Ear infections (otitis externa) are one of the most common reasons dogs visit a vet in India. The signs are head shaking, scratching at the ear, dark or waxy discharge, redness, and a yeasty smell. Here is what each sign means, how to tell yeast from mites, and when it becomes urgent.
Screen your pet free ↗A dog ear infection usually shows as head shaking, scratching at the ear, dark or waxy discharge, redness inside the flap, and a yeasty or foul smell. Common causes are yeast, bacteria, ear mites, allergies, and trapped moisture. Most cases are a Monitor, but a painful ear, a head tilt, or loss of balance is Urgent, see a vet.
| What you see | What it may point to | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional scratching, a little wax | Early irritation | Monitor |
| Head shaking, dark discharge, smell, redness | Established ear infection | Monitor |
| Head tilt, loss of balance, circling, severe pain, swelling shut | Possible inner-ear involvement | Urgent |
| Clean, pale-pink, odour-free ear | Likely normal | Normal |
Severity labels follow PawCheck's Normal / Monitor / Urgent screening scale. They are a guide, not a diagnosis.
Redness and swelling inside the ear flap, dark brown or yellow discharge, a yeasty or foul smell, head shaking, and the dog scratching or rubbing the ear on the floor.
Heat and monsoon moisture let yeast and bacteria thrive in the ear canal. Dogs who swim or get bathed often, and floppy-eared breeds that trap moisture, are most at risk.
Cocker Spaniel, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Beagle, and Basset Hound. Any dog with heavy, floppy ears or allergies is more prone to repeat infections.
Three different causes look similar from outside but need different care. Here is how they usually differ.
| Yeast (Malassezia) | Ear mites | Bacterial | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discharge | Brown, greasy, musty smell | Dark, dry, coffee-ground like | Yellow or green, pus-like, foul |
| Itch level | Moderate to high | Intense | Moderate |
| Most seen in | Floppy-eared or allergic dogs | Puppies and multi-pet homes | Often follows moisture or allergy |
| Spreads to other pets | No | Yes, very contagious | No |
| Usual severity | Monitor | Monitor | Monitor |
When in doubt, a vet visit is always the safe choice. PawCheck helps you judge how quickly to act, it does not replace that visit.
A yeast or bacterial ear infection is not contagious to other pets or people. Ear mites are the exception, they spread easily between cats and dogs in the same home, so if one pet has mites, the others usually need checking too.
Keep the ears dry after baths and swims, and wipe away visible moisture. A dog that gets repeat infections often has an underlying allergy worth discussing with a vet.
PawCheck's Ear scanner is one of 6 scan categories (eye, skin, ear, teeth, wound, and gut). Photograph your dog's ear and PawCheck returns a Normal, Monitor, or Urgent severity read in under 10 seconds, so you know whether to watch it at home or book a vet. Free on Android, 5 scans a month.
Further reading: MSD Veterinary Manual; Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. This page is general information and does not replace an examination by a qualified veterinarian.
PawCheck gives a severity read on your dog's ear in under 10 seconds.
Download Free, Android ↗PawCheck is a wellness screening tool. Not a veterinary diagnostic device. Always consult a qualified veterinarian.