Puppy dragging ears and they're red. Is it mites or an ear infection?

Question

What are the beginning signs (need to go to the vet) of ear mites? Most times after we take the puppy out, he begins to drag his ears across the floor. He does it several times a day now. His ears are a touch red, but I believe it is from his dragging on the floor. He does not have any type of discharge that can be noticed. There is a little darker hair in his ear, and he is a light-colored dog, but I also assume that is just the general nature of the area. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 10 months and 6 days old | 12 lbs

Mirissa Duncil, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ear mites generally are noted first with signs of thick, dark discharge which appears a bit "crusty". However-the lack of these symptoms does not mean all is well with the ears of your pup. Dogs can get frequent ear infections, just like we can. I can tell from your photos that your pup has hair that grown down into the ear canals-this will be part of the problem. Those hairs trap debris, water from bathing, extra wax, etc and act as a great reservoir for bacteria to grow. I always recommend to my clients to have the hairs "plucked" by their groomer when they go or to come in to the office so that we can do it. After the hairs are cleared and the ears are cleaned, I like to do an exam of the ear canal and to take a swab of the ears to see what kind of yeast and/or bacteria are present there. It is important to have this exam performed by your vet to verify that your pet's eardrum is intact and not perforated. Likely your pet will get prescribed some antibiotics if your doctor finds it necessary, as well as pain medications or something for that awful itch. After everything is well controlled, it is usually easy to get my owners on a good ear cleaning regimen to keep ear infections at bay. I hope this helps! My best to you and your pup!

Puppy dragging ears and they're red. Is it mites or an ear infection?

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