Why do my dog’s ears get hot at night? As a dog owner, it is not unusual to notice various behaviors and changes in your furry friend.
Dogs’ ears can feel warm to the touch, particularly at night, and it’s important to understand the reasons behind this phenomenon. Investigating the cause of hot ears in dogs is essential for ensuring their well-being and identifying any underlying health issues that may require attention.
In this article, we’ll discuss some common causes of hot ears on dogs and what you can do to help alleviate the issue.
Is It Normal For Dogs Ears To Get Hot At Night?
Yes, it is normal for dogs’ ears to get hot at night.
Like humans, dogs’ body temperatures can rise while sleeping, which can make their ears feel warm to the touch. This is a natural process and is generally not a source of concern.
However, if your adult dog ears are hot and accompanied by additional symptoms, including redness, itchy skin, or discharge, it may indicate an infection or inflammation.
Thus, monitoring your puppy’s behavior and seeking veterinary nurse care if you suspect an underlying health issue is important.
How To Tell Between A Warm Ear And A Hot Ear In Dogs?
As a dog owner, you must distinguish between a warm and a hot ear in your pet.
While a dog’s ears typically feel warm upon contact, a heated ear might point to a deeper health condition such as an infection or inflammation.
Start by checking your dog’s ears when they are calm and comfortable, such as while resting, to sense the difference between when your dog’s ears are warm or hot.
Lightly touch the base of their ears to encourage blood flow and feel for temperature changes using the back of your hand or the surface of your wrist.
A warm ear will feel somewhat warmer to the touch than the rest of its core temperature, and a hot ear will feel substantially different. Let’s first learn the anatomy of dogs in simple words.
The Anatomy of Dog Ears
External Ear Structure
Earflap (Pinna): The earflap, or pinna, is the visible part of the dog’s ear. It plays a crucial role in collecting sound and directing it into the ear canal.
Ear Canal: The ear canal is a tube-like structure that leads from the earflap to the middle ear. It is lined with specialized cells that produce earwax and protect the inner ear.
Internal Ear Structure
Middle Ear: The middle ear contains the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and a chain of tiny bones called ossicles. These transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
Inner Ear: The inner ear houses the cochlea, responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve signals, and the vestibular system, which helps with balance and spatial orientation.
Normal Temperature Regulation in Dogs
Thermoregulation Mechanisms
Panting: Dogs regulate their body temperature primarily through panting. By rapidly exhaling air, dogs can dissipate excess heat and cool down their bodies.
Vasodilation and Vasoconstriction: Dogs also regulate their body temperature through vasodilation and vasoconstriction. Vasodilation involves the expansion of blood vessels to release heat, while vasoconstriction narrows the blood vessels to retain heat.
Typical Temperature Range for Dogs
Dogs have a higher normal body temperature range compared to humans. The average range falls between 99.5°F to 102.5°F (37.5°C to 39.2°C). However, slight variations can occur between individual dogs and different breeds.
Why are my dog’s Ears hot? – Underlying Medical Conditions
There can be several reasons why do my dog’s ears get hot at night, including increased blood flow, dirty ears, ear infections, fever, injury, ear mites, heatstroke, allergies, side effects from medication, or sunburn.
1. Increased Blood Flow
One reason why a dog’s ears may get hot at night is due to increased blood flow.
During sleep, the body’s temperature naturally rises, which can dilate blood vessels in the ears and increase blood flow to the area.
While this is a normal bodily response and generally not harmful, it can result in a warmer sensation and may be more noticeable in some puppies.
2. Dirty Ears
Filthy ears can also explain why your dog’s ears get hot at night. Dirt, wax buildup, and other material that collects in the ears can clog the ear canal and inhibit appropriate air movement.
This might increase the ear canal’s temperature, and your dog will feel discomfort or suffering.
3. Ear Infections
Bacteria, yeast, or allergies can lead to ear infections, which create inflammation, itching, and pain in the ear canal.
