Ear Mites
Ear mites are tiny bugs that live in the ear canals and feed on skin debris. Ear mites are the most common cause of ear infections in puppies and young dogs. If your dog has an ear infection in both ears, usually ear mites are the cause.
The main sign of ear mites is intense itching, scratching, and constant head shaking. The ears will have a reddish brown discharge, or a black and waxy discharge. Usually it will resemble a yeast or fungus infection.
To make the diagnosis, remove some ear wax with a cotton-tipped applicator and look at it under a microscope against a dark background. Ear mites are white specks, about the size of the head of a pin, and they move.
At times the ear mites will leave the ear canals and travel out over the body. These are highly contagious to dogs and cats. If there are other pets around, they should be treated as well.
The dog should be taken to the vet for proper diagnosis and medication to rid the dog of the ear mites.