My German Shepherd's ear has dark discharge. Is it blood or pus?

That is more likely to be a mild amount of ear discharge (not dry blood), commonly caused by an yeast normally resident inside dog's ear canals. Alternatively ear mites can be present but usually cause clinical signs like head shaking/scratching. Considering the absence of these signs and the fact that there is minimal discharge there, I would suggest not worry too much about it at this stage. 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.

Ear mites are extremely uncommon in pet dogs. This is usually seen in puppies that come from bad conditions or stray dogs. This looks like very severe inflammation and there is likely an infection present. I recommend you have Tiller seen by your vet. They need to look down into the ear with the otoscope to see what is going on.

From what you describe it sounds like Koda may have an ear infection. I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian. He will likely need a topical medication to help resolve it. Best of luck and I hope he improves quickly.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ear mites generally are noted first with signs of thick, dark discharge which appears a bit "crusty". However-the lack of these symptoms does not mean all is well with the ears of your pup. Dogs can get frequent ear infections, just like we can. I can tell from your photos that your pup has hair that grown down into the ear canals-this will be part of the problem. Those hairs trap debris, water from bathing, extra wax, etc and act as a great reservoir for bacteria to grow. I always recommend to my clients to have the hairs "plucked" by their groomer when they go or to come in to the office so that we can do it. After the hairs are cleared and the ears are cleaned, I like to do an exam of the ear canal and to take a swab of the ears to see what kind of yeast and/or bacteria are present there. It is important to have this exam performed by your vet to verify that your pet's eardrum is intact and not perforated. Likely your pet will get prescribed some antibiotics if your doctor finds it necessary, as well as pain medications or something for that awful itch. After everything is well controlled, it is usually easy to get my owners on a good ear cleaning regimen to keep ear infections at bay. I hope this helps! My best to you and your pup!

Poor Bruno! It sounds like he may have an ear infection, which is typically caused by a mix of bacteria and yeast. These conditions are very uncomfortable and can result in permanent damage to the ear and ear drum. Bruno should be seen by a vet as soon as possible to begin the appropriate oral and topical medications.

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!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The pictures look like there is a small wound there. The wound looks like it might be from where a tick might have burrowed into Oliver's leg. I don't see any little spot to suggest the head is still present. There are many other causes for small wounds like this (other bites, dog fight bites, and self trauma if itchy). I recommend getting an E-collar to prevent any self trauma, and just keep the area clean and dry. Do not apply any creams. If it is looking worse, or has any green/yellow/cream discharge then I would go to a vet for antiobitics, otherwise just monitor. If it is painful you might need to go to the vet for pain management. It should heal by itself in a few days, if not, see your vet. Best of luck with Oliver.