10 Reasons Why Your Dog's Ears Are Hot

Run your hand over your dog’s head and—yikes—the ear flap feels almost fiery. Many UK owners jump straight to “ear infection” when a dog’s ears are hot, but warm ears can point to several factors: normal blood-flow after a zoomie session, tiny parasites hiding in the ear canal, or even a brewing fever. Understanding the difference matters for your dog’s health and your wallet. This post digs into science-backed facts, so by the end you’ll know when a quick cool-down is enough and when a vet visit is safest.

How warm should your dog’s ears be?

A healthy dog’s core temperature sits between 38 °C and 39 °C (99.5–102.5 °F) according to veterinary guidance. Ears are usually a touch cooler because thin skin lets heat escape. Use the touch test first: compare the ear to the inside of your wrist. If you need numbers, a rectal thermometer gives the most accurate reading—clean, quick, and far safer than poking around the ear canal. Remember that humid UK summers can keep ear tips warmer for longer; the Met Office advises extra shade and cool water on hot days. If your dog’s ears feel hot and the thermometer tops 39 °C, you’re leaving “normal” territory.

Are warm ears ever “normal”?

Yes—briefly. Blood vessels widen in the outer ear when a dog sprints, wrestles with other pets, or naps near a radiator, so warm ears may simply follow physical activity or cosy indoor heating. The RSPCA notes that dogs regulate body temperature poorly in hot weather and can overheat even at 20 °C when the sun is strong. Warm ears should cool within 10–15 minutes once your dog rests, drinks cool water, and stops head shaking. If they stay hot, look for other signs—itchy skin, head tilt, bad odour. Persistent heat moves us from “normal blood flow” to possible ear problems that need action.

The 10 Common Causes

1. Ear infection (otitis externa)

When bacteria or yeast take over the ear canal, the thin skin inside swells, trapping heat and making your dog’s ears feel hot. You may notice a bad smell, sticky wax, or constant head shaking. Floppy-eared breeds such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels get more chronic ear infections because their long flaps trap moisture and limit air flow. A Royal Veterinary College study found Basset Hounds were more than twice as likely to develop otitis externa than dogs with pricked ears, underlining the risk for floppy-eared pets.

Action: Ask your vet for a cytology swab so the right eardrops target the exact bug—quick treatment keeps infection from burrowing deeper and harming your dog’s health.

2. Ear mites – the tiny parasites you can’t see

Ear mites live on skin debris and feed inside the outer ear, causing fierce itching, dark “coffee-ground” wax, and swollen ear tips. Because the mites crawl easily between pets, they are highly contagious in homes with cats or other dogs. PDSA notes that heavy infestations often show as black discharge plus a sweet, bad odor.

Action: A vet can spot mites under the microscope; prescription drops kill both adults and eggs. Clean bedding on a 60 °C cycle and treat other pets to stop reinfection.

3. Seasonal allergies (pollen, mould, dust)

Just like people, dogs develop allergic reactions when pollen counts spike. Histamines dilate blood vessels in the ear flap, so dogs’ warm ears are often paired with itchy skin, paw-licking, and watery eyes. The RSPCA warns that UK pollen peaks from April to August and can flare up even in town parks.

Action: Wipe your dog’s coat and ears with a damp cloth after walks to strip off pollen. Your vet may suggest antihistamine tablets or a special diet to reduce flare-ups.

4. Heatstroke or high body temperature

On hot days, dogs can overheat in minutes, especially after physical activity. A rising body temperature sends extra blood to the outer ear to cool down, so the tips feel burning hot. The Met Office reminds owners that even 20 °C sun can be dangerous for active dogs.

Action: Move to shade, give cool water, and dampen the paws and ear flaps. Use a rectal thermometer—a reading above 40 °C means emergency care. Cooling too slowly risks organ damage; cooling too fast can cause shock, so follow vet advice.

5. Ear haematoma (blood blister)

A violent head shake or an insect bite can rupture small vessels inside the ear flap, letting blood pool between skin layers. The result is a soft, swollen ear that feels hot and sometimes throbs. Blue Cross vets warn that haematomas rarely heal without help and may leave scar tissue that distorts the ear’s shape.

Action: Vets often drain the pocket or place stitches that press the layers together while healing. Address the root trigger—usually an ear infection or ear mites—to stop the cycle.

6. Foreign body—grass seed or tiny stick

In summer, barbed grass seeds slip deep into the ear canal, causing sudden pain, frantic pawing, and one affected ear that feels warm and inflamed. Because the seed keeps drilling inward, dogs’ ears are hot and may emit a sharp yelp when touched.

Action: Never fish with cotton buds; you can push the seed closer to the eardrum. A vet uses a scope and fine forceps under light sedation to remove the foreign object safely and stop future bacteria infections.

7. Bug or insect bite

A single bug bite on the ear flap triggers a local immune response—heat, redness, and sometimes hives on the margin. Bites are common after woodland walks when midges swarm.

