What is ear wax?
Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a waxy substance produced by glands located inside the ear canal of dogs. It serves several important purposes:
- Traps dust, dirt and other debris to prevent it from reaching the inner ear.
- Lubricates the ear canal.
- Contains compounds that prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
The composition of ear wax includes fatty acids, cholesterol, ceramides and alcohols. Normal ear wax is usually a pale yellow to light brown color. Darker colors of ear wax like black, dark brown, or reddish/bloody often indicate an abnormality or infection in the ear canal (Source).
Healthy dogs naturally shed small amounts of ear wax. But excessive buildup or abnormal color can signify underlying issues that require veterinary attention.
Causes of black ear wax in dogs
There are several potential causes of black ear wax in dogs:
Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of black ear wax in dogs. Allergic reactions in the ear canal can cause inflammation and excess wax production. The wax then turns black as it mixes with dirt and debris (Dog Earwax Colour Chart & Care Guide).
Ear mites
Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal. They irritate the skin and stimulate increased wax production. This wax can turn black as it mixes with mite debris, dirt, and blood from scratching (Dog Earwax Color Chart – Dutch Pet).
Yeast infections
An overgrowth of yeast in the ears can lead to infection and inflammation. This stimulates excess black wax production as the wax mixes with yeast, dirt, and debris (Wax in Your Dog’s Ear: Everything You Need to Know).
Foreign objects
If a foreign object becomes lodged in the ear canal, it can irritate the skin and cause inflammation and excess wax production. This wax can turn black as it mixes with dirt and debris.
Other infections
Bacterial and fungal infections in the ears can also cause inflammation, irritation, and excess black wax production as the wax mixes with pus, blood, and debris.
Diagnosing the cause
If your dog has black ear wax, the first step is to take them to the vet for an examination. The vet will use an otoscope to look inside your dog’s ear canal for signs of infection or foreign bodies. They may take a sample of the black ear wax and examine it under a microscope to check for parasites like ear mites.
Your vet may also recommend allergy testing, since allergies are a common cause of inflammation and excess wax production in dog ears. Skin testing and blood tests can identify environmental and food allergies in dogs. According to https://www.barclondon.com/blogs/guides/dog-ear-wax-colour-chart, allergies often cause dark red, brown or black ear wax.
Getting an accurate diagnosis from your vet will allow them to recommend the right treatment plan to resolve the underlying cause of black ear wax and prevent future buildup.
Treating allergies
Allergies are a common cause of black ear wax in dogs. There are several treatment options for canine allergies including:
Antihistamines – Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can help relieve allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine. Veterinary antihistamines like loratadine or chlorpheniramine can also be effective. (https://bullystickscentral.com/blogs/tips-for-dog-owners/wax-in-your-dog-s-ear-everything-you-need-to-know)
Steroids – Steroids like prednisone help reduce inflammation caused by allergies. They are usually used short-term to get acute symptoms under control. (https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/dog-discharge-ear)
Immunotherapy – Allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy drops can help desensitize your dog to allergens over time. This is considered the only treatment that addresses the root cause. (https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/dog-discharge-ear)
Diet change – Dogs with food allergies may benefit from a hypoallergenic or novel protein diet to identify and avoid allergy triggers.(https://www.rockwellpetspro.com/pages/what-is-the-black-stuff-in-my-dogs-ear)
Treating ear mites
Ear mites are usually treated with medicated ear drops or oral medications prescribed by a veterinarian. Some common treatments include:
Medicated ear drops: Topical ear drops containing ingredients like pyrethrins, pyrethroids, or ivermectin are very effective at killing ear mites. These are applied directly in the ear canal. It is important to follow dosage instructions carefully. Examples include Acarexx and Epi-Otic.
Oral medications: Oral flea medications containing selamectin, milbemycin, or ivermectin will also kill ear mites. These systemic treatments work by passing through the bloodstream and into the ears. They are convenient for treating the whole body for mites. Popular options are Nexgard, Revolution, and Bravecto.[1]
For severe infestations, veterinarians may prescribe both ear drops and oral medication. Treatments usually need to be continued for 2-4 weeks to fully eliminate all stages of the mites.
In addition to medication, the ears should be kept clean while treating for mites. Your vet may recommend a gentle ear cleaner to help remove debris and wax buildup.
Be sure to follow up with your vet to ensure the mites are fully gone before discontinuing treatment. Recurrent ear infections can indicate a lingering mite problem.
