What are ear mites? How can I tell if my dog has them?
Ear mites are barely visible critters (called “parasites”) that can infect a dog’s ear canal. Inside the ear, they eat earwax and skin oils and can cause a lot of irritation. They most commonly affect puppies and dogs with weak immune systems.
You usually won’t be able to spot an ear mite just by looking, but there are some “clues” to watch for that can indicate whether it’s time to see a vet.
Common signs of ear mites include:
- Headshaking and scratching: Ear mites have tiny, spiny legs; when they crawl, their movement causes extreme inflammation in the dog’s ear, leading to a bad itch. Some dogs are also allergic to the mite’s saliva, which can make the itch even worse. Dogs may shake their heads or scratch their ears to relieve the pain.
- Dark, crumbly ear discharge: A common sign is dry, black, or brown drainage from the ear. This is made up of wax, debris, ear mite waste, and dead ear mites.
- Redness and inflammation: The mite’s presence, as well as the dog’s scratching, leads to ear redness and inflammation.
- Odor: Ear mites can cause a lot of debris to build up in the ear, which can give off a foul smell. That said, this smell may not be as strong as the smell caused by an ear infection.
- Sores around the ears and head: When dogs scratch at their ears over and over, the skin can break; this can lead to sores forming around their ears and head.
- Secondary infections: Ear mites can damage the skin in the ear canal, making it easier for yeast and bacteria to build up and cause a secondary infection. This is a particularly common scenario when dogs have ear mites.
What are ear infections in dogs? What do they look like?
Ear infections are common in dogs and usually happen when bacteria or yeast grow inside the ear canal. They’re often caused by things like moisture, allergies, something stuck in the ear, or other health problems.
Signs of ear infections may include:
- Headshaking: Ear infections can be painful, and dogs may shake their heads to try to relieve the soreness.
- Ear scratching or pawing: Dogs with an ear infection often scratch or paw at the affected ear, trying to make the pain stop.
- Odor: When yeast or bacteria build up in the ear canal, they give off a musty, sweet, or corn-chip-like odor. Some types of infections can also cause a foul, rotten smell.
- Discharge: The dog’s immune system tries to fight the infection by producing fluids, pus, and wax, which usually leads to a smelly, thick, brown, yellow, or greenish discharge from the ears.
- Ear redness or swelling: Ear infections may damage the skin inside the ear canal, which usually leads to redness and swelling.
- Pain or sensitivity: As the ear infection progresses, the delicate tissues in the ear may be damaged and can become very painful.
- Balance problems: If the ear infection invades the inner ear, dogs can develop balance issues and other signs, such as a head tilt or abnormal eye movements (called “nystagmus”). These signs mean your dog needs an emergency visit to your vet, while the other signs listed can likely wait for a scheduled appointment within a few days.
Ear infections don’t always announce themselves clearly, and the signs can overlap with other ear issues. A vet can take a closer look to understand what’s happening and help your dog get back to feeling comfortable.
Why is a veterinary exam necessary?
Many ear issues can look similar on the surface, which is why diagnosis should always be left to your vet. The cause matters: ear mites and ear infections aren’t treated the same way, and using the wrong medication can slow healing or make things worse.
During the exam, your vet will carefully look inside your dog’s ear and may take a small ear swab. This swab will be used for diagnostic tests to check for mites, bacteria or yeast. Once the cause is known, treatment can be tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
If ear mites or an ear infection are found, common treatments may include:
- Prescription ear medications to address mites, bacteria, or yeast
- Gentle, vet-recommended ear cleaning
- Treating all pets in the household for ear mites (mites can be passed from one pet to another)
- Managing underlying causes like allergies or moisture buildup
Most ear problems get better with the right care, especially when they’re caught early. A follow-up visit is usually recommended to make sure the infection or mites are fully eliminated with treatment.
Because ear infections and ear mites rarely get better on their own, veterinary care is the safest and fastest way to help your dog feel comfortable again.
When should I contact my vet?
When your dog shows signs of ear trouble, it’s important to pay attention.
Any ear problems—whether mites or infections—can be uncomfortable for your dog. If they aren’t treated, they can sometimes cause more serious issues, including ear hematomas (blood pooling in the ear flap), eardrum damage, long-term hearing loss, and—in very bad cases—balance problems. Catching signs early and getting help from your vet can prevent things from getting worse.
If you see any of these signs, you should reach out to your vet as soon as you can:
● A sweet, musty, or corn-chip-like smell coming from your dog’s ears
● Scratching more than a few times per day
● Scratching that keeps you up at night
● Yelping, nipping, or pulling away when you touch the ear
● Frequent headshaking
● Redness, scabs, or swelling around the ears
● Brown or yellow debris inside the ears
● Matted hair around the ears
● Moist, irritated skin or hair loss around the ear
● Balance problems or unusual eye movements
As mentioned before, the last sign related to balance problems or unusual eye movements mean your dog needs an emergency visit to your vet; all the other signs in this list can likely wait for a scheduled appointment within a few days.
Final thoughts: Your veterinarian can help find the cause
If you’ve noticed changes in your dog’s ears, you aren’t overreacting: you’re paying attention, and that matters. Ear mites and ear infections are common, uncomfortable problems, but they’re also very treatable once the cause is clear.
While the signs can look similar, the right care depends on knowing what’s behind them. That’s where your vet comes in. With an exam and, when needed, simple testing, your vet can identify the cause and recommend treatment that helps your dog feel better as quickly and safely as possible.
The takeaway: you don’t have to figure this out on your own. If something about your dog’s ears seems off, reaching out to your vet is a positive next step—and often the fastest path to relief for both you and your dog.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about this topic
You can’t always prevent ear infections, but you can help lower your dog’s risk. Ask your vet how often your dog’s ears should be cleaned and how to clean them safely. Always dry your dog’s ears well after swimming or baths. Allergies often cause ear infections that keep coming back; if your dog has allergies, your vet can help treat and manage them.
Unfortunately, some dogs do get ear infections more than once. This can happen if they have allergies, floppy ears, or other health issues, for example. If you notice signs of an ear problem again, contact your vet right away. Following your vet's treatment plan and attending regular checkups can help decrease the risk of repeat infections.
It’s unlikely that you would get ear mites from your dog. Ear mites prefer other animals and usually do not live on people. In rare cases, they may bite a person, but ear infestations aren't common. Many flea and tick preventives also protect against ear mites, so providing your dog with year-round protection can help keep the parasites out of your household.
