My dog's ear is squishy and waxy. Does he have an ear infection?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My dog's ear makes a squishy sound & is filled with wax
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 16th, 2015
By your description, your dog may have an [ear infection](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/ear-infections/). This would require an exam with your veterinarian for diagnosis. A swab of the ear(s) can be examined in the clinic to diagnose a bacterial or fungal (yeast) infection. Once the diagnosis is made, the appropriate medication can be dispensed to help clear it up. To help maintain clean ears after this episode, [clean the ears](https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-steps-to-clean-your-dog-s-ears-properly/) regularly with a veterinary approved ear cleaner such as [Epi-Otic](https://us.virbac.com/epi-otic-advanced-ear-cleanser). You can find it or [other approved cleaners](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-ear-and-eye-care) online or in the local Petco. Your veterinarian may even dispense it along with medication. Use cotton balls or gauze pads to clean what you can see. Never insert anything down into the ear canal. This may cause injury which could complicate any existing condition.
64Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 31st, 2016
It's probably an ear infection, often it cannot be seen from the outside. it is usually caused by either yeast or bacterial disease. the treatment is usually simple and straightforward, you will have to take Prayer to the vet and get the ears checked, then a prescription ear drops will be prescribed according to the infectious agent.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 13th, 2018
I would definitely be suspicious of an ear infection from the pictures and what you are describing. Ear infections usually have a primary cause that allows it to be infected. However, it's always possible that something is stuck in the ear and causing an infection. Other common primary causes are allergies and excessive moisture in the ear. Given the severity of this infection, it's best to have him evaluated by a veterinarian, so they can have a good look in the ear and provide the necessary medication to clear this up. For now, it will be good to gently flush the ear once every two days to help remove the debris from the ear - this will help with treating the infection. Below are a few links that give helpful advice/tutorials about cleaning ears. https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-mistakes-to-avoid-when-cleaning-your-dog-s-ears/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-steps-to-clean-your-dog-s-ears-properly/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_8f1fll42A&t=5s I hope that helps and Simba gets better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 16th, 2017
Poor Bowey, it sounds like that ear is really uncomfortable! I would recommend a visit to your vet. They will do a thorough exam, and likely take some samples of the debris is Bowdy's ear to look at under the microscope. This will help determine if an infection is present, and what type of medication is most effective. Ear infections can be cause by yeast, or bacteria, sometimes both. Your vet will likely prescribe an ear cleaning solution and a medicated ointment or drops for Bowdy's ear. If the flap of the ear is swollen Bowdy may be dealing with an ear hematoma as well-this is when there is a collection of blood/fluid under the skin of the ear flap. It sometimes happens secondary to an ear infection when they are shaking and scratching a lot. Sometimes they need to be surgically drained, other times can be treated medically. I hope Bowdy feels better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 17th, 2018
Poor Buddy! I can see that his ear is quite swollen and crusty inside, which is usually a sign of a severe ear infection. It looks like the product you've been using is a basic ear cleaner - this won't likely be harmful, but it will not do anything to treat the infection. For that, I'm afraid you'll need prescription ear medication from your vet, as there is nothing you can get over the counter that will be effective. Because of this, I would recommend taking Buddy in for a vet visit as soon as you are able to. Your veterinarian can use an otoscope to examine his ear canal, and may take a sample of the discharge in the ear for analysis to determine what kind of infection is present (yeast or bacterial). An appropriate medication can be prescribed to treat the infection based on what is found.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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