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Common Pet Conditions

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and have a foul odor. Often there is discharge: it can be brown/black and waxy (common with yeast or mites) or yellowish pus (with bacterial infections). The ear may be painful – dogs may yelp when the ear is touched or tilt the head to one side. In chronic cases (1) or hearing loss can occur (1) signs like imbalance (1) swollen (1) the ear canal skin may thicken and the opening can narrow. If the infection spreads to the middle/inner ear (1) Typical signs are the dog shaking the head or scratching the affected ear frequently. The ear canal may be red (1) walking in circles (1)
Symptom matches are best-effort. If a symptom is severe or sudden, contact a veterinarian promptly.

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Image for Ear Infection (Otitis Externa)
Ear Infection (Otitis Externa)
Dog - All Breeds (dogs with floppy ears or allergic skin disease are predisposed – e.g. Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels)
Typical signs are the dog shaking the head or scratching the affected ear frequently. The ear canal may be red swollen and have a foul odor. Often there is discharge: it can be brown/black and waxy (common with yeast or mites) or yellowish pus (with bacterial infections). The ear may be painful – dogs may yelp when the ear is touched or tilt the head to one side. In chronic cases the ear canal skin may thicken and the opening can narrow. If the infection spreads to the middle/inner ear signs like imbalance walking in circles +1 more

Otitis externa is an infection/inflammation of the external ear canal. It’s commonly caused by an overgrowth …

For pet owners
Use this page to learn what a symptom can mean, what to track at home, and when to get help. Bring notes to your appointment (timeline, appetite, water intake, urination, stool, vomiting episodes, medications and supplements).
For veterinary perspective
Each condition page summarizes common presentations, typical evaluation steps, and treatment approaches. It is not a substitute for diagnosis. Your veterinarian will consider breed, age, exam findings, and tests.