quick question—anyone know if it's normal for Buddy to keep scratching his ears like crazy? We were chilling on the couch last night, and I noticed they seemed a bit red. Not sure if this is common or if I should worry. Thoughts?

Hey there! It's not uncommon for dogs to scratch their ears occasionally, but if Buddy is doing it a lot and they're looking a bit red, there might be something going on. Here’s what you can look for:

• Excessive scratching or head shaking
• Redness or swelling in the ears
• An unusual odor or discharge from the ears
• Crusts, scabs, or hair loss around the ear area

If Buddy's just scratching a bit and his ears aren't too red or bothering him all the time, you can keep an eye on it for a few days. Sometimes, it might just be a little irritation that will clear up on its own.

Try gently cleaning his ears with a canine ear cleaner (avoid using cotton swabs deep in the ear canal as it might hurt him). This might help if it's just a minor irritation.

Definitely give your vet a call if you notice:

• Severe redness and swelling
• Oozing or strong-smelling discharge
• He seems in pain or is tilting his head repeatedly
• A significant change to his normal behavior, like lethargy or loss of appetite

As for emergencies—it’s time to act quickly if Buddy seems to experience severe pain, balance problems, or a loss of coordination alongside his ear scratching. These could be signs of a more serious infection or other issues.

If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.