If your dog is shaking its head constantly and scratching at its ears, tiny parasites called ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) may be the cause. These eight-legged mites are barely visible to the naked eye and live on the surface of the ear canal, feeding on wax and skin debris. They are highly contagious and spread through direct contact with infected dogs, cats, or contaminated bedding and grooming tools. Puppies, shelter dogs, and dogs that spend time outdoors are most at risk, but any dog can catch them.
Symptoms of Ear Mites in Dogs
- Intense itching, with vigorous scratching at the ears and head
- Frequent head shaking or tilting the head to one side
- Dark brown or black, crumbly discharge that looks like coffee grounds
- Redness, swelling, and a foul or musty odor from the ears
- Scratches, hair loss, or scabs around the ears, head, or neck
| Sign | Ear mites | Bacterial/yeast infection |
|---|---|---|
| Discharge | Dry, dark, crumbly | Yellowish, waxy, greasy |
| Odor | Musty | Foul or yeasty |
| Typical patient | Puppies, multi-pet homes | Any age, often floppy-eared breeds |
Because the signs overlap, a look inside the ear is not enough to be sure which problem you are dealing with. Constant scratching can also rupture small blood vessels in the ear flap, causing a painful aural hematoma that may need surgery.
When to See a Vet
Contact your veterinarian whenever your dog shows ear discomfort that lasts more than a day or two. Seek help urgently if the ear is swollen, bleeding, foul-smelling, or your dog cries when the head is touched. Only a vet can confirm mites by examining ear debris under a microscope, and mite symptoms frequently come with a secondary bacterial or yeast infection that needs different medication.
Common Vet-Directed Treatments
- Diagnosis by otoscope and microscopic examination of an ear swab
- Prescription antiparasitic treatment, such as selamectin, moxidectin, or isoxazoline tablets and spot-on products that kill mites
- Medicated ear drops for secondary infection, inflammation, and pain
- Treatment of all other dogs and cats in the household, since carriers may show no symptoms
- A repeat check, because mite eggs can survive the first round of treatment
Home Care
Follow the prescription exactly and finish the full course even when the scratching stops early; stopping too soon is the most common reason mites return within weeks. Clean the ears only with a vet-approved ear cleaner, never cotton swabs, which push debris deeper. Hot-wash bedding and grooming equipment, because mites can survive off the host for several days. Home remedies such as olive oil or tea tree oil are not recommended, as they can clog the ear or even poison your pet.
Prevention
- Use a monthly parasite preventive that also covers ear mites
- Check your dog’s ears weekly for wax, odor, or redness
- Clean ears occasionally with a mild dog-specific ear cleaner
- Wash bedding regularly and limit close contact with stray cats and dogs
- Ask everyone in the household to report the first sign of head shaking, so a new case can be treated before mites spread to other pets
Caught early, ear mites clear up quickly, and most dogs make a full recovery without any lasting damage to the ear canal or their hearing.