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Dog has black ear gunk, liquid, shakes head. Mites or infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Male | neutered | 9 years and 7 months old | 11 lbs

My Maltese has been having ear problems for over 2 weeks now . His ear has a lot of black gunk in it and when he shakes his head liquid sometimes comes out , and he is very irritated shaking his head a lot. I don’t have the money at the moment for him to see a vet but I can get the money for medicine but I’m not sure if it’s mites or ear infection . Thank you

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on April 5th, 2019

This black, tarry substance is mostly wax and cleansing twice daily with an alcohol free ear cleanser for 5-7 days should help remove this (it will also remove any mites which may be stuck in it). Fill the ear with the solution, rub gently and then wipe away the disolved wax - repeat 3-5 times until ear appears clean; do this twice daily until ear has been thoroughly clean for 2 cleanings and then 1-2 times weekly to prevent build up. Any severe pain, blood or loss of appetite indicates there may be an infection and this would require assessment by a vet to prescribe the correct medicated drops

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 19th, 2018
It's probably an ear infection, often it cannot be seen from the outside. 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 Max to the vet and get the ears checked, then a prescription ear drops will be prescribed according to the infectious agent.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 25th, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If the ears are infected, an over the counter ear cleanser is probably not going to get rid of bacteria or yeast that may be causing the infection. I would recommend a product such as Zymox Ear Solution, which can be found online quite easily. This is typically a once a day solution given over 10-14 days. If there is no improvement on this solution, I would recommend having Gina examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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