As you've stated that only one ear has a waxy discharge, I assume the other is fine and that we're not dealing with a natural process but rather a medical condition or symptoms of one thereof.
First and foremost is your pooch in pain? Does he or she react when you touch them, do they tilt or shake their heads incessantly. How is your dog's balance?
If any of these are ringing true then we're looking at two general causes, either ear mites or and ear infection.
To test for ear mites inspect the discharge is it a crusty, reddish-brown color. Take a close look with a magnifying glass and do you see tiny red dots? If so your dog has ear mites. They are a range of commercially available treatments but they all do different things so speak to your vet to choose the best one for your situation.
Otherwise it may be an ear infection. If the discharge is a waxy yellow, or reddish-brown then it may be an outer ear infection (otitis externa). Allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of earwax, excessive bathing or swimming may cause this symptom. If it is particularly smelly then it points to this too. You should head straight to your local veterinary surgery as you may require antibiotic lotion, oral medication, an ear-cleaning solution, or an ear-drying solution. Surgery may be needed if it is protracted.
Untreated, this can lead to an inner ear infection (otitis interna) or middle ear infection (otitis media). If you canine friend is reluctant to open their mouth or having issues with balance, then it may have reached this stage. You might require antibiotics, the vet to flush the ear, or possibly surgery if the infection is severe.
First and foremost is your pooch in pain? Does he or she react when you touch them, do they tilt or shake their heads incessantly. How is your dog's balance?
If any of these are ringing true then we're looking at two general causes, either ear mites or and ear infection.
To test for ear mites inspect the discharge is it a crusty, reddish-brown color. Take a close look with a magnifying glass and do you see tiny red dots? If so your dog has ear mites. They are a range of commercially available treatments but they all do different things so speak to your vet to choose the best one for your situation.
Otherwise it may be an ear infection. If the discharge is a waxy yellow, or reddish-brown then it may be an outer ear infection (otitis externa). Allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of earwax, excessive bathing or swimming may cause this symptom. If it is particularly smelly then it points to this too. You should head straight to your local veterinary surgery as you may require antibiotic lotion, oral medication, an ear-cleaning solution, or an ear-drying solution. Surgery may be needed if it is protracted.
Untreated, this can lead to an inner ear infection (otitis interna) or middle ear infection (otitis media). If you canine friend is reluctant to open their mouth or having issues with balance, then it may have reached this stage. You might require antibiotics, the vet to flush the ear, or possibly surgery if the infection is severe.
