Ear problem?

Hi! Recently our dog seem to be acting strange. We believe he got bit by a bug on his ear. He was shaking his head and scratching at it. We took him to the emergency vet and the vet said he seemed healthy and there wasn’t anything near his ear that she was concerned about. She said to give him benedryl to help with the bite. It’s been two days and his right ear seems to be moving more than normal. When his right ear moves, he seems to believe there is something there and would bark at nothing. He also keeps wanting to hide in random rooms that he would normally not lay in. Is this normal?? He’s been eating, drinking, and pooping fine. He still loves treats but his behavior is strange.

I also forgot to mention that he doesn’t have an ear infection and his ear doesn’t smell weird. The area surrounding his ear is clean and there is no discharge.

Hello!  This doesn't sound normal, but I think you know that already.  It sounds as though your vet was looking for an ear infection to treat and didn't find one.  However your dog is now hiding, paying odd attention to his ear and barking at nothing, so it sounds as though it's worth paying attention. Furthermore, such behaviour may lead to an ear infection so if it does, it may be important to remember which came first. At best this sounds behavioural only, but most behaviour has a reason behind it and it doesn't sound to be stopping.  I wonder whether it's pain -  whether a pain killer would make any difference?  I also wonder whether he is normal on neurological / cranial nerve examination?  It sounds as though a second visit would be useful.  If he is not likely to oblige by performing the behaviour in front of your vet, it makes good sense to film-record it. Perhaps if they still draw a blank and the skin is healthy, your vet might suggest a neurologist?  Do let us know what happens next in this strange case.