My Golden Retriever's ear edges are turning black. What's wrong?

This may be due to a skin infection or even an thyroid imbalance or may be normal discoloration as this happens in some dogs. The only way to know is to have your vet check the skin and do a blood test to determine if there is a problem.

Lemuiex is adorable! The crusting and scaling on his ear margins could be due to vasculitis or a fungal infection, among others. Scabies does not typically cause this type of lesion on the ear margins, but the only way to determine that is through skin scraping. Vasculitis can be caused by a wide variety of issues, including infection, immune system disorders, drug/vaccine reactions, burns, cancer, among others. Until you take Lemuiex to the vet, you can try applying topical antibacterial/antifungal ointments to this area, but prescription medication is most likely necessary for this type of issue. I hope that all goes well!

There can be several causes for pigment change. The most common causes are low grade allergies, hereditary aging changes, endocrine disease or superficial infection. If Pathy shows any evidence of infection or irritation, I recommend to have her examined by the veterinarian. At home you can try giving him an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for pets but it may not correct the underlying cause. This can however improve over all skin health. There are two brands of food, Royal Canin and Nutro, which are aimed at skin health and they may help as well but again, they may not affect the underlying problem. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

With that amount of dirt and wax from his ears, it is possible it is ear mites, a bacterial or yeast infection, or just dirt. If there is an odor, any redness or he is shaking or scratching his head, then I would get his ears checked to make sure. The scab may be a pustules from a bite. If it is the only one, then you can apply some cortisone cream and alternate it with Neosporin. If it does not improve over the next 2 days, then it will need to be checked by your regular vet.

That could be a consequence of the bite (scar tissue) or potentially the site is getting infected. Bacterial and fungal infection can cause that presentation. I would recommend to monitor it, and if not resolving, a check up, appropriate disinfection and eventually antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid scratching if any. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Change in pigmentation, early stages of yeast or bacterial infection can cause these kind of spots. Yeast (usually Malassezia spp.) can cause accumulation of black discharge, often very persistently attached to skin. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid licking (if any). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

It looks like your dog could have a bacterial and/or a yeast infection. Have him examined by a vet for treatment. Your vet can prescribe medications to help. Your vet could also test his thyroid level to make sure he doesn't have a thyroid issue. You could also bathe him with a medicated dog shampoo and see if that helps.