Help! My Dog Keeps Scratching Their Neck and Ears! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
I recently got a new Cavapoo puppy, Frida, and she won’t stop scratching her neck and ears! She will be running around and then suddenly stop to scratch herself. I don’t know if it’s her collar or something else. At her last vet visit before she came home, her vet said she was healthy, so I’m worried it might be stress.
Help!” – Julia
Quick Info about Frida
Hi Julia,
Congratulations on welcoming Frida into your home. Cavapoos are such bright, affectionate little dogs, and it sounds like she’s already full of life. When a young puppy suddenly begins scratching around their neck and ears, it’s important to consider both physical and behavioral causes. Given her age and the specific location, this is more likely to be dermatologic, rather than stress-related. Puppies often react to new collars, especially if they are made of rough or synthetic materials that can irritate delicate skin. If the collar is too tight or has sharp edges or tags rubbing her neck, that could certainly cause the scratching. Try removing the collar for a few hours under supervision and see if the behavior decreases.
However, persistent scratching in the ears or around the base of the ears can also be an early sign of external ear infections, allergies, or even external parasites like mites or fleas. Just because her last veterinary exam was normal doesn’t rule out something that may have developed since, especially now that she’s in a new environment. Puppies have immature immune systems and can quickly react to changes in diet, grooming products, or even new detergents used on bedding. If the scratching continues, worsens, or is accompanied by redness, head shaking, or a bad odor from the ears, I recommend having her rechecked promptly. While stress can sometimes heighten awareness of sensations, true pruritus always has an underlying cause that needs to be addressed directly. Such conditions tend to worsen, so please don’t wait.
Sincerely,
– Dr. Paola