What is Black Ear Wax in Dogs?
Black ear wax in dogs is a condition where the natural ear wax darkens and becomes excessive. The normal yellow-brown ear wax oxidizes over time and turns black. This blackened ear wax often builds up in the ear canal, appearing as a thick, black discharge.
The dark color and thickness of black ear wax is not normal. It’s often a sign of an underlying issue such as an ear infection or mites. While a small amount of wax is normal and helps protect the ears, excessive amounts of discolored wax can cause discomfort and lead to complications if left untreated.
Some breeds of dogs, particularly those with floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers, are more prone to excessive ear wax production. But any dog can develop black ear wax buildup if the environment in the ear canal gets disrupted or inflamed.
It’s important for dog owners to regularly check their pet’s ears and be aware of any darkening wax. Catching this condition early allows for treatment before serious ear problems develop.
Causes of Excessive Black Ear Wax
There are several potential causes of excessive black ear wax in dogs:
Allergies
Allergies are a very common cause of itchy, irritated ears in dogs. Allergies to food, environmental triggers like grass or pollen, or even allergies to ingredients in grooming products can cause inflammation and excess wax production. The wax is black because it mixes with dirt and debris.
Ear Mites
Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal and cause irritation. The inflammation from ear mites stimulates excess wax production. As the mites move around they also cause the wax to darken.
Yeast Infections
An overgrowth of yeast in the ears can cause infection and inflammation. Yeast thrives in the warm, moist environment of the ear canal. As the infection worsens, more wax accumulates as the body tries to push out the irritant.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections cause inflammation, swelling, and excess wax production as well. Staph, streptococcus, and Pseudomonas bacteria are common culprits. The wax turns black as it mixes with pus and exudate from the infection.
Symptoms of Excessive Ear Wax
Excessive black ear wax can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms for dogs. Some of the most common symptoms to watch for include:
- Head shaking – Dogs will often shake their head repeatedly when they have an irritation or discomfort in their ears. Excessive head shaking or head tilting can signify an ear problem.
- Scratching at ears – Dogs may scratch at their ears or rub their head against surfaces in an attempt to relieve itchy and irritated ears caused by a buildup of black ear wax.
- Bad odor – Excess ear wax can have a foul, yeasty smell. A strong odor from your dog’s ears is not normal and indicates a health issue.
- Redness/swelling – The skin inside your dog’s ear flap may become red, inflamed and swollen when excess ear wax accumulates. This inflammation signals an underlying problem.
If your dog is displaying these symptoms, they likely have too much black ear wax in their ears. It’s important to identify the underlying cause by consulting your veterinarian.
Diagnosing the Cause
If your dog has excessive black ear wax, the first step is to take them to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. The vet will perform a full physical exam of your dog’s ears using an otoscope to look down the ear canal. They will check for signs of inflammation, redness, swelling, discharge, and odor which can indicate an infection.
To identify the specific cause, the vet will take a sample of the ear wax and examine it under the microscope. This helps determine if there is a yeast overgrowth, bacteria present, or ear mites which all can cause dark brown or black wax buildup.
The vet may also recommend allergy testing, either through blood tests or intradermal skin testing. Allergies are a very common reason for recurrent ear infections and wax production in dogs. Testing can identify the specific allergens like pollen or food that are triggering inflammation and excess wax.
With a thorough vet exam, microscope analysis, and potentially allergy testing, the underlying cause of the excessive black ear wax can be identified so the appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
Treating Ear Mite Infestations
Ear mites are a common cause of excessive black ear wax in dogs. Treating an ear mite infestation usually involves cleaning the ears thoroughly and applying medicated ear drops or flushing the ears with a medicated solution. Some options for treating ear mites include:
Medicated ear drops – These prescription ear drops contain insecticides that kill the mites. They often contain an additional medication for inflammation. Drops should be administered daily for a week or two. It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely and finish the entire course of medication.
Oral medications – In severe infestations, oral medications may be prescribed in addition to ear drops. These kill mites from the inside out. Common options are ivermectin, milbemycin, or moxidectin. Your vet will prescribe the appropriate medication and dosage based on your dog’s health profile. Oral meds often clear up an infestation more quickly.
Treating Yeast Infections
Yeast infections in a dog’s ears are often caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia. This yeast is normally present in small amounts in dog ears, but can proliferate and cause an infection if the ears are excessively moist. Treatment focuses on controlling the yeast overgrowth and keeping the ears dry.
