What does a dog's ear look like with ear mites? - briefly
The ear canal is inflamed, often red and swollen, and filled with dark brown‑black, crumbly debris that looks like coffee grounds. Intense scratching, head shaking, and a foul odor usually accompany the infestation.
What does a dog's ear look like with ear mites? - in detail
A canine ear infected with ear mites displays several distinct visual cues. The outer ear may appear reddened and swollen, with the skin around the pinna often thin and irritated. Inside the ear canal, a dark, crumbly substance resembling coffee grounds typically accumulates; this is a mixture of mite excrement, dead parasites, and excess wax. The debris is usually thick, adherent, and may spread to the edges of the ear flap. In severe cases, the canal walls become inflamed, producing a glossy or wet appearance due to increased fluid secretion.
Additional observable signs include:
- Persistent scratching or head shaking, indicating discomfort.
- A foul, yeasty odor emanating from the ear.
- Crusting or scabbing on the inner surface of the ear flap.
- Visible tiny, moving specks when the ear is examined closely, especially in the early stages.
The combination of darkness, texture, inflammation, and odor provides a reliable visual diagnosis of mite infestation in a dog’s ear. Prompt veterinary treatment is required to eliminate the parasites and restore normal ear health.