September is Animal Pain Awareness Month: Spot the signs of pain – and help your dog live comfortably.

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, a reminder that our furry friends can’t tell us when they hurt. Dogs are incredibly skilled at hiding discomfort — it’s a survival instinct. Unfortunately, this often means pain goes unnoticed until it becomes severe.

As responsible dog parents, it’s up to us to learn the signs, watch closely, and take action. One of the most overlooked causes of pain in dogs is ear infections. Left untreated, these can lead to chronic discomfort, hearing loss, or even more serious health issues.

Why Dogs Hide Pain

• Young Dogs & Puppies: Younger dogs often mask pain by staying playful and energetic. But subtle signs like scratching, shaking their head, or avoiding certain movements may still be there.

• Senior Dogs: Older dogs are more likely to show stiffness, reluctance to move, or “slowing down.” Many people mistake this as a natural part of aging when it’s actually untreated pain.

Understanding these differences helps you spot issues sooner, especially when it comes to ear health.

Symptoms of Pain in Dogs

Dogs rarely cry out unless pain is extreme. Instead, look for behavioral and physical changes, such as:

• Persistent scratching at the ears or face

• Head shaking or tilting

• Redness, swelling, or odor coming from the ears

• Sensitivity when ears are touched

• Excessive licking, chewing, or grooming a body part

• Loss of balance or walking in circles (when ears are severely infected)

• Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to move

• Decreased appetite or changes in drinking habits

• Sleeping more than usual or restlessness at night

• Whining, whimpering, or irritability

• Flattened ears, tucked tail, or changes in facial expression

When you see these signs — especially if they involve the ears — it’s time to act.

Common Sources of Pain in Dogs

While joint issues and injuries often get attention, ear infections are among the most painful and frequently overlooked conditions. Here are the top causes of pain in dogs:

1. Arthritis & Joint Issues – Common in senior dogs, causing stiffness and chronic inflammation.

2. Dental Disease – Toothaches and gum infections can radiate pain throughout the head and jaw.

3. Injuries or Surgeries – Even small injuries can result in lingering pain if untreated.

4. Skin Allergies – Itchy, inflamed skin can lead to constant scratching and secondary infections.

5. Ear Infections – A major cause of pain. Dogs with floppy ears, lots of hair in the ear canal, or a history of allergies are especially prone.

   
   

Why Ear Infections Hurt So Much

Ear infections in dogs are caused by bacteria, yeast, or parasites like mites. Moisture, allergies, and poor ear hygiene can all trigger them. For dogs, these infections are more than an annoyance — they are painful and can become chronic if not treated properly.

Signs of a dog ear infection include:

• Constant head shaking

• Pawing at ears

• Whimpering when ears are touched

• Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge

• Foul odor from the ear canal

• Scabs or crust around the ears

• Loss of hearing

Ear infections not only cause pain but can also affect balance and behavior.

What to Do if You Suspect Pain or an Ear Infection

1. See Your Veterinarian – Always consult your vet if you suspect an ear infection or any source of pain. They can diagnose the problem and recommend treatment.

2. Keep a Journal – Track your dog’s symptoms: when they started, how long they last, and what triggers them. This helps your vet identify patterns.

3. Follow a Care Plan – Your vet may prescribe medication, ear cleaning, or lifestyle adjustments. Stick with the plan to prevent relapses.

4. Use Preventative Ear Care – Regular ear cleaning and natural support products can stop problems before they start.

   
   

Preventing Dog Ear Infections and Pain

Prevention is always better than treatment. Here’s how you can protect your dog:

• Keep ears clean and dry, especially after swimming or bathing.

• Use vet-approved or natural ear washes and tonics to reduce bacteria and yeast buildup.

• Add internal support, such as probiotics (like Mister Ben’s EarBiotics Pro) to promote a healthy microbial balance that prevents flare-ups.

• Groom regularly and trim excess hair in and around the ear canal.

• Schedule routine vet visits to catch issues early.

How Mister Ben’s Can Help

At Mister Ben’s, we specialize in addressing one of the most common and overlooked sources of pain: dog ear infections.

• Our natural ear washes and tonics soothe irritation, reduce itching, and fight infection-causing bacteria and yeast.

• EarBiotics Pro works from the inside out, helping maintain the healthy internal environment dogs need to avoid painful relapses.

• When used together, these products form a complete inside-and-out ear health regimen — keeping your pup happy, healthy, and pain-free.

Final Thoughts

Pain in dogs is often silent, but it’s always serious. Animal Pain Awareness Month is the perfect time to learn the signs, make a plan with your vet, and use preventative care to protect your dog’s comfort.

No dog should suffer in silence — especially from painful ear infections that can often be prevented with the right care.

🐾 With love, consistency, and the right tools, you can keep your promise as a dog parent: to give your best friend a life free from unnecessary pain.