My dog's ear tips are scabby and losing hair. What should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 2 years old
My dog has what feels like scabs on the tip of his ears but the hair also pulls out real easy. He doesn't have ear mites. What could I do about it?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 28th, 2016
I would recommend doing testing on the ears to find out what is causing the scabs. If your pet is outside a lot, then flea bites are possible and it is recommended to purchase flea bite repellent at your local pet store to start, followed by topical triple antibiotic to get the scabs to heal. If your pet is kept mostly indoors, two common causes of this are demodexx mites or a yeast infection. Also another condition called ear margin vasculitis could be the cause. Ear margin vasculitis is a spontaneous condition where the vessels at the ear tip margin become inflamed creating a scabby appearance to the skin. Since all 3 of these look very similar it is important to get testing done in the form of a skin scrape/cytology and/or skin biopsy because each is treated so differently and it takes out a lot of the guess-work. Therefore scheduling an appointment with your vet is needed for proper diagnosis and treatment.
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 14th, 2019
It could be from the groomer's clippers - either an infection or clipper burn. I suggest you use a cotton ball soaked with a DILUTE peroxide solution (1 part peroxide to 10 parts water) and wipe the ears to remove the scabs. Then apply a thin layer of Neosporin to the affected areas twice a day until healed. Keep her indoors to stop flies from getting onto the ears or she will get fly strike. If it doesn't start looking better in a few days then she should see your vet for an exam.
18Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 28th, 2017
I am sorry to hear about your puppy! Based on the photo you have shown here it looks like your pup could be suffering from ear margin dermatosis. If your vet is certain that parasites aren't the cause, then I would also ask them if they feel testing for ringworm should be done, particularly if there are other patches of hairless skin. We can see bacterial infection cause areas of hair loss like this as well. Sometimes treatment with topical shampoos is adequate, other times oral medications are required. You can read more about this condition at http://www.merckvetmanual.com/eye-and-ear/diseases-of-the-pinna/ear-margin-seborrhea
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 31st, 2018
Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Scabbing on the ears can be from multiple causes. Insect bites from flies often affect dogs that spend a lot of time outside. Earmites, or other parasites including fleas can cause scabbing. Certain breeds of dogs may be prone to vasculitis on the ear margin. Other skin infections or disease can also cause scabbing or seborrhea. We may be able to help more if you can provide photos and more of a descriptions of the lesions and type of dog that Frank is. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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