6 Signs of Ear Mites in Dogs

Let’s face it—we’d all like to think that our four-legged furry best friends are impervious to the ills of the world. Why wouldn’t we? All we want is for them to be safe and happy.

Sadly, this isn’t always the case. As they frolic around, our furry friends can pick up issues that cause them quite a bit of discomfort. And if your dog appears preoccupied with itchy ears, the culprit might be tiny creatures living in the ears—ear mites.

Of course, there are myriad issues and common dog ear problems that can cause itching and scratching. So, how do you know if ear mites are the culprit of your pup’s ear problem?

Keep reading as we explore six potential signs of ear mites in dogs and what to do about them.

Ear mites—or Otodectes cynotis—are tiny parasites that live in the ears of cats and dogs. ¹ Ear mites are a common and often misunderstood problem for dogs. These tiny, pesky parasites live in your dog’s ear canal, feeding off earwax and oils. While almost invisible to the eye, they can sometimes be seen as white specs. And as unsavory as it may sound, they survive off the blood in your pet’s ears. Fortunately, ear mites are treatable, and with a little vigilance, you can prevent future infestations.

Here’s the thing about the tiny mites that live in your dog’s ear—they’re highly contagious. Luckily, there are several signs that your dog might have ear mites, so you can mitigate their ear problem right away.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the signs of ear mites.

Unless you bathe your pup daily, you’ve likely gotten used to that distinct dog scent (not bad, just doggy). If you notice that your dog’s ears smell bad, it’s a good idea to investigate the cause further.

That being said, several things can cause your dog’s ears to smell:

• Ear mites
• Secondary ear infection
• The need for a bath

Keep in mind that just one sign doesn’t necessarily point to a definitive conclusion. Keep reading to see if there are additional signs of ear mites.

If there’s one thing dog owners know, it’s that our furry friends sure like to scratch. And who wouldn’t? Everyone has an itch they just have to scratch now and then—why wouldn’t it be the same for our dogs?

That being said, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to your canine companion’s behavior, especially if they have itchy ears.

If you notice them scratching at their ears constantly, take note. Excessive ear scratching is another sign of dog ear mites. And too much scratching can cause cuts and abrasions around their ears, leading to further discomfort and raising the risk of a secondary infection like a yeast infection or bacterial infection.

Shaking is another common dog activity. Whether it be getting water off themselves (and all over you), responding to a chill in the air, spotting a Chihuahua, or letting you know that no, they don’t want that fishy-looking piece of cheese with a pill in it, dogs shake all the time.

Once again, context and frequency are key here.

If your dog is shaking their head constantly (and not when you’re trying to feed them pill-infused cheese), you might need to check for ear mites. However, it’s also important to note that head shaking is a common symptom of a dog ear infection. And depending on the severity of the shaking, it could lead to further complications. Look for ear debris in the outer ear or any signs of mite eggs.

Ear Hematoma

It’s important to note that if you notice your dog shaking their head too much, you should try to figure out what’s wrong quickly. Too much head shaking can lead to a hematoma—a buildup of blood in the dog's ear flap. ² If your pooch does have ear mites, you don’t want the discomfort to build. Contact your veterinarian if you’re concerned to learn about mite treatment options.

Coffee grounds might be essential if you want to make yourself a good cup of joe, but they definitely don’t belong in your dog’s ear. Black specs that look like coffee grounds can be another indicator that ear mites have latched onto your poor pooch. So if you happen to check your dog’s ear and see small lumps that look like coffee grounds, take note.

Imagine the tar monster from Scooby-Doo. Alright, maybe nothing that dramatic. But if you see dark, viscous liquid oozing from your puppy’s ear, it’s a sign that something is definitely wrong.

Make sure to keep track of any signs that you notice. That way, you can give your veterinarian a comprehensive understanding of the situation should you need to take further action.

But wait! You might think. How could my precious pooch have ear mites?

As we noted, an ear mite infestation is very contagious. And to make it worse, they can be contracted from two very common sources:

• Infected Animals – Dogs love socializing with each other. But unfortunately, this is the most likely way your pooch will pick up ear mites. Because of how contagious ear mites are, it’s incredibly easy for them to hop from one dog to the next. While your dog’s new buddy might just want to say hi, they might be unknowingly carrying quite a nuisance with them. If you notice symptoms start to show up in your pet’s ears, you might have a mite infection on your hands.
• Outdoor Areas – Taking your dog out for a walk or letting them run around a park is a wonderful thing. But sadly, this is also where ear mites can lurk. Tall grasses, forests, and bushes—all of these can transfer ear mites to your poor pup.