Veterinarians often prescribe antifungal ear medications containing miconazole, clotrimazole, or nystatin to treat yeast infections. These medications kill the yeast overgrowth and allow the ear environment to return to normal. It’s important to follow dosing instructions carefully and finish the entire course of medication.
In addition to antifungal medication, keeping the ears dry is critical. After bathing or swimming, thoroughly dry your dog’s ears with a clean towel or cotton ball. Check their ears frequently for signs of moisture or wax buildup. Keeping hair around the ears trimmed can also improve air circulation and dryness.
With prompt antifungal treatment and diligent ear drying, yeast infections can often be resolved quickly in dogs. Prevent reoccurrence by periodically cleaning the ears with a veterinarian-recommended solution and minimizing moisture exposure.
Treating Bacterial Infections
If your vet determines your dog has a bacterial infection causing excessive black ear wax, they will likely prescribe antibiotic treatment to clear up the infection. There are two main antibiotic treatment options for ear infections in dogs:
Antibiotic ear drops – These prescription ear drops contain antibiotics formulated to treat bacterial infections. Applying antibiotic drops directly in the ear canal allows the medication to penetrate the infection site and work quickly. Typically antibiotic ear drops need to be applied over 7-10 days.
Oral antibiotics – For more advanced or stubborn ear infections, vets may prescribe oral antibiotics in addition to ear drops. Oral antibiotics like amoxicillin get absorbed into the bloodstream and help clear up underlying infections. It’s important to finish the full course of antibiotics as directed by your vet, even if your dog’s ears look better.
To fully eliminate an ear infection, antibiotic treatment needs to be combined with cleaning out the ear canals. Otherwise, pus and debris can remain stuck inside the ear, allowing bacteria to continue proliferating. Be sure to follow all your vet’s instructions for cleaning the ears while applying antibiotic treatments.
Managing Allergies
If your dog has allergies that are contributing to excess ear wax buildup, there are several ways to help manage the allergies and reduce symptoms.
Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications like steroids or Apoquel to reduce inflammation and itching. This can help break the cycle of scratching and irritation that leads to ear infections.
Allergy testing like intradermal skin testing or blood tests can help identify specific allergens your dog is reactive to. Then you can take steps to reduce exposure through allergen-specific immunotherapy, keeping the dog indoors during high pollen times, using HEPA air filters, washing bedding frequently, etc.
Transitioning to a hypoallergenic diet with a novel protein source can reduce flare ups for dogs with food allergies. Your vet can provide or recommend special veterinary prescription diets made with hydrolyzed proteins or proteins your dog hasn’t eaten before.
Using a multifaceted approach to manage allergies and reduce scratching and irritation can help prevent excessive ear wax and secondary ear infections in dogs prone to allergies.
Preventing Excessive Ear Wax
There are some steps pet owners can take to help prevent excessive ear wax and reduce the risk of infections:
Regular ear cleaning – Gently cleaning your dog’s ears weekly can remove debris and wax buildup before it becomes a problem. Use a veterinarian-approved cleanser and cotton balls to wipe just inside the ear, avoiding going too deep into the canal.
Controlling allergies – Allergies are a common cause of itchy, irritated ears that overproduce wax. Work with your vet to identify and manage any allergies your dog may have through medications, diet changes or other methods.
Keeping ears dry – Thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after activities like swimming or bathing. Trapped moisture can allow yeast and bacteria to breed. Gently wipe and thoroughly dry the ears after exposure to water.
When to See a Veterinarian
Most cases of excessive black ear wax can be managed at home with routine cleaning and medication. However, it’s important to see your veterinarian if your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms:
– Persistent head shaking or scratching at the ears – If your dog constantly shakes their head or scratches at their ears, this could indicate a severe infection or the presence of a foreign object lodged in the ear canal.
– Redness, swelling, or discharge in or around the ear – These signs often signal an infection or inflammation that requires veterinary attention. Any abnormal fluid or odor is also cause for concern.
– Loss of balance or disorientation – Ear issues can affect the vestibular system and equilibrium. See the vet promptly if your dog seems off-balance or dizzy.
– Bad odor coming from the ears – A foul smell usually accompanies an infection. It’s important to identify and treat the underlying cause.
While mild cases can be managed at home, severe or persistent symptoms require veterinary assessment. Left untreated, ear problems can lead to complications including hearing loss. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dog’s ears. Don’t hesitate to call your vet if your pet seems uncomfortable or the condition persists despite home treatment.