If left untreated, ear infections can worsen and end up with extreme pain and hearing loss.
Furthermore, all signs of ear infections include:
- shaking or tilting of the head
- redness or swelling in the ear canal
- bad odor or discharge
- aggressive scratching or rubbing of the afflicted areas
4. Running A Fever
This also makes dogs hot ears at night. Like humans, dogs can develop a fever from infection, illness, or inflammation.
A fever is the body’s way of fighting off an infection and can surge the body temperature. Other fever symptoms in dogs may include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
5. Injury
A dog’s ears might get heated at night due to an injury. Injuries to the ear, such as cuts, bruises, and insect bites, can produce inflammation and swelling, resulting in a temperature rise.
Accidents to other body regions, such as a broken leg or a sprain, can also produce extreme pain and a surge in body temperature, making the ears seem warmer than usual.
6. Ear Mites
Ear mites frequently result in ear irritation and pain in your furry friends, and they can warm their ears at night.
These small parasites feed on the wax and oils in an animal’s ear canal, triggering ear hematoma, irritation, inflammation, or wax and debris development.
Abnormal intense scratching or rubbing, shaking of the head, and an unpleasant odor or drainage from the ears are all symptoms of ear mites in dogs.
7. Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a serious condition that can happen when a dog’s body temperature jumps above normal and can make the dog’s ear hot at night time.
This is common when a dog is exposed to high temperatures, especially if left outside in the sun or in a hot car for extended periods.
Prevalent signs of heatstroke in dogs include panting, rapid heartbeat, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse.
8. Allergies
Your pets can experience allergies to various substances, namely pollen, mold, dust mites, and certain foods.
When a dog encounters an allergic disease, it can produce an inflammatory response, including in the ears, which can become red, itchy skin, and hot to the touch.
Some signs of allergy in dogs are rubbing or intense scratching of the ears, licking or biting at their paws, sneezing, and watery eyes.
9. Side Effects
Certain drugs for dogs might induce negative effects such as increased body temperature and heated ears.
When giving drugs to your dog, it’s critical to read the labels and instructions carefully and to check with your doctor if you have any worries regarding any possible adverse effects.
Antibiotics, pain relievers, and steroids are popular drugs that might increase body temperature.
10. Sunburn
Sunburn, particularly in breeds of dogs with light-colored or thin fur on their ears, can produce hot ears.
When these areas come into contact with the sun for extended periods, the sensitive skin might become red, inflamed, and uncomfortable.
Sunburn can cause blistering or peeling of the skin in extreme situations.
11. Thyroid Imbalances
Thyroid imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can affect the dog’s metabolism and body temperature regulation, potentially leading to warmer ears.
12. Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those seen in heat cycles or pregnancy, can impact a dog’s body temperature regulation and contribute to hot ears.
Dog’s Ears Get Hot At Night – Home Care and Prevention
If your dog’s hot ears become worse during the night, there are some actions you can take at home to help alleviate any discomfort and prevent further issues:
Keep Them Cool And Comfortable
Keeping your furry friend cool and comfortable is essential when their ears get hot at night.
You can provide them with a cool and well-ventilated area to rest, such as an air-conditioned room or a shaded spot outside.
A cool, damp towel or cooling pad is also helpful for your pets to lay on. Ensure they can access plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated.
Keep Them Stay Hydrated
Dogs may rapidly get dehydrated, especially in hot weather or when exercising. It is critical to refresh your dog with lots of fresh water ( cool water will be much better than hot water).
You may keep them cool and hydrated by giving them ice cubes or frozen goodies.
Let Them In A Cool, Well-Ventilated Area
Choose a cool and shaded spot indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned room or near a fan.
If your dog spends time outdoors, provide them access to a shaded area or a cool, covered space, such as a dog house or patio.
Avoid leaving your pet in a hot car or bright sunlight for long periods since this can be deadly and result in heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Check For Ear Infections
To check for ear infections in puppies, observe their behavior for signs such as excessive scratching, shaking, or ear rubbing.
