Chonic itch on paws and in ears.

Question
My Corgi mix has chronic itch on her paws between her toes and in her ears.  The skin is discolored very dark in the itch areas and her ears produce a lot of crusty wax-like material and an unpleasant odor.

What do you think this is and how can it be treated?  

Answer
This is exactly how dog allergies show up.  THe staining you are seeing is a result of the saliva transfer when she is licking her paws.  In the ears, the glands that produce wax overproduce as a result of the inflammation.  Often there is an infection on top of that.  Check with your vet to see if it is allergies or perhaps she has ear mites.  An examination will tell the vet which.