Signs

• Dogs with bacterial ear infections will have an unusual foul odor coming from within the ear.
  
  

Ear Mites

• Symptoms of ear mites include scratching and a dark-red to dark-brown, almost black buildup visible in the ears. Treatments vary, from over-the-counter medications available at your local pet store to medicines only a veterinarian can provide.
  
  

Treating Ear Infections

• Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics, topical steroids or various ear drops, depending on the appearance of your dog's affected ear.
  
  

Chronic Ear Infections

• If your dog suffers from chronic ear infections, your veterinarian may do a culture to determine the cause. Culprits may include a bacterial infection, a yeast infection or a staph infection, or an allergic reaction to food, pollen or other allergens.
  
  

Prevention

• Clean your dog's ears regularly to prevent infections. This is especially true for dogs with floppy ears. You can remove waxy buildup every few days with an ear-cleaning solution from your local pet store or veterinarian.