As pet owners, we’ve all petted our dogs’ heads. While doing so, you might have noticed a warm sensation around the dog’s ears.

A dog’s ears can feel warm for several reasons. It’s completely normal in many cases because dogs have a higher body temperature than humans. However, persistently warm ears can sometimes be a sign of something more serious, like an infection, fever, or allergies.

But before talking about the reasons why your dog’s ears are warm, let’s learn more about them.

Are Warm Ears in Dogs Normal? 

Before you start worrying, it’s important to know that a dog’s normal body temperature is naturally higher than a human’s. While humans typically have a body temperature between 36 to 37°C, dogs run warmer, with a normal range of 37.5 to 39.2°C. 

This means that when you touch your dog, especially in areas with thinner skin like their ears, they may feel warmer than you expect.

Why Your Dog’s Ears Are Warm

If you've ever touched your dog’s ears and noticed they feel warm, you might wonder if something is wrong. In many cases, warm ears are completely normal, but sometimes, they can signal a health issue. 

1. Normal Body Temperature

One of the most common reasons why a dog’s ears are warm is simply because dogs run hotter than humans. A dog's normal body temperature is considerably higher than those of humans. Since a dog’s ears have thin skin and a rich blood supply, they tend to feel warmer than other parts of their body. 

This doesn’t mean anything is wrong. The warm feeling of a dog’s ears is just a normal part of its biology. If your dog seems happy, energetic, and otherwise healthy, there’s no need to worry.

2. Heat Regulation and Environmental Factors

Dogs don’t sweat like humans do. Instead, they regulate their body temperature through their ears, nose, and paws. When a dog is trying to cool down, warm blood moves closer to the skin's surface, making their ears feel warm. This process is called vasodilation.

Some common situations where this might happen include after exercising, staying in hot weather, and lying near a warm surface.

3. Excitement or Stress

Just like humans can blush when they’re excited or nervous, dogs experience increased blood flow when they are excited or stressed. This can make their ears temporarily feel warmer than usual. You might notice this when your dog gets excited, anxious, or overstimulated.

You might notice this when your dog gets excited to see you home, gets afraid during thunderstorms, or gets happy during playtime. Any factor that can increase your dog’s emotions to a heightened level can be a reason why your dog’s ears are warm. In these cases, warm ears are temporary and should return to normal once your dog calms down.

4. Fever

A fever is one of the first things to consider if your dog’s ears feel hot rather than just warm. A fever happens when the body raises its temperature to fight off an infection or illness. If your dog seems off and you suspect a fever, use a rectal thermometer to check their temperature. Anything above 39.2°C is considered a fever, and above 41°C is an emergency. 

Signs your dog might have a fever include:

• Hot ears and a warm, dry nose.

• Lethargy, shivering, or loss of appetite.

• Red eyes or heavy panting.

5. Ear Infections

One of the most common medical reasons for warm ears in dogs is an ear infection. Infections cause inflammation, which increases blood flow to the area, making the ears feel warm or even hot. Along with a warm sensation in your dog’s ears, there are other signs to determine whether your best friend is experiencing an ear infection.

Signs of an ear infection:

• Red, swollen ears with a strong odor.

• Brown, yellow, or black discharge inside the ear.

• Constant scratching, head shaking, or rubbing ears on furniture.

Ear infections are especially common in breeds such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds because their ears trap moisture. If your dog’s ears are warm and smelly, it’s best to have them checked. Although, it’s always a great practice to regularly groom and bathe your dogs.

6. Allergies

If your dog has recurring warm ears, skin allergies could be the culprit. Allergies cause inflammation in the skin, including the ears, leading to redness, itching, and chronic infections.

Common allergens include:

• Food allergens (chicken, beef, dairy, and grains).

• Environmental allergens (dust mites, pollen, and mold).

• Flea bites can cause intense allergic reactions.

Dogs with allergies often have itchy skin, red eyes, and frequent ear infections. If you notice these signs, it’s important to take your dog to the vet.

7. Ear Mites or Parasites

Ear mites are tiny parasites that thrive inside a dog’s ears. These parasites can cause irritation, inflammation, and warmth. They are especially common in puppies and outdoor dogs. Since ear mites are highly contagious between pets, regular grooming, and ear medications are important.

