I just noticed Charlie has brown discharge in his ear. He seems uncomfortable and is scratching a lot. Should I be freaking out? Is this dangerous? Do I need to call a vet immediately, or can it wait till morning? I'm so worried!

Hey there! I'm glad you're reaching out about Charlie. It sounds like he might be dealing with an ear infection, which is pretty common in dogs. The brown discharge and scratching definitely suggest some irritation or infection in the ear. Let’s take a deep breath—there’s no need to freak out just yet, but let’s sort out what’s going on.

Here's what to look out for:

• Excessive scratching or rubbing his ear on furniture.
• Redness or swelling inside the ear.
• Any odor coming from the ear (a sign of infection).
• Balance issues or signs of pain when touching the ear.

If Charlie seems otherwise okay—he's still eating, drinking, playing, and not in severe pain—it's usually okay to wait until morning to call your vet. However, if he’s in obvious distress, not eating, or you notice swelling or discharge becoming severe, it might be worth calling your vet sooner rather than later.

Here’s something you can do at home in the meantime:

• Try to gently clean the outside of the ear with a damp cloth. Don’t put anything inside his ear canal.
• Keep him calm and distracted with his favorite activities to minimize scratching.

If you notice any signs of other issues, like vomiting or diarrhea, or if his behavior changes drastically (like if he seems lethargic or confused), give your vet a call right away—it could be a sign of something more serious. Remember, you're doing a great job by being attentive to his needs.

If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.