Action: Apply a cool compress for ten minutes and watch for spreading swellings. If the ear balloon doubles in size, suspect a severe allergic reaction and call the vet; antihistamine or steroids may be needed.

8. Breed anatomy and floppy ears

Breeds with pendulous or heavy ears—Cocker Spaniels, Labradoodles, Beagles—trap moisture and create a humid cave where yeast loves to grow. Narrow ear canals in Shar-Peis also reduce airflow, so warm ears linger after baths or swimming. The RVC lists these breeds among the UK’s highest risk for ear disease.

Action: Towel-dry after water play, lift flaps during grooming to boost airflow, and schedule monthly nurse checks if your dog is prone to ear problems.

9. Skin disease spreading to the ear

Conditions like food allergy, atopic dermatitis, or mange start on the body but soon inflame the outer ear. Symptoms include flaky skin, pink scabs, or a greasy shine around the base of the ear and neck. Blue Cross reports that up to 80 % of dogs with severe skin disease also battle ear infections at some point.

Action: Managing skin disease—often through diet changes or medication—keeps the ear canal clear. Ask your vet for a combined ear-and-skin plan: topical drops plus oral anti-itch tablets.

10. Post-exercise blood flow

After a vigorous fetch session, extra blood flow carries heat from the core to thin ear tips, so dogs’ ears may feel warm. The difference here: both ears cool back to normal body temperature within 15 minutes, and there is no smell, discharge, or pain.

Action: Offer shade and cool water. If hot ears persist or one ear stays redder than the other, re-check for the issues above—exercise heat should fade quickly.

How to Check & Cool Safely at Home

A quick ear check can spare your dog days of pain. Lift the ear flap and look into the outer ear: a small amount of pale wax is fine, but black discharge, pus, or a bad smell points to an ear infection or ear mites. Use a torch rather than poking a cotton bud down the ear canal—scratches invite bacteria infections and ear injuries. If the ear feels hot, reach for a rectal thermometer; anything above the normal body temperature of 39 °C means heatstroke or fever could be brewing. The PDSA advises cleaning only with a dog-safe solution and gentle massage, never plain water or alcohol, which can trap moisture and burn delicate skin.

To cool a dog’s warm ears fast, move them to shade, switch on a fan, and offer plenty of cool water. The Blue Cross reminds owners to limit physical activity to early mornings on hot days and to carry a travel bowl so your dog can drink during walks. A soft, damp cloth over the ear flap lowers blood flow safely; ice cubes are too harsh and may cause an allergic reaction in sensitive skin. If the affected ear still feels hot after 15 minutes—or your dog shows head shaking, head tilt, or other symptoms—phone the vet immediately.

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When to See a Vet

Treat hot ears at home only when you’re sure the cause is mild. Call your vet immediately if you notice:

• Ear temperature above 39 °C despite rest and cool water.

• Dark, sticky, or black discharge with a bad odor.

• Constant head shaking or head tilt suggesting pain in the inner ear.

• Swollen ear flap or visible ear injuries.

Prevention Tips for UK Dogs

Most ear problems start small, so weekly checks are your best defence. The Kennel Club notes that long, floppy ears on breeds like Cocker Spaniels trap moisture, making otitis externa and chronic ear infections more likely. Trim excess hair in the ear canal, dry ears carefully after swimming, and teach your dog to accept ear handling with treats.

Hot weather calls for extra care. The RSPCA advises walking before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. and skipping strenuous games on very hot days. A lightweight snood or breathable headband can keep flies away from itchy ears without blocking airflow. For dogs with a history of swollen ear flaps or ear hematoma, ask your vet about routine flushes that remove build-up before it turns into an infection. Regular care saves money and keeps your dog’s health—and hearing—in top form.

FAQs

What does it mean if your dog’s ears are hot?

Dogs’ ears may feel warm after play or in hot weather, but persistent heat can signal fever, ear infection, bug bite, or an allergic flare-up.

How do you treat hot dog ears?

Cool your dog with shade and water, inspect for foreign body or insect bite, then clean the outer ear with vet-approved drops. See a vet immediately if heat lasts or you smell a bad odor.

Are hot ears a symptom?

Yes—hot ears are a common symptom of ear mites, bacteria infections, heatstroke, or ear hematoma. Watch for other signs like itchy skin, black discharge, or head frequently shaking.

When should I be concerned about my dog’s ears?

Contact your vet if one ear is swollen, if your dog’s ears feel hot for more than 15 minutes, or if you notice foul smell, head tilt, or high temperature above 39 °C.

Conclusion

Warm ears alone aren’t always trouble, but dogs’ ears are hot for a reason. Quick checks, cool water, and smart prevention stop tiny parasites, bacteria, and foreign objects from turning into costly ear problems. Learn your dog’s normal ear temperature, keep walks short on hot days, and clean the outer ear regularly. If the ear flap stays inflamed or your dog shows other signs—bad smell, swollen ear, or constant head shaking—book a same-day vet visit. Early care protects hearing, eases pain, and keeps your dog’s well-being on track, whether they’re zooming across the park or snoozing in the lounge.