Why is my 11-week puppy growling? Is it an ear infection or wax?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Rosco. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian. I worry that he may have an ear infection. If so, the veterinarian will examine the ears and collect a swab from each side. This can be looked at under the microscope. Based on these results, medication and a cleaner can be prescribed to help him feel better. I hope this information helps!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Boo! The most common reason for extra moisture and wax build up in the ear is an ear infection. Ear infections are caused by bacteria and/or yeast build up which can be from allergies or just extra moisture. Ideally Boo should see your Vet to have the cause identified and appropriate drops prescribed to get rid of the infection. Ear infections are treated topically in dogs and cats. You can try this ear cleaner. I would clean out the ear every other day for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or he worsens he should see your Vet. I also attached a video on how to clean the ears. I hope this helps and I wish Boo the very best! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24165 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?dept_id=&aid=165

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to an ear infection. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian would be able to check what type of infection is present and treat accordingly. Usually this resolves with topical therapy. Good luck and have a good night!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to an ear infection. I recommend that you have Bear evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian would be able to check what type of infection is present and treat accordingly. Usually this resolves with topical therapy. Good luck and have a good day!

It may be discharge associated with an ear infection (bacterial or fungal) or it may be a waxy discharge which is normal. To diagnose infection, have Grock physically examined by your veterinarian. Swabs of the war can be examined in the clinic to diagnose infection. Your vet can then dispense medication and an ear cleaner if indicated.

By your description, your dog may have an [ear infection](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/ear-infections/). This would require an exam with your veterinarian for diagnosis. A swab of the ear(s) can be examined in the clinic to diagnose a bacterial or fungal (yeast) infection. Once the diagnosis is made, the appropriate medication can be dispensed to help clear it up. To help maintain clean ears after this episode, [clean the ears](https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-steps-to-clean-your-dog-s-ears-properly/) regularly with a veterinary approved ear cleaner such as [Epi-Otic](https://us.virbac.com/epi-otic-advanced-ear-cleanser). You can find it or [other approved cleaners](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-ear-and-eye-care) online or in the local Petco. Your veterinarian may even dispense it along with medication. Use cotton balls or gauze pads to clean what you can see. Never insert anything down into the ear canal. This may cause injury which could complicate any existing condition.

Brown ear discharge is not necessarily an ear infection. I recommend cleaning the ears with the cleaner to remove the waxy discharge. As long as the ears don't have a foul odor and are not inflammed or painful that is probably just normal ear wax. If the wax builds up too much then it's more likely to become an infection. With a dog like Wilson with flap ears that cover the ear canal I recommend that you check ears every week and clean the wax if needed. That way you'll know right away if an infection is developing. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Wilson.