My dog's ears are itchy with brown gunk. Is it mites? How to help?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 26 days old | 10 lbs
My dog may have ear mites. She is always scratching at her ear. She is sleeping and suddenly wakes up scratching ear and whimpering. She has reddish brown residue inside her ear. I try to clean it but it doesn't help. How can I help her? Cure her ear? Get rid of the ear mites?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 15th, 2017
Poor Mocha sounds very uncomfortable. Yes it is possible she has ear mites, but ear problems such as hers can also be caused by bacteria or yeast. The only way to cure her ear problems is to have her seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose the cause of her symptoms and can prescribe medication to treat it. I would take her into the vet today, as leaving ear problems can lead to hearing loss if left untreated. I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 6th, 2018
Typically with ear mites, it will affect both ears. They also look like coffee grinds. The only way to say exactly what it is, is to look at the discharge from the ear under a microscope. If this is done you can actually see the ears mites walk around. To see if it is bacteria and yeast the veterinarian will have to stain the slide to determine. Then appropriate treatment can be given. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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