There are a number of causes of ear wax accumulation in dogs, but by far the most common cause is allergies . Ear mites and ear infections can lead to wax buildup as well.
What Colour should dog ear wax be?
Earwax ranges from yellowish to light brown to even black—all of which can be associated with an ear infection. Ideally, your dog’s ear should be a healthy pink color and be free of redness, discharge, and odors.
Does my dog have ear mites or dirty ears?
The key is in the debris you will find in your dog’s ears. “ Ear mites tend to cause dry, dark discharge, which may resemble coffee grounds ,” explains Dr. Wilde. If you examine the discharge under a microscope or magnifying glass, you may see tiny white specks moving about in the debris.
Why is dog Ear Wax Brown?
Dogs get earwax just like humans do – it’s how the ears self-clean against pollen, dirt and debris. Normal dog ear wax ranges from pale yellow to light brown. Keep in mind, the wax may look darker if there’s dirt in the ear . The consistency of the wax should be semi-soft.
What is the black stuff coming out of my dog’s ear?
A small amount of wax is part of the ear’s self-cleaning system . If the ears look red or have a dark brown or black discharge, or if your dog frequently shakes his head, paws at his ears, or rubs them against the carpet or furniture, he needs a visit to the veterinarian to see what’s causing the problem.
What does dark ear wax mean?
Dark brown or black colored earwax is typically older, so its color comes from the dirt and bacteria it has trapped . Adults tend to have darker, harder earwax. Dark brown earwax that is tinged with red may signal a bleeding injury. Light brown, orange or yellow earwax is healthy and normal.
How often should you clean dog ears?
Wondering how often your dog’s ears need to be cleaned? In general, once per month is a good rule of thumb. Breeds with long, floppy ears or dogs who swim frequently may need to have their ears cleaned every other week, or even weekly. After bathing or swimming, be sure to properly dry your pup’s ears.
How can you tell the difference between ear mites and dirty ears?
Wax in both normal cats and cats infected with mites is brown. The normal type of wax is a lighter brown color and does not give off an odor. The wax in a cat with ear mites is darker brown or black and is described as looking like coffee grounds. It also will smell bad .
What kills ear mites instantly?
What are symptoms of ear mites in dogs?
Ear mites in dogs cause an intense itch. The most common symptoms of ear mite infection include scratching at the ears, shaking the head, and dark discharge or odor from the ears .
Should you clean your dog’s ears?
In short, it’s important to clean your dog’s ears regularly enough to avoid infections, but not too often as this can damage the canal or cause irritation that can result in further problems .
What does healthy dog ear wax look like?
Healthy earwax should be a pale, yellowish color . If your dog appears to have dark brown or black earwax or if the earwax looks dirty gray instead of golden, this isn’t normal. A noticeable increase in wax build-up can be a sign of a problem as well. A healthy dog’s ears should have no smell.
What do ear mites smell like?
This smell is usually similar to old trash . Ear mites should be treated immediately as they are able to spread from dog-to-dog. You might notice signs similar to ear infections such as ear scratching, head shaking, redness and head tilting.
What foods cause ear wax?
- Gluten. Gluten is perhaps the most well-known food cause of ear wax build up. ...
- Dairy products. Consuming dairy products such as milk, eggs and cheese in high quantities can lead to the excessive production of earwax in your ear canals. ...
- Caffeine. ...
- Sweet foods.
What does Blue ear wax mean?
Abstract. The “blue ear drum” generally refers to a condition in which blood or blood products are found in the middle ear . After all possible causes for hemotympanum, including blood dyscrasias and trauma are searched for and ruled out, the patient may have chronic serous otitis media accompanied by bloody effusion.
Is wet or dry earwax better?
Healthy dry earwax does fall out of the ear better than wet earwax , and it is effective at preventing ear infections. However, it’s still important to keep your ears clean because dry earwax flakes can build up over time and cause a blockage.
What foods cause dog ear infections?
An excess of grain and/or sugar in the diet is a common causes of ear infections in dogs. Sugar feeds the yeast already in the body and causes an overgrowth, which results in the dark, yeasty-smelling buildup inside the ears.
What is earwax supposed to look like?
Earwax Colors & Textures
For most, the earwax you see is an amber orange to light brown and is a wet and sticky consistency . The color of earwax is usually related to its age; the lighter in color the newer the earwax. This is also true with the texture; the dryer the earwax, the older it is.
How can I clean my dog’s ears naturally?
- Take half a cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (ACV) and mix it with half a cup of water. ...
- Give your dogs ears a wipe with a cotton ball along the heavy wax, being sure not to press too far down your dogs ears.
How do I know if my dog has ear mites or yeast infection?
Yeast infections in a dog’s ears generally cause redness, a brown discharge, head shaking or rubbing, odor, and itching . Ear mite infections are extremely itchy and can cause many of the same symptoms. The discharge from the ear is usually dark and waxy or crusty.
