An Itchy, Oozing Patch Below a Dog's Ear

This sounds like a hot spot or a skin infection that started from scratching. The brown ear discharge is an important clue: an ear infection or ear mites make dogs scratch behind and below the ear, and the damaged skin then becomes infected. Treating the patch without treating the ear means it will likely come back.

Have your vet examine both the patch and the ear. A quick look at the ear discharge under the microscope shows whether it's yeast, bacteria or mites, and the patch may need clipping, cleaning and medication.

Until then, keep the patch clean and dry, use a cone so he can't scratch it, and don't put anything into the ear until the eardrum has been checked.

See hot spots on dogs and dog ear infections.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.