Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog has a pink, sore, waxy ear and scratches. Is it infected?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 4 years and 11 months old | 48 lbs

Hi, my dog has a pink and slightly sore looking outer ear on his right side, I can see some wax build up. He scratches at it occasionally (which I think causes the sore patches) and tilts his head now and then on that side as though it may be tickling him but other than that it doesn’t phase him at all. Is there a solution I can buy to rinse it out for him or any other advice I can try before taking him to the vets? Many thanks in advance

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 7th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From your description and the pictures, it looks like Bailey has an ear infection. The build up you see can be discharge of bacteria and/or yeast. He is tilting his head because it is painful. Before purchasing a rinse, I would recommend taking him to the vet to determine what is going on inside the ear. If he has a ruptured ear drum some rinses can be contraindicated. They will be able to prescribe a rinse that is safe for his ear after his exam. Good luck and kisses to Bailey!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?
Pet still itching after treatment? A Petco vet clarifies it may not be ear mites. Discover effective solutions like Revolution or consulting an exotic vet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?
Nike's worsening sores and constant scratching worry his owner. A certified Petco veterinarian offers expert guidance on potential causes like bacterial infections and next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why do quills seem to migrate deeper into my pet's body over time?
Why do quills migrate deeper into your pet? Licensed Vet Tech Angel Alvarado explains the body's response to foreign objects. Get expert insights from Petco.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored