When your dog starts shaking their head, scratching an ear, or pulling away when you touch it, an ear problem is a reasonable concern. A bad smell or dark discharge adds to that concern, but you cannot reliably tell yeast, bacteria, ear mites, or a foreign object apart just by looking. A veterinary ear examination is the safest next step.
Signs worth mentioning to your veterinarian
Describe which ear is affected, when the signs started, whether your dog has been swimming or groomed recently, and whether this has happened before. Common signs of external ear inflammation (otitis externa) include head shaking, scratching, redness, pain, swelling, odor, and discharge. A dog may resist having the head touched or seem unusually irritable because the ear hurts.
Ear discharge can be brown, yellow, or dark, but color alone does not establish the cause. Ear mites are more common in puppies and some multi-pet households; yeast and bacteria can overgrow when the ear canal becomes inflamed. Allergies, foreign material, and underlying skin disease can contribute. Recurring infections deserve a search for an underlying cause rather than repeated treatment with leftover drops.
When is an ear problem urgent?
Seek urgent in-person veterinary care for a new head tilt with stumbling or loss of balance, abnormal eye movements, marked swelling, severe pain, facial weakness, or a dog that seems seriously unwell. These can indicate disease beyond the outer ear. A swollen ear flap can also be an aural hematoma caused by vigorous head shaking and needs examination. If your dog is simply scratching and otherwise comfortable, arrange a prompt regular appointment rather than waiting for it to clear on its own.
What the examination involves
Your veterinarian will examine the ear flap and canal, often using an otoscope to look for inflammation, debris, foreign objects, and the condition of the eardrum. A swab examined under a microscope (ear cytology) helps identify yeast, bacteria, and inflammatory cells. Some dogs need gentle sedation before a painful or obstructed ear can be fully examined. Persistent or recurring problems may require further tests.
This matters because some ear medications are unsafe if the eardrum is damaged, and different causes need different treatment. An antibiotic alone will not address every ear problem. Your veterinarian may prescribe a topical treatment and give specific cleaning instructions, then recommend a recheck to confirm that the infection has resolved.
What to do while waiting for an appointment
- Keep the ear dry and avoid swimming until your veterinarian advises otherwise.
- Do not insert cotton swabs deep into the canal or try to remove a suspected foreign object.
- Avoid peroxide, vinegar, essential oils, human ear drops, and leftover pet medications. Inflamed ears are easily irritated, and an unseen eardrum injury changes what is safe.
- If your dog is damaging the ear by scratching, ask the clinic whether a protective collar is appropriate.
- Take a photo of visible redness or discharge and write down previous ear treatments to share at the visit.
Can an online vet help with a dog ear infection?
An online veterinary conversation can help you describe symptoms, identify warning signs, and decide how quickly to seek hands-on care. It cannot replace otoscopy and ear cytology when these are needed to select safe treatment. Prescription rules also depend on the veterinarian-client-patient relationship and applicable state and federal requirements; do not assume a remote visit will result in ear drops.
For related reading, see our overview of ear infections in dogs and guide to when a dog with ear symptoms should see a veterinarian. Our dog skin allergy signs guide explains why recurrent itching may involve more than the ears.
Questions to ask at the appointment
Ask what the ear exam and cytology showed, whether the eardrum was visible, how to administer and store the treatment, whether cleaning is needed, what improvement should look like, and when to return for a recheck. If infections recur, ask what underlying causes should be investigated.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an over-the-counter ear cleaner?
Do not start cleaning a painful, discharging ear until your veterinarian confirms which product and technique are appropriate. Cleaning can make an inflamed ear worse or interfere with diagnostic sampling.
Will the infection go away on its own?
Some irritation is temporary, but persistent odor, pain, discharge, or head shaking warrants examination. Delayed treatment can allow inflammation and secondary infection to worsen.
Are ear infections contagious?
Common yeast or bacterial overgrowth associated with inflammation is not usually contagious. Ear mites, however, can spread between pets; your veterinarian can advise whether household animals need assessment.
Sources and editorial note
Medical information was checked against the Merck Veterinary Manual: Otitis Externa, VCA: Ear Infections in Dogs, and the FDA’s veterinary telemedicine guidance. This is educational content, not an individual diagnosis or a claim of veterinary review. A licensed veterinarian who examines your dog should direct treatment.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.