When should I worry about my dog’s ear discharge? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
Some ear discharge in dogs is worth watching, but it does not always mean something serious. It can happen for several reasons, including wax build-up, irritation, infection or, less commonly, something trapped in the ear.
What matters most is the colour, smell, amount and whether your dog seems sore, itchy or off-colour. If the discharge is new, worsening, smelly, bloody, or coming with head shaking or pain, it’s sensible to get veterinary advice.
Things To Check
1. Check the colour and texture of the discharge. Brown wax, yellow fluid, black debris, pus or blood can each suggest different things.
2. Notice whether there’s a strong smell. A foul odour often goes with infection or a build-up of wax and debris.
3. Look for redness, swelling, heat or soreness around the ear flap and opening.
4. See if your dog is scratching, rubbing, head shaking or holding the ear differently.
5. Check whether one ear or both ears are involved. Both ears can point more towards a skin or allergy issue, while one ear can sometimes be linked to a foreign body or local irritation.
6. Think about what’s happened recently, such as swimming, bathing, grooming, muddy walks or a recent change in food, bedding or cleaning products.
7. Notice any changes in behaviour, appetite or comfort. Dogs with painful ears may seem quieter or less willing to have their head touched.
Common Causes
The most common cause is excess wax or normal dirt mixing with ear moisture, which can make the ear look messy without there being a major problem.
Ear infections are another common reason. These can be linked to yeast, bacteria or both, and often cause smell, discharge, irritation and head shaking.
Allergies and skin sensitivity can also lead to recurring ear inflammation, especially if your dog also has itchy skin, licking paws or frequent ear flare-ups.
Less commonly, discharge can happen if a foreign body, grass seed, trapped moisture or ear mites is irritating the ear.
In some cases, an injury to the ear canal or a more complex ear problem may be involved, which is why persistent or painful discharge should be checked.
What To Do
Keep an eye on the discharge for a day or two if your dog otherwise seems well, and note any changes in colour, smell or amount.
Keep the ear dry, especially after swimming or bathing, and avoid letting water sit in the ear canal.
Do not put cotton buds, oils or human ear drops into the ear unless your vet has told you to do so.
If your dog will tolerate it, gently look at the outer ear only. Don’t try to dig deeper, as that can make things worse or be uncomfortable for your dog.
If the discharge keeps coming back, or your dog is clearly itchy, painful or unsettled, book a vet visit so the ear can be properly examined.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet promptly if the discharge is smelly, bloody, yellow or pus-like, if your dog seems painful, has swelling, keeps shaking their head, or if only one ear is affected after a possible grass seed, scratch or other injury.
You should also get advice if the problem keeps coming back, lasts more than a couple of days, or your dog seems unwell in any other way.
Products That May Help
For ongoing ear and grooming routines, the Pet Care collection may be useful as part of keeping your dog clean and comfortable, especially if their ears tend to get a bit dirty after walks or bathing.
Related Questions
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Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.