How to Treat Dog Ear Hematomas at Home (and When to See the Vet)

Learn about aural hematoma non-surgical treatments and how to drain a dog’s hematoma

Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: November 27, 2022 References

Home Treatments

|

When to See the Vet

|

Vet Treatments

|

Symptoms & Causes

|

Expert Q&A

Is your dog’s ear swollen? It might have an aural hematoma, which happens when blood accumulates under the skin on the outside of your dog’s ear. Aural hematomas aren’t dangerous, but they’re unsightly and can make your dog uncomfortable. We’re here to help you easily treat your dog’s aural hematoma at home. Additionally, we’ll explain when you need to go to the vet and what they can do to help your pup recover quickly.

Things You Should Know

Aural hematomas will go away without treatment, but your dog will have cauliflower ear.
When treating an aural hematoma at home, it’s best to have your dog wear an e-collar (also called a "cone of shame") so they can’t scratch their ear.
Your vet can easily drain the hematoma using a needle or a short surgical procedure.
Your vet will likely give your dog a steroid to help its ear heal faster.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Home Treatments

1
Let your dog’s aural hematoma heal on its own. Your dog’s hematoma will heal without any treatment, though your dog might experience some discomfort. Just make sure to check your dog’s ear every day to make sure it’s getting better rather than worse.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- With treatment, it usually takes 10 to 14 days for a hematoma to heal. If you let your dog’s ear heal naturally, it’ll likely take longer.^{[2]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
2
Put an e-collar around your dog’s neck to protect the ear. An e-collar, also called the "cone of shame," prevents your dog from scratching or rubbing its ear, which gives the ear time to heal. You can get an e-collar at your local pet store, online, or your vet. They come in different sizes, so pick one that’s labeled for your dog’s size. While your dog is wearing the e-collar, watch them closely because the cone can get stuck on stuff.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- You may need to take off the e-collar so your dog can eat and drink water.
Advertisement
3
Expect some scarring on your pup’s healed ear. When a hematoma heals on its own, your dog will likely have a cauliflower ear, which is permanent. With cauliflower ear, the skin looks wrinkly and lumpy. It won’t cause any discomfort for your dog, but the skin will look damaged.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- Getting veterinary treatment usually prevents cauliflower ear, especially if the hematoma is new.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

When to See the Vet

1
Take your dog to the vet if the hematoma is painful. In many cases, aural hematomas cause discomfort. If your dog is whining or tilting its head to one side, it’s probably best to take them to the vet. Your vet can make sure your pup is as comfortable as possible while its ear heals.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Your vet might prescribe painkillers for your dog. If so, follow the vet’s directions for giving your pup its pills.
2
Go to the vet if your dog has an infection or parasite. Less often, ear infections, ear mites, and ticks can be the culprit behind an aural hematoma. If this is the case for your dog, you’ll need to take them to the vet to get a diagnosis and proper treatment.^{[6]
X
Research source} If you don’t treat the underlying condition, your dog’s hematoma will keep coming back.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- To see if your dog has ear mites, look for grainy discharge in its ear that looks like coffee grounds.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
- Look for the following symptoms of an ear infection: yellow or brown discharge, odor, scabs, redness, swelling, itching, head shaking, loss of balance, hearing loss, and walking in circles.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
3
See the vet if the hematoma covers the entire ear. Small hematomas usually resolve on their own without treatment. However, a large amount of swelling usually requires vet treatment. Just to be safe, take your pup to the vet.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Similarly, if the hematoma is growing in size, it’s best to see your vet.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Vet Treatments

