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My senior chihuahua has ear pain and cries when touched. What to do?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 15 years old | 3.3 lbs

15 year old chi, cried when I pet his head. I cleaned his ear...brown, non-smelly, waxy consistency except deeper it was a touch more liquid like. What can I do? I have gse drops and gse/tea tree ear drops.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 22, 2018

Hello, sorry to hear about Earnest. If he has been scratching or shaking his head/ears, then he may have an ear infection. However, if this was just ear wax then he may not have an ear infection.

Regardless, you should not instill any fluid or medications in his ears without a recommendation from your veterinarian. The ear is very sensitive, particularly the ear drum. If his ear drum is unfortunately ruptured, then there are certain medications he should not have as these can be toxic to his middle ear. Therefore, Earnest should first have a thorough ear examination if determined he could have an ear infection so that he is prescribed the adequate medications. Pleas have him seen by his veterinarian soon if he continues to have pain, if he is shaking his head constantly, or scratching at his ears frequently. Also monitor for any foul smelling, moist, ear discharge as these are the common signs of an ear infection. Hope this helps and best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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