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Why is my dog's ear skin black, dry, wrinkled, and painful to touch?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 95 lbs
My dog has a patch of black, dry, wrinkled skin in one of her ears. It's inside the outer ear and it hurts her a little if touched. It's about the size of a quarter, irregular shape and 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on September 11th, 2017
Ear infections in dogs can be very difficult to manage, and are very common. Though cleaning may help prevent ear infections ruins, it won't treat an ear infection that is present. Antibiotics are needed.
Unfortunately, there aren't any medications over the counter which would be helpful at this stage. Outer ear infections can progress to inner ear infections. Inner ear infections are very difficult to treat, are very painful and have serious potential complications, such as hearing loss and problems with balance.
I would suggest a trip to the vet as soon as you can. The vet will use a tool to look into Gizmo's ears, and may take a swab of the infected ear and send it away for analysis, so that the exact pathogens causing the infection can be identified and therefore a specific antibiotic can be used.
I hope that this answer was helpful, and more importantly that Gizmo's ear gets better soon. Warmest regards to you both.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 15th, 2019
It could be due to ear mites but it could also be just dark wax or a yeast/bacterial infection. if she is scratching her ears i would recommend taking her to the vet in order to get it checked and treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 4th, 2017
It looks like she has an ear infection. You could clean her ear with an ear cleaner for dogs but she should see a vet for medications. She will need an antibiotic and/or an anti-fungal, depending on the type of infection. Your vet can do a cytology and then prescribe the best medications to treat.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 29th, 2017
I would definitely be suspicious of an ear infection from the pictures and what you are describing. Ear infections usually have a primary cause that allows it to be infected and allergies are at the top of the list, so this is definitely possible, but both ears would be affected.
Other common primary causes are something stuck in the ear and excessive moisture in the ear.
It's best to have her evaluated by a veterinarian, so they can have a good look in the ear and provide the necessary medication to clear this up.
For now, it will be good to gently flush the ear once every two day to help remove the debris from the ear - this will also help with treating the suspected infection. Below are a few links that give helpful advice/tutorials about cleaning ears.
https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-mistakes-to-avoid-when-cleaning-your-dog-s-ears/
https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-steps-to-clean-your-dog-s-ears-properly/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_8f1fll42A&t=5s
I hope that helps and Oreo gets better soon.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful