I think my dog has ear mites...

Question
My dog, Cody he is a in house dog. He does not involve with other pets. But his ears really bother him. There red inside and I can see wax it is a little dark. I just don't know if I should treat it as ear mites or an ear infection. It is only in one ear. I just have the money right now to take him to the vet. Any suggestions?

Answer
I nearly always advise going to the vet.  Smell the ear.  If it stinks, likely it is infected and must have antibiotics from the vet.  If not, try cleaning it up.  Use 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar.  If the outer part is bad, start with a cotton ball, and then finish with Que-tips.  You can pull the ear back and gently work the Que-tip back in.  Then coat the outer part of the ear with an oil, baby oil, olive oil, cooking oil, etc.  If the redness goes away in a few days, it was ear mites.  

Some dogs produce large amount of ear wax for no obvious reason.  You just have to keep cleaning them as above.  

Even indoor dogs need routine vet care, shots, heartworm remedy, and maybe flea remedy.  If he still has ear problems next visit, ask about them.