.

While a daily massage is ideal, it’s especially important to help your dog to relax after exerting himself or after a particularly tense car ride or vet visit. If you pass these tips along to your dog sitter your pup can be extra relaxed even when you’re not around. By incorporating dog massage into your daily routine, you can bond with your dog and help him live a healthier life. So try taking petting to the next level.

Want more tips on how to pamper your pooch? Check out these Spa Services for Pets.

Shellie Braeuner is an award-winning children’s author. She earned an M.Ed from Vanderbilt in Human Developmental Counseling and has worked as a nanny for more than 25 years.

* This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be providing medical advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The reader should always consult a health care provider concerning any medical condition or treatment plan. Neither Care.com nor the author assumes any responsibility or liability with respect to use of any information contained herein.

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Dog scratching ears: causes, treatment and prevention

Contents

1. Why does a dog shake its head?
2. Diagnostics
3. Otohematoma
4. Inflammatory otitis media
5. Allergic otitis media
6. Foreign body
7. Otodectosis
8. Other parasites
9. Treatment
10. Prophylaxis

Itchy ears in dogs is an extremely unpleasant thing. Owners often refer to it as “ear mange”. The ears can itch deep inside, and no matter what the dog does, the discomfort does not go away. The dog can scratch his ears with his front and hind paws, rub his head against the carpet, furniture, people. If you see that your pet is often and intensely trying to “help” you scratch, twitching his hind paw when you pat him behind the ear, as if he were scratching himself – welcome to an appointment with a veterinarian. With severe itching, the dog can scratch the ears until they bleed. It is better not to bring to this and take action at the first sign of illness. A disease is always easier to prevent than to treat, and an examination by a doctor is never superfluous.

Why does the dog shake its head?

Constant shaking of the head, attempts to scratch with paws – a reason to properly examine the dog’s ears. Itching is not normal. Before visiting a doctor, think about what could provoke itching? Perhaps you have not treated your pet for parasites for a long time, or transferred your pet to a new food, maybe you bought a new shampoo or collar, or the dog swam in the lake in the country? Is your breed at risk for allergies?

Diagnosis

Only a veterinarian can make a diagnosis based on anamnesis (collection of information about the pet’s lifestyle), examination and additional studies. For example, otoscopy of the middle and inner ear will make it clear where the inflammatory process is localized, and microscopy of the discharge from the auricle will show what exactly could cause inflammation.

What other symptoms can disturb a dog besides itching? An attempt to look may cause anxiety, discomfort or aggression on the part of the animal;

Each of these symptoms indicates that something is wrong with the ears. The solution of the problem must be approached comprehensively and as soon as possible.

Itchy ear – what could it be?

Otohematoma

Otohematoma is an accumulation of blood between the cartilage of the ear and the skin. It rarely causes itching, but it causes obvious discomfort to the four-legged friend – the dog whines and shakes its head. You will not confuse this disease with anything – the dog’s ear is like an inflated hot ball. The reason is damage to a blood or lymphatic vessel (capillary) due to injury. Dogs with floppy ears are predisposed to the appearance of an otohematoma, but straight-eared breeds can also suffer. Often, a hematoma of the auricle can occur due to itching, when the dog often scratches its ears, hitting the auricle with its paw.

Otohematoma treatment is usually surgical – a drain is installed at the site of the hematoma, and the skin is sutured to the cartilage.

Inflammatory otitis media

Otitis media is an acute or chronic inflammatory process in the ear canal. Otitis media can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or both. It can be a skin reaction to trauma, parasites, an allergen. Most often accompanied by severe swelling, inflammation, pain, itching and discharge from the ear with an unpleasant odor. Dog breeds with drop ears are more prone to developing otitis media.

The treatment is complex, special preparations are used in the form of drops and solutions, antiseptics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Particular attention is paid to the search for the main cause that caused such inflammation.

Allergic otitis media

Ears are one of the most delicate and vulnerable places. If a dog has inflammation and otitis of the external auditory canal, then in about 70% of cases it will be associated with allergies. Ears become inflamed with both food allergies and atopic dermatitis (allergies to environmental allergens) and allergies to parasites. The outer ear will look inflamed, and if the owner tries to look inside, the dog may whine, snarl and try to hide or run away. On examination by a veterinarian through an otoscope, inflammation with a discharge (inflammatory secret) will be revealed.

As a rule, the treatment of allergic otitis is complex and will be prescribed by a doctor individually for each dog. The treatment regimen can greatly depend on the cause of the allergy. In addition to complex treatment aimed at eliminating the cause of the allergy and relieving symptoms, sanitation and treatment of the ear canal with antibacterial and antifungal drugs will also most likely be prescribed. In order to reduce itching during the treatment period and thereby make life easier for the dog, the doctor may prescribe Apoquel. This drug will relieve itching attacks and eliminate the traumatization factor during scratching, it also helps to relieve inflammation.

Foreign body

The dog is not a child and cannot put a foreign object in its ear. But there are cases when grass or tenacious plant seeds, burdock or insect accidentally get into the ear. The foreign body gives the dog discomfort – the dog persistently rubs the ear with its paws and whines. You need to examine the ear yourself as soon as possible or take your pet to the veterinarian. With a long stay of a foreign body in the ear, serious inflammation can develop, which will require long-term treatment.

Otodectosis

This is a parasitic disease caused by mites of the genus Otodectes cynotis. The tick feeds on earwax, lymph, and the epidermis. The vital activity of the parasite causes unbearable itching and inflammation in dogs. Only a veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis of otodectosis after examination and laboratory diagnosis of discharge – the tick is easy to see through a microscope.

