My dog has brown ear wax and redness. Is it an ear infection?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Male | neutered | 7 years and 10 months old | 12 lbs
Hello, my mini schnauzer has some brownish wax buildup in one ear and it is a little red. Does not seem to bug him, he isn’t scratching tilting his head or whining but he doesn’t like me to look at it. Doesn’t seem to have a strong odor but when I press the ear together at the base of the ear or move it around it sounds like there is wax or moisture just below where I can see with the naked eye. I pulled a tick-sized clump of the Brown wax out of his ear about a day ago
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 12th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Boo! The most common reason for extra moisture and wax build up in the ear is an ear infection. Ear infections are caused by bacteria and/or yeast build up which can be from allergies or just extra moisture. Ideally Boo should see your Vet to have the cause identified and appropriate drops prescribed to get rid of the infection. Ear infections are treated topically in dogs and cats. You can try this ear cleaner. I would clean out the ear every other day for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or he worsens he should see your Vet. I also attached a video on how to clean the ears. I hope this helps and I wish Boo the very best! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24165 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?dept_id=&aid=165
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 15th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Spot! I don't think the brown discharge in his ear and what I see in the picture is from the misunderstanding at the dog park. I think because you were paying more attention to the ear, due to the wound, that you noticed this incidentally. There can be normal waxy build up in the ear or there can be excessive waxy debris in the ear that could indicate an ear infection. Since you are so nervous and worried I would make an appointment to have him seen. The vet will look in the ear canal and if they are concerned for an infection they will look at a smear of the wax under the microscope to see if the cause is yeast and/or bacterial infection. Ear infections are treated with ear flushing and ear drops. I hope this helps and I wish you and Spot the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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