How to determine if a dog has ear mites? - briefly
Check the ears for dark, crumbly debris, excessive scratching, and a foul odor; a veterinarian can confirm the presence of ear mites by examining the ear canal with an otoscope and, if needed, a microscopic slide test.
How to determine if a dog has ear mites? - in detail
Ear mite infestation in dogs presents with specific clinical signs that can be observed without specialized equipment. The most common indicator is excessive scratching or rubbing of the ears, often accompanied by head shaking. Ear discharge typically appears dark, crumbly, and resembles coffee grounds; this debris consists of wax, blood, and mite excrement. Affected dogs may show a foul odor emanating from the ear canal.
A thorough visual inspection provides the first diagnostic step. Gently lift the pinna and examine the inner surface with a bright light. Look for live mites, which are tiny, translucent, and move in a characteristic “spinning” motion. Even if mites are not seen, the presence of the characteristic debris strongly suggests infestation.
If visual confirmation is uncertain, a microscopic examination offers definitive evidence. Collect a small sample of ear debris using a cotton swab or ear curette, place it on a microscope slide with a drop of mineral oil, and cover with a coverslip. Under low magnification (10–40×), identify oval, eight-legged organisms measuring 0.2–0.4 mm. Their legs are clearly visible, and they may appear in clusters.
In some cases, a veterinary otoscope can be employed to magnify the ear canal and reveal mites embedded in the wax. This tool also allows assessment of the canal’s condition, detecting inflammation, erythema, or secondary bacterial infection.
When diagnosing, consider differential conditions that produce similar symptoms: bacterial or yeast otitis, foreign bodies, allergies, and tumors. Laboratory analysis of a sample can differentiate these by revealing bacterial colonies, fungal hyphae, or absence of mites.
A systematic approach—clinical observation, visual inspection, and microscopic confirmation—ensures accurate identification of ear mite infestation and informs appropriate treatment planning.