[1] https://nexgard.com.au/dog-parasites/mites
Treating yeast infections
Yeast infections in dogs’ ears are often treated with antifungal medications. Some common treatments include:
Antifungal ear drops: Topical antifungal ear drops like miconazole, clotrimazole, and ketoconazole can help treat yeast infections in dogs’ ears. These are applied directly in the ear canal. It may take up to 6 weeks for yeast infections to clear up with ear drops, so it’s important to be patient and follow your vet’s instructions. According to Animal Friends Dermatology, antifungal ear drops are often the first line of defense against yeast infections.
Oral antifungals: For more severe or persistent yeast infections, vets may prescribe oral antifungal medication like fluconazole or ketoconazole. These are tablets that treat the infection systemically. According to WebMD, oral antifungals may be necessary in cases where the infection has spread from the ears to the skin.
Treating foreign objects
If your dog has a foreign object stuck in its ear canal, it is important to remove it as soon as possible to avoid infection or damage to the ear. Some options for removing foreign objects include:
Sedation – Your vet may recommend sedation or anesthesia so your dog remains still during the removal process. This ensures the safety of your dog and allows the vet to fully visualize the ear canal.
Manual removal – Your vet will use tools like forceps, alligator forceps, or a loop to grasp the foreign object and gently remove it from the ear canal. Severe otitis may require a deep ear flush to loosen debris.
Flushing ear canal – Your vet may flush the ear canal with a saline solution before and after removing the object to help loosen and remove debris. Take care not to flush if the eardrum is ruptured.
[1]
Be sure to follow up with any medications, ointments, or cleaning prescribed by your vet to allow the ear canal to heal after foreign body removal. Prevent your dog’s access to potential foreign objects to avoid recurrence. If your dog experiences persistent head shaking, scratching, or signs of infection, contact your vet right away.
[1] https://www.animalfriendsdermatology.com/site/blog/2022/09/14/dog-foreign-object-ear
Treating Other Infections
Ear infections in dogs can be caused by either bacteria or fungi. To determine the type of infection, the veterinarian may perform a culture to identify the specific organism causing the infection.
For bacterial infections, antibiotics may be prescribed. Common antibiotics used for dog ear infections include gentamycin, enrofloxacin, orbifloxacin, and marbofloxacin. The course of antibiotics is usually 7-14 days.
For fungal infections, antifungal medication will be prescribed. Common antifungals include miconazole, clotrimazole, and polymyxin B. The course of treatment is typically 2-4 weeks.
It’s important to follow the medication instructions carefully and finish the entire course as prescribed by the veterinarian. Discontinuing medication early can lead to recurrence of the infection. Follow up exams to check that the infection has resolved are usually recommended.
Keeping the ears clean and dry can help prevent recurring infections. Some dogs may need prescription ear cleaners recommended by the veterinarian.
Prevention
There are some steps you can take to help prevent your dog from developing black ear wax:
Keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry is important. Gently wipe out your dog’s ears weekly with a soft cloth or cotton ball dampened with an ear cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian. Be sure to only clean the outer ear and don’t insert anything into the ear canal.
Never insert cotton swabs or other objects into your dog’s ears, as this can cause injury and push debris deeper into the ear. Only clean the outer ear canal gently with approved cleaning solutions or wipes.
Have your veterinarian examine your dog’s ears during routine wellness exams. Your vet can look for early signs of infection and ensure your dog’s ears are healthy. They can also show you the safest, most effective way to clean your dog’s ears at home.
With proper routine ear care and veterinary checkups, you can help prevent excessive black ear wax and potential infections in your dog.
When to see a vet
You should take your dog to the vet if they have persistent black ear wax that does not resolve with home treatment. According to Dutch, black ear wax can be a sign of an ear infection. If the black wax persists for more than a few days, it’s best to have your vet examine your dog’s ears.
You should also see your vet if your dog is shaking their head or scratching at their ears frequently. As noted by Bullysticks Central, head shaking and ear scratching are signs of discomfort and potential infection. Your vet can determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Visible signs of infection like redness, swelling, or discharge are also reasons to promptly visit the vet. An infection requires medication to clear it up. Your vet can examine the ear and look under a microscope to identify the type of infection.
Finally, any smell coming from your dog’s ears, especially a foul, yeasty odor, merits a vet visit. Smell can indicate the presence of yeast, bacteria, or a foreign object lodged deep in the ear canal. Your vet can clean the ear, identify the cause of the smell, and provide medication if necessary.