Dogs suffer from otodectosis much less frequently than cats. But a dog can easily pick up this parasite on the street or from a sick feline.

Treatment of otodectosis is quite simple – hygienic cleaning of the ears and a drug aimed at the destruction of the tick Otodectes cynotis. Simparica tablets are perfect for treatment and prevention. They do not have a toxic effect on the dog’s body, but at the same time they are highly active against ticks that cause otodectosis.

In addition to tablets, ear mites respond well to treatment with Stronghold drops. For complete recovery, one or two treatments with an interval of 30 days are enough. In the future, you can use the drug for prevention.

Other parasites

In addition to ear mites, other parasites attack dog ears – fleas, subcutaneous mites (demodectic mange), scabies mites (sarcoptosis), ixodid (forest) mites. Bloodsuckers can be localized anywhere on the dog’s body, they also love the ears, because the skin on them is tender enough to bite through without difficulty. Bites also cause itching. And when a dog itches, it can injure the ear. Trauma can cause both local inflammation and otohematoma. In addition to unpleasant sensations, fleas and ticks are carriers of dangerous diseases. Therefore, all parasitic diseases are much easier to prevent than to treat their consequences.

Simparica tablets are the optimal solution for prevention. They protect against fleas and several types of ticks at once – ixodid (forest), ear (otodectosis), scabies (sarcoptic mange), subcutaneous (demodectic mange). In the warm season, a tablet is the salvation of a dog from many parasites and diseases that they carry.

Treatment

Treatment of the ears should be directed to the cause of inflammation and itching. At the same time, it is important to observe hygiene and not allow the dog to itch. A collar can be used to prevent scratching, but Apoquel is the best solution. This is an innovative preparation for relieving itching during diagnosis and treatment. It solves the problem at the cellular level and is well tolerated by the four-legged friend.

For each case, an individual treatment that must be prescribed by a veterinarian. In order for the doctor to see the clinical picture as much as possible – do not treat the dog’s ears with anything before the doctor’s appointment.

Prevention

The best way to fight a disease is to prevent it. To prevent otitis in a dog due to parasitic diseases, treat your pet from fleas and ticks in time. Preparations such as Simparica and Stronghold are active against these parasites and will protect your pets from intruders.

Take care of your pet’s ears – clean them regularly with lotion and a cotton pad. Do not clean your ear with cotton swabs – this can be harmful. To clean your dog’s ears, pour a small amount of lotion into the ear canal, massage the base of the ear, and let the dog shake its head hard. Excess sulfur will be on the inside of the auricle, from where it is convenient to wipe it off with a cotton pad or gauze.

If you know that a dog is prone to food allergies, carefully follow the diet and talk to all family members so that they do not feed him from the table. For allergic animals, this is extremely important. For other types of allergies, when the first signs of an exacerbation appear, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent scratching.

Health to you and your pets!

Do dogs like to rub their ears?

Dogs love to rub their ears because it gives them pleasure through reflexology and endorphins. There is no doubt about this. Humans love massage too, so it’s not hard to see why dogs love it. So, go ahead and show your dog some love by rubbing his ears well.

And these are all the nerves present in dog ears; A dog’s ears are sensitive to touch because they contain a network of nerve branches, and the nerves send impulses throughout the body. When you rub your dog’s ears, endorphins are released, which are natural feel-good hormones that relax and calm your dog.

Dogs get a kick out of rubbing their ears. … Nerves – a whole branch of them – release endorphins that make your dog feel completely relaxed.

Most dogs are comfortable with being petted on the chest, shoulders and base of the neck. When stroking these areas, stretch your hand to the side, rather than running your hand over the top of the dog.

To rub her ears, start at the base of the ear (near the head) and grasp it firmly but gently. Rub to the tip and repeat. Like human feet, dog paws become stiff and stiff after a day of walking.

Most dogs tolerate their owners’ kisses quite well. Some may even associate kissing with love and attention, and some even enjoy being kissed by their loved ones. They usually show their pleasure by wagging their tail, looking cheerful and happy, and licking you back.

Some dogs take a few seconds or minutes before they feel comfortable enough to come closer and accept touch. Gently stroke your dog on the chest or behind the ear closest to you. In any case, avoid petting the dog or across it. Never hug a dog.

Now scientists have shown that puppies find our dog speech exciting, while older dogs are somewhat indifferent. The findings show for the first time that young dogs respond to this way of talking and that it can help them learn words – as happens with human babies.

If you’ve ever watched your dog twitch, chatter, or move its paws while sleeping, you may have wondered if it’s dreaming. The answer is positive. Dogs really dream. … In fact, most likely, all mammals dream.

In a way, yes. Your dog may not be able to feel social humiliation the way a human does, but he can definitely feel shy and have subtle, embarrassing tendencies. Secondary emotions like embarrassment can be tricky when it comes to pets, but they definitely feel something similar to them.

Most pet owners would agree that their pets love to be petted. Everyone has their favorite places. For most, the belly is a favorite – it’s true, from the smallest to the largest dogs.

A cluster of nerves located under the skin is the dog’s sweet spot. When you scratch and hit your pet’s tummy, these nerves become activated and send a signal to the back leg through the spinal cord to start kicking in an attempt to eliminate the source of the irritation.

These glands secrete pheromones that convey various information such as the age, sex, mood and mating ability of the mammal. Dogs have apocrine glands all over their bodies, but the highest concentrations are found in the genitals and anus, which is why they sniff each other’s butts.

Dog ears have many nerve endings. This is most likely because sound is one of their stronger senses, along with smell, of course.