What are the signs of ear ticks in a dog? - briefly
Redness, swelling, dark crusty spots, frequent scratching or head shaking, and a strong odor or discharge indicate ear tick infestation. Visible tick bodies or debris in the ear canal confirm the problem.
What are the signs of ear ticks in a dog? - in detail
Dogs infested with ear mites exhibit distinct clinical indicators.
- Small, moving parasites visible on the inner surface of the ear canal or on the ear flap.
- Redness and inflammation of the ear pinna and canal walls.
- Accumulation of dark, crusty debris (often described as “coffee‑ground” or “wet sand”) that adheres to the skin.
- Unpleasant, musty odor emanating from the affected ear.
- Frequent scratching of the ears or rubbing the head against objects.
- Repetitive head shaking or tilting toward the affected side.
- Swelling of the ear tissue, sometimes causing the ear to appear puffy or distorted.
- Presence of secondary bacterial or fungal infection: pustules, ulceration, or watery discharge.
- Hair loss or thinning around the ear margins due to constant irritation.
- Narrowing of the ear canal, which may impede airflow and sound transmission.
- Behavioral changes such as irritability, reduced activity, or reluctance to eat, indicating discomfort.
- In severe infestations, systemic signs like lethargy, fever, or weight loss may appear.
Early recognition of these signs enables prompt veterinary intervention, preventing complications and preserving the animal’s auditory health.