What do a dog's ears look like if it has ear mites? - briefly
Ear mites make the ear canal appear reddened and swollen, often filled with dark, waxy debris that resembles coffee grounds and produces a foul odor. The outer ear may also show crusting, hair loss, and frequent scratching.
What do a dog's ears look like if it has ear mites? - in detail
Ear mite infestation produces a distinctive appearance in a dog’s ears. The outer ear often looks reddened, with the skin around the ear canal becoming inflamed and swollen. Inside the canal, a thick, dark brown to black crust forms; it resembles coffee grounds or dried tea leaves and clings tightly to the ear walls. This debris is gritty and may be difficult to remove without a proper cleaning solution.
The wax present in the ear changes in both texture and color. Normal light yellow or clear cerumen becomes oily, greasy, and may appear blackened or brownish. When the mites are active, a faint, unpleasant odor typical of a “mildew” smell can be detected.
Visible signs of the parasites themselves include tiny, white, elongated bodies that resemble pinheads. They move rapidly when the ear is examined, often seen crawling on the surface of the wax or within the debris. In severe cases, the ear canal may be partially obstructed, giving the ear a “plugged” look.
Typical clinical indicators are:
- Redness and swelling of the ear flap and canal
- Dark, crumbly debris adhering to the inner walls
- Greasy, discolored wax
- Noticeable odor
- Small, moving white mites or their eggs within the ear contents
If left untreated, secondary bacterial or yeast infections may develop, leading to additional discharge, increased pain, and possible ulceration of the ear tissue. Prompt identification of these visual cues allows for effective treatment and prevents further complications.