Causes of Dirty Dog Ears
There are several common causes of dirty dog ears, including:
Wax Buildup
Excessive ear wax production can lead to dirty ears in dogs. Some breeds like Basset Hounds and English Bulldogs are prone to wax buildup due to their long ear canals (source). The wax traps dirt and debris, causing the ears to appear dirty.
Ear Mites
Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal. An ear mite infection can cause the ears to fill with a dark, coffee-ground colored discharge that leads to dirty ears (source). Mite infestations cause irritation and itchiness.
Allergies
Dogs can develop allergies to foods, environmental allergens like pollen, or other substances. These allergies can lead to inflammation and increased wax production. The wax combines with allergens like pollen to create a dirty debris in the ears.
Ear Infections
Bacterial and yeast infections in the ears can cause discharge, inflammation, and itching. As the infection progresses, the discharge can become thick and discolored, leading to dirty, waxy buildup inside the ears.
Foreign Objects
Grass seeds, dirt, or other foreign material getting lodged in the ear canal is another cause of dirty dog ears. These objects combine with wax to create dark buildup in the ear.
Wax Buildup
Overproduction of ear wax is common in dogs. The presence of hairs in the ear canal traps wax and debris, preventing natural cleaning and drainage. This can lead to irritation and infection over time. Certain floppy-eared dog breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and English Bulldogs are particularly prone to excessive wax buildup due to their anatomy.
According to PetMD, dogs with very long ear canals like Basset Hounds can experience more wax buildup. The shape of the ear canal makes it harder for debris and wax to drain out naturally.
Ear Mites
Ear mites are microscopic parasites that feed on ear wax and debris inside a dog’s ear canal (https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/ear-mites-dogs). The scientific name for the ear mite species that commonly affects dogs is Otodectes cynotis. These mites cause intense itching and inflammation inside the ear. Dogs with ear mites often shake their head and scratch at their ears attempting to relieve the irritation. Ear mites are highly contagious and spread easily between dogs through close contact. They are more common in young dogs and puppies. Ear mites can live in the ear canal for several months if left untreated (https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-care/ear-mites-in-dogs/).
Allergies
Food or environmental allergies can be a common cause of recurring ear infections in dogs. Allergies lead to inflammation and irritation in the ear canal, creating an environment ripe for infection. According to one study, 55% of dogs with food allergies also had otitis externa, and the ear infection symptoms often appeared before other allergy symptoms (Source).
Allergies cause symptoms like head shaking and ear scratching, redness and swelling in the ears. As the dog scratches at their irritated ears, trauma to the ear canal can occur, worsening infections. Controlling the underlying allergy is key to preventing recurrent ear issues.
Ear Infections
Bacterial or yeast infections in the ears are a common cause of a persistently dirty ear in dogs. These types of infections, known as otitis externa, cause irritation, pain, redness, and a foul odor in the ear canal (VCA Hospitals).
The most common causes of ear infections are bacteria and yeast. Moisture trapped inside the ear from swimming or bathing can allow bacteria and yeast to overgrow. Allergies are another major cause, as they can cause inflammation and excess wax production that blocks the ear canal (AKC).
These infections cause significant discomfort and require veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Medicated ear drops or oral medications may be prescribed. Keeping the ears clean and dry can help prevent recurrent infections.
Foreign Objects
Foreign objects like grass seeds, dirt, and foxtails can easily get trapped in a dog’s ear canal and cause irritation. According to Animal Friends Dermatology, grass seeds are a common foreign object during summer months that can get lodged in the ear. These foreign materials are painful for dogs and make them shake their heads constantly trying to get them out.
It’s important to carefully inspect your dog’s ears for any foreign material. Look for debris, redness, swelling or discharge which could indicate an object is trapped inside. Use a flashlight to peer down the ear canal if needed. Never use a cotton swab, which can push debris further into the canal. Instead, use sterilized tweezers to gently remove any foreign objects under good lighting.
According to veterinarians, leaving foreign objects in your dog’s ear can lead to worsening irritation, infection, and pain (Source). So careful inspection and removal is important for your dog’s health and comfort.
Prevention
There are several ways to help prevent dirty or infected dog ears, including:
Regular ear cleaning is essential. Veterinarians recommend gently cleaning dog ears at least once a week using a vet-approved cleanser. Massage the cleanser into the ear canal then wipe out debris with cotton balls (AKC). This helps prevent wax and debris buildup.
Treating any underlying allergies can also help prevent ear infections, as allergies are a common cause of inflammation. Work with your vet to identify and manage any allergies your dog may have (Tier1Vet).
Plucking excess ear hairs also aids airflow and debris removal. Use blunt tip tweezers and only pluck visible hairs, don’t go digging deep into the canal.
After baths or swimming, gently dry your dog’s ears with a towel or cotton ball to prevent moisture buildup. Keeping ears dry helps discourage yeast and bacterial growth.
When to See the Vet
If your dog has persistent head shaking or is constantly scratching at their ears, it’s time to see the veterinarian. These are common signs of an ear infection or other ear issue that requires professional treatment. According to the AKC, other symptoms that indicate a vet visit is needed include:
- Redness or swelling of the ear canal
- Foul odor coming from the ear
- Discharge or crusting in or around the ear
While minor ear irritation may clear up on its own, a full-blown ear infection will likely need prescription medication to treat it properly. Seeking prompt veterinary care can help resolve the infection and prevent it from worsening or causing damage to the ear structures.
According to VCA Hospitals, any ear infection that does not quickly respond to initial treatment should be rechecked by the veterinarian. Recurring or chronic ear infections may require further testing, including an examination of ear canal cells, to determine the underlying cause.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing the cause of a dirty ear in dogs, the veterinarian will first conduct a thorough physical exam of the ear. They will use an otoscope, which is an instrument that provides magnification and light, to get a close look at the ear canal for any abnormalities. An ear swab, also known as ear cytology, is often performed as well.
For this test, the veterinarian will collect a small sample from inside the dog’s ear using a cotton swab. The sample is then examined under a microscope to check for the presence of bacteria, yeast, ear mites, and any abnormal cells or debris. The type of organism present, and their numbers, can help determine the cause of the ear infection and guide treatment.
Some key things the vet looks for in the ear exam and swab analysis include:
– Inflammation or redness in the ear canal
– Evidence of parasites like ear mites
– Overgrowth of bacteria or yeast
– Abnormal discharge or debris
Citing this source for additional context on diagnosis: Ear Infections in Dogs (Otitis Externa) – VCA Animal Hospitals
Treatment
The most common treatments prescribed by veterinarians for dog ear infections include:
Medicated ear drops or cleaners – These contain antibiotics, antifungals, and/or anti-inflammatory ingredients to fight infection and reduce swelling and irritation. Some common prescription ear medications include Mometamax, Tresaderm, and Zymox.
Oral or topical antibiotics/anti-inflammatories – Antibiotics like Amoxicillin fight bacterial infections, while anti-inflammatories like Prednisone reduce swelling and discomfort. These are often prescribed along with ear drops.
Removing foreign material – If a foreign object like a grass seed is trapped in the ear canal, the vet will safely remove it to allow the infection to clear up.
In severe cases, sedatives may be needed to fully clean and examine the ears if the dog is in too much discomfort.
It’s important to follow your vet’s treatment plan closely and finish all medications as prescribed. Seek prompt veterinary attention rather than trying ineffective home remedies, as untreated infections can worsen and spread.