Signs of ear mites:

• Intense scratching and head shaking.

• Dark brown, coffee-ground-like debris inside the ears.

• Foul odor.

• Redness and warmth due to irritation.

8. Ear Hematoma

If your dog has been shaking their head a lot or scratching their ears excessively, they might develop an ear hematoma. This occurs when a blood vessel inside the ear flap bursts, causing a warm, swollen, and puffy ear. This is a result of several factors, such as infections, trauma, or allergies.

Ear hematomas don’t go away on their own and often require drainage or surgery. If your dog has a swollen ear, it’s important to see a vet right away. Emergency treatment will be necessary.

Here’s how to recognize an ear hematoma in dogs.

• Redness, heat, and pain.

• Swollen and droopy ear flap.

• Continued head scratching and shaking.

9. Injuries or Insect Bites

Sometimes, a single ear may feel warm due to a minor injury, bug bite, or scratch. Dogs can get bitten by mosquitoes, fleas, or even stung by bees, which can lead to temporary warmth and swelling. Fortunately, most minor bites or scrapes will heal on their own, but a visit to the clinic is always helpful.

The signs of an injury or insect bite include:

• One ear feels warmer than the other.

• A small bump or mild swelling.

• Slight tenderness when touched.

10. Hormonal Imbalances

Certain disorders, such as Cushing’s disease, can cause chronic ear infections and skin inflammation, making the ears feel warm frequently.

Signs of hormonal imbalances in dogs:

• Recurring ear infections that don’t go away.

• Hair thinning or dry, flaky skin.

• Weight gain or potbelly appearance.

When to See a Vet About Your Dog’s Warm Ears

If your dog’s ears stay hot for long periods and are accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it could indicate an infection, fever, allergies, or another health issue. This means that a visit to the clinic is extremely important to make sure we catch the issue before it worsens.

Here are some warning signs that require a vet visit:

• Persistent Heat in the Ears. If your dog’s ears feel hot for an extended time, this could indicate inflammation or fever. Healthy dogs may have warm ears for a short period, but if they remain hot for hours or days, something could be wrong.
  
  

• Redness, Swelling, or Discharge. Red, inflamed ears that look irritated or swollen are often a sign of an ear infection or allergic reaction. If you notice brown, yellow, or black discharge, your dog likely has an infection that needs treatment.
  
  

• Excessive Scratching or Head Shaking. Frequent ear scratching, rubbing, or head shaking can signal discomfort from an infection, allergies, mites, or a foreign object stuck in the ear. If you see your dog constantly pawing or scratching its ears, this is a sign.
  
  

• Foul Odor Coming From the Ears. A strong, yeasty, musty, or sour smell coming from your dog’s ears usually points to a bacterial or yeast infection. Healthy dog ears should not have a strong odor.
  
  

• Fever or Lethargy. If your dog’s ears feel hot and they seem unusually tired, weak, or uninterested in food, they might have a fever due to infection or illness. Take their temperature using a rectal thermometer. 
  
  

• One Ear is Warmer Than the Other. If only one ear feels noticeably warmer than the other, this could indicate an injury, insect bite, ear hematoma, or localized infection. Healthy dogs should have even warmth in both ears.
  
  

• Recurring Ear Problems. If your dog keeps getting ear infections or inflammation, this could be a sign of allergies, hormonal imbalances, or autoimmune conditions. Chronic ear issues should always be managed.

Caring for your dog means paying attention to the little things. A dog’s ear health is a window to their well-being. With a little care today, you keep their world full of sound and joy tomorrow.

- Dr. Nenad Misura

Conclusion

While a dog’s warm ears are not always a problem, they should be monitored. A warm sensation in your dog’s ears can indicate several problems, such as allergies and allergies. Symptoms such as redness, swelling, scratching, bad odor, discharge, or fever are key indicators to take note of.

However, if your dog’s ears only feel warm occasionally and they act normal, it’s likely nothing to worry about. As always, knowing your dog’s normal behavior will help you catch potential health problems early and keep them happy and healthy.