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My dog shakes his head and has black goo in his ear. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Brittany | Male | unneutered | 50 lbs

My dog shakes his head and has black tar goo in his ear

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 10th, 2018

Hello. I am so sorry that Buddy is having problems with his ears. Shaking & the discharge are all indications of an ear infection from bacteria or yeast organisms, inflammation from allergies ( food or inhalant ), or ear mites. Your veterinarian can look in the ears & obtain samples to examine under the microscope. Depending on what is seen will dictate treatment to clear up the problem quickly. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 11th, 2018

    This build up in Marley's ears isn't normal, and it usually a sign of an ear infection. It could be that he is suffering from ear mites, but ear infections can also be caused by bacteria or yeast. He sounds very uncomfortable, so my advice is to take him into a vet first thing in the morning. The vet can examine the debris in his ears to determine what is causing this itching, and can prescribe a treatment for him. It's very important to have him see as soon as possible to get the correct diagnosis and treatment as leaving this untreated can lead to hearing loss. Call the vet in the morning for an appointment. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Isabelle Roese, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on August 29th, 2017

    It might be a mild yeast ear infection. I does not take a lot of yeast to make it very itchy. Less likely, you might be dealing with ear mites. I would suggest a vet exam, and a ear cytology. A ear cytology will tell you very quickly if you are dealing with a yeast and or bacterial infection or even ear mites. It only takes a small sample of the discharge to go on the slide and staining agents. If an ear infection is confirmed. Ear medicine will be prescribed for Bailey. If you are not dealing with an ear infection, then the veterinarian may have a better idea once he or she examine the ears closely. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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