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My dog has thick black stuff in his ear. Should I take him to the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 1 year and 5 months old | 75 lbs

Is it normal for my dog to get alot of thick black stuff in his ear? Do I need to have him see a vet,he says there and let's me clean them out with a Q-Tip it doesn't seem to hurt him why I cleaning it out it has a light ofor not real bad at all but I'm cleaning his left ear about 2 to 3 times a week. I'm gonna attach a photo of the Q-Tios I've used to kinda show you the color of what I'm getting out of his. But need to know if I should take him to see a vet? He's a 3 year old blue nose/pit bull

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 5th, 2018

Yes, I would take Dax into the vet for this problem. It’s not normal to have a big build up of gunk in the ear or to have an odor. These are signs of an ear infection. Ear infections in dogs can be caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacteria so the vet needs to diagnose what’s causing this build up so he can be treated properly. I would take him into the vet in the next day or two. Just be careful using q tips in his ears. You could accidentally hurt him or even perforate his ear drum if you stick one in too far. The vet can give you an ear cleaning solution like Epi-Otis which is much safer to use. Best of luck!

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 1st, 2018

    It's probably an ear infection, Ear infections are very common in dogs, it is usually caused by either yeast or bacterial disease. the treatment is usually simple and straightforward, you will have to take him to the vet and get the ears checked, then a prescription ear drops will be prescribed according to the infectious agent.

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