My Beagle Mix Has a Dark, Dry Patch on His Ear

I’m always petting my 12-year-old Beagle-Shepherd mix’s floppy ears. The other day I found some darker skin that looked dry. It doesn’t seem to bother him at all unless I touch it, and then he wants to scratch it. It doesn’t look like ear mites, and it is only a small area. Can you please help?

– Katherine, Milton, Ontario

Hi Katherine,

Thank you for your question. The skin issue you describe should be evaluated by a veterinarian so that the best assessment of a potential underlying problem can be addressed. Hopefully, it is nothing about which you need to be concerned.

Dry and darker-appearing skin can occur due to exposure to elements (such as the sun, dryness, heat, cold, etc.), chronic inflammation (such as allergies), infection (for example, bacteria, parasites, yeast, etc.), metabolic disease (such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease), nutritional insufficiencies or merely as a normal variation for your pet.

Pending your veterinarian’s determination of a diagnosis, treatment can be recommended.

Good luck,
Dr. Mahaney

PHOTO: Alberto Ziveri

Dr. Mahaney

Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA has a thriving veterinary practice in Los Angeles. His clients respond favorably to his combination of Eastern and Western medicine, including acupuncture. In addition to making house calls, Mahaney makes himself available via social media outlets such as his blog and Twitter. He is dog dad to i Love Dogs canine ambassador Cardiff.