As you can see, ear mites are by no means rare. The good news is that ear mites are perfectly treatable.

Your first order of business, if you notice any combination of potential ear mite symptoms, should be to set up an appointment with your veterinarian and learn about ear mite treatment options. When you do so, make sure to give them a complete list of the symptoms you’ve noticed.

Your veterinarian will be able to do a comprehensive exam to determine if it’s an ear mite infestation. They’ll likely use an otoscope to see if mites are actually there. ³ If they determine that ear mites are to blame, then they’ll provide a medicated treatment for you to administer at home. This can be anything from ear drops to ointments or creams, or a combination of these. ⁴ It will probably take several weeks for the treatment to be completed, as the ear medication addresses the full life cycle of mites.

The good news is that treatment is relatively straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of the treatment process:

• Clean the Ears: Before administering any treatment, you’ll need to clean your dog’s ears carefully. Use a gentle, vet-approved ear cleaner to remove any debris, wax, or mites from the ear canal.
• Topical Medications: Most veterinarians will recommend pet ear drops or ointments specifically designed to kill ear mites. It’s crucial to follow your vet’s instructions for the proper application and dosage.
• Follow Up: It’s essential to continue treatment for the full recommended duration, even if symptoms start to improve. This ensures that all mites are eliminated, preventing a potential relapse.

Related: For otitis externa, itching, or redness in the ear, try Vetericyn’s Triple-Action Ear Treatment, which is designed to support healthy ears in dogs

On that note, if there are any other wounds or complications, additional treatment may be required if there are significant scratches on the ear or if your dog has developed an ear hematoma due to head shaking.

Pay attention to what your vet has to say, and follow their directions to the letter.

During the time of ear mite treatment, be sure to thoroughly clean your house as well. ¹ This includes:

• Furniture
• Bedding
• Blankets
• Floors
• Toys

Make sure to pay special attention to soft surfaces and places your dog frequents. This will help ensure no live mites are crawling around in your house, ready to re-infect your puppy after their treatment ends.

Unfortunately, unless you intend to keep your furry friend in a bubble, there’s no real way to prevent ear mites. That being said, all hope is not lost.

Early detection is key to preventing more serious problems. If left untreated, ear mites can lead to secondary infections or even permanent damage to the ear canal. By keeping an eye on your dog’s ear health and seeking treatment at the first signs of an infestation, you’ll help keep your pet comfortable and free from discomfort.

While you might not be able to fully prevent ear mites, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the likelihood of future infections:

• Regular ear cleaning: Make it a routine to clean your dog’s ears with a vet-recommended solution. This helps remove excess wax and debris that mites love to feast on.
• Protective treatments: If you live in an area where your dog is exposed to many other animals or wooded areas, consider using a preventive ear treatment. These treatments can help keep mites at bay and prevent fleas, which are often linked to ear mite infestations.
• Keep your dog’s environment clean: If your dog frequents parks, doggy daycares, or areas where other dogs congregate, it’s a good idea to inspect their ears after each visit. Ear mites are highly contagious and can be passed from dog to dog.
• Health checkups: Regular visits to the vet ensure that any early signs of ear mites or other infections are caught quickly. Early intervention can help prevent more severe issues from developing.

Scratching, shaking, and bad odor all point to one common enemy—the ear mite. Luckily, becoming aware of the signs and risks of ear mite infection is the first step to ensuring your pup’s long-term health.

And as easy as it is to contract ear mites, it’s also straightforward to make ear care a regular part of your dog’s grooming routine.

Sources: 

1. PetMD. How to Get Rid of Ear Mites in Dogs.  https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_dg_ear_mites.
2. PetMD. Ear Hematoma in Dogs.  https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/ears/c_dg_dog_ear_hematoma.
3. Purina. Ear Mites in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment.  https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/health/parasites/ear-mites-in-dogs.
4. Brekke Veterinary Clinic. What Causes Ear Mites in Dogs and Cats?  https://www.brekkevet.com/blog/what-causes-ear-mites-in-dogs-and-cats.