Examine the ear canal for redness, swelling, or discharge, and smell for the foul odor.
Frequently Clean The Dog’s Ears
To clean their ears, use a vet-recommended ear cleaner and carefully follow the instructions on the label.
Implement the ear cleaner gently to the ear canal and massage the area to assist the solution dispersing.
Use cotton balls or gauze to wipe away any excess cleaner and debris from the ear, being careful not to push any wax or debris further into the ear canal.
Keep Your Dog’s Ears Dry
Keeping your dog’s ears dry is important in preventing ear infections and maintaining good ear health.
After bathing or swimming, use a clean towel to gently dry your dog’s ears. Tread with caution not to push any water or debris further into the ear canal.
In case your dog’s ears are prone to getting wet, your veterinarian may recommend a drying solution or ear powder to help absorb moisture and prevent infections.
Remember to monitor your dog’s ears for signs of excessive moisture or debris buildup, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.
Avoiding Overexertion
Dogs should be given regular exercise, but it’s important to avoid overexertion, especially in high temperatures. Exercise should be moderated to prevent excessive heat buildup and subsequent hot ears.
Consult Your Vet
When your dog’s ears get hot at night, consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Your veterinarian can examine your dog’s ears for signs of infection, injury, or other underlying health issues causing their ears to feel hot.
Depending on the root of the problem, the doctor may suggest various treatments, like medication, ear cleaning, and lifestyle changes.
When to Seek Veterinary Attention?
Persistent Hot Ears: If a dog’s ears consistently feel hot, even in cool environments, it may indicate an underlying issue that requires veterinary attention. Persistent hot ears should not be ignored or dismissed as a normal occurrence.
Unusual Symptoms Accompanying Hot Ears: If hot ears are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as discharge, foul odor, excessive scratching, head shaking, or behavioral changes, it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.
Recurring Infections or Inflammation: Dogs that experience recurring ear infections or inflammation may require a more thorough investigation to identify the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Changes in Behavior or Appetite: Significant changes in a dog’s behavior, appetite, or overall well-being, in conjunction with hot ears, should prompt veterinary evaluation to rule out any serious underlying health issues.
FAQs
What Breeds That Most Likely Get Hot Ears?
Dogs with long, floppy ears or dogs with heavy, dense fur around them are more likely to get hot ears. These breeds include:
- Cocker Spaniels
- Pharaoh Hound Pitbull Mix
- Basset Hounds
- Beagles
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- English Springer Spaniels
- Bloodhounds
- Saint Bernards
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Shar Pei
- Bloodhound Border Collie Mix
However, keep in mind that any dog breed can experience hot ears, especially during hot weather or if they are undergoing other health issues.
You should closely monitor your dog’s behavior and body temperature and take steps to cool them down if they appear overheated.
If your dog is experiencing frequent hot ears or other health problems, talk to your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can I Determine If My Puppy Has A Fever By Looking At His Ears?
While a dog’s ears may feel warm to the touch, they are not a reliable fever indicator.
The most accurate way to verify whether a dog has a fever is to check their body temperature with a digital thermometer. I highly recommend using a rectal thermometer instead of a regular thermometer, it will bring a better result.
The normal body temperature range for canines is between 99.5°F and 102.5°F. If a dog’s temperature is above this spectrum, it may have a fever.
Also, lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or a runny nose are other red flags to note.
Conclusion
Understanding why do my dog’s ears get hot at night is crucial for responsible pet ownership. While it is normal for a dog’s ears to feel slightly warm due to natural thermoregulation mechanisms, persistent hot ears or accompanying symptoms may indicate underlying health issues.
By identifying the cause and providing necessary care, including veterinary attention when needed, pet owners can ensure the well-being of their canine companions. Remember, proactive preventive measures and regular veterinary check-ups are key to maintaining optimal ear health in dogs.