1
Get a diagnosis and treatment for the underlying condition. To make a diagnosis, your vet will examine your dog’s ear. They may even insert an otoscope, which lets them look at the ear canal. Then, the doctor will probably swab the ear with a cotton swab or take a culture of any discharge that’s present.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Ear injury or infection: After giving your dog a sedative, your vet will clean out their ears and start them on an antibiotic, antifungal, or glucosteroid. You'll probably need to clean your dog’s ear daily for 5 to 7 days before you apply their ear medicine.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
- Ear mites: Your vet will likely clean out your dog’s ears. Then, they’ll prescribe a medication, like ivermectin, that kills parasites.^{[13]
  X
  Research source}
- Food allergy: Your vet will put your dog on an elimination diet to find out which food your pup is allergic to. Then, you’ll stop feeding your dog that food.^{[14]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
- Foreign objects: While your dog is sedated, your vet will flush the area with a sterile solution to wash out whatever is stuck in your dog’s ear. Then, they’ll give your dog antibiotics and a painkiller.^{[15]
  X
  Research source}
2
Ask your vet to drain the hematoma with a butterfly needle. This minimally-invasive procedure won’t hurt your dog, and it’ll help them get relief fast. After numbing the area, your vet will insert a needle into the hematoma. Then, they’ll drain out all of the trapped fluid. Afterward, your vet will wrap a bandage around the ear to protect it while it heals.^{[16]
X
Trustworthy Source
American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Trade organization responsible for setting standards of surgical excellence for the field of veterinary medicine and promoting safe practices for equine care.
Go to source}
- Your vet may apply corticosteroids to the area to help it heal faster and to prevent recurrence.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}
- A butterfly needle has a flexible tube attached to it, which is how your vet will drain the fluid.^{[18]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
3
Let your vet add a drain if they recommend it. Your vet may recommend installing a drain in your dog’s ear to help clean out the hematoma. To make your dog comfortable, they’ll numb the area. Then, they’ll make a small incision and insert a silicone tube to drain all the fluid. Finally, your vet will wrap a compression bandage around your dog’s ear to help limit the swelling.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- You’ll need to change your dog’s bandages every 2 to 3 days. In most cases, your vet will remove the bandage and tube after 5 to 7 days.^{[20]
  X
  Research source}
4
Consider surgery if your dog has persistent or recurring hematomas. Before doing surgery, your vet will sedate your dog under general anesthesia, or they’ll numb the area. Then, your vet will cut into the hematoma and massage out all of the fluid. Next, they’ll flush the area with a sterile solution to clean it before inserting sutures to close the wound.^{[21]
X
Research source}
- With surgery, your dog will have minimal scarring from the hematoma, so it’s a great option if you want to prevent cosmetic damage to your pup’s ear.
5
Give your dog any glucocorticoids prescribed by your vet. Typically, vets give dogs a steroid to help them heal after surgery for aural hematomas. In most cases, the medication will help your dog heal faster. Make sure you follow your vet’s directions so your pup get better as fast as possible.^{[22]
X
Research source}
- Generally, your dog will be on an anti-inflammatory steroid for 10 days after the vet drains their hematoma.^{[23]
  X
  Research source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Symptoms & Causes

1
Look for a red, fluid-filled swelling on your dog’s ear flap. Hematomas are essentially blood blisters, and they can range in size. They occur on the outer part of your dog’s ear, which is the furry side.^{[24]
X
Research source} However, it’s easier to see the swelling on the inside of your dog’s ear, so check the inner ear flap for a bump or lump.^{[25]
X
Trustworthy Source
American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Trade organization responsible for setting standards of surgical excellence for the field of veterinary medicine and promoting safe practices for equine care.
Go to source}
- The entire ear might feel soft and mushy if the hematoma is large.
- Your dog may have swelling only on one ear, but sometimes they get hematomas on both sides.^{[26]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
2
Feel the swelling to see if it’s warm. When hematomas first develop, your dog’s skin will feel warm to the touch. Be gentle as you place your fingertips against the pup’s skin because the hematoma may cause discomfort.^{[27]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- As the hematoma heals, your dog’s skin will likely cool off.
3
Watch to see if your dog scratches their ear or shakes their head. In most cases, dogs get a hematoma from rough scratching or head shaking. This trauma causes the blood vessels in their ear to break and fill the ear with blood.^{[28]
X
Research source} Unfortunately, scratching and shaking can make their hematoma worse, so intervene when you notice your dog doing this.^{[29]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- If your dog keeps messing with their ear, putting an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) around their neck can stop them.
4
Identify the cause of your dog’s hematoma so you can treat it. There’s no official cause for aural hematomas. In most cases, they happen after the skin on the ear is damaged.^{[30]
X
Research source} However, it’s important to rule out other potential causes because the hematoma won’t go away completely unless you eliminate the underlying cause. Here are the typical causes of aural hematomas in dogs:^{[31]
X
Trustworthy Source
American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Trade organization responsible for setting standards of surgical excellence for the field of veterinary medicine and promoting safe practices for equine care.
Go to source}
- Injury to your dog’s ear, especially from scratching and shaking.
- Skin infections
- Parasites, like ear mites or ticks
- A foreign object, like glass, that’s trapped under your dog’s skin.
- Food allergies^{[32]
  X
  Research source}

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

How can I treat my dog's cauliflower ear at home?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

To get rid of the blood within the ear requires a vet to either drain the blood away or intervene with surgery. Sadly, there is no effective home remedy. Also, an ear infection can be the underlying reason the hematoma developed in the first case, so a vet needs to check if medical treatment is needed for this.
Question

What is surrendering a dog?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Surrendering a dog is the act of signing ownership of the animal to an authority, such as a rescue or shelter. It is a legal acknowledgement that the dog was released into their care with your consent, and you no longer have any right to claim the dog as yours.
Question

How do you treat a hematoma on a dog's ear?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

The most successful outcome is with surgery under anesthesia. The vet makes an incision on the underside of the ear flap to drain the blood out, and then the flap is compressed using lots of sutures. Alternatively, small hematomas can respond to needle drainage with steroid injected into the resulting cavity. However, this procedure can need to be repeated, and doesn't always work.