What’s Bugging Your Dog? 15 Subtle Symptoms Of Ear Mites

Dogs can’t explain their problems, but their bodies don’t lie. What seems like harmless scratching could mean something deeper is going on inside those floppy ears. Many pet owners miss the signs until the condition gets worse. So, it’s time to understand the subtle symptoms of ear mites so you can give them the right treatment. 

Excessive Ear Scratching

When your dog treats its ear like a chew toy, ear mites may be to blame. These tiny parasites cause intense itching by feeding on their ear’s natural oils and skin debris. The irritation sets off nonstop scratching, often strong enough to cause bleeding or raw skin. 

Shaking Head Too Often

Picture a dog in a blur of motion, ears flapping wildly every few minutes. That repetitive head shaking is instinctive to dislodge irritants, but when mites are involved, it becomes compulsive. Over time, vigorous head shaking can cause ear canal trauma or exacerbate existing inflammation.

Dark Ear Discharge

Ever peek into your dog’s ear and notice a gunky, coffee-ground-like mess? It’s a mix of wax, dried blood, and mite waste. Although the mites themselves are tiny white specs, their byproducts look like this unmistakable dark residue. It creates a moist environment where yeast and bacteria can thrive.

Strong Ear Odor

“What died in here?” might cross your mind. That musty smell wafting from your dog’s ear is a red flag for infection. It could mean that mites are disrupting the normal flora in the ear. The resulting bacterial imbalance is what gives out that strong, rancid odor. 

Inflamed Ear Canal

Red, swollen ears are a visual clue that something’s not right. Mites irritate the delicate lining, which causes the body to send extra blood flow to the area. If your dog pulls away when you touch their ear, inflammation is likely the culprit.

Scabs Around Ears

These scabs are often the result of self-inflicted wounds from excessive scratching and head rubbing. When left untreated, they can become infected and may ooze pus or blood. In some breeds with thin skin, even light scratching is risky.

Excessive Ear Wax

Wax buildup isn’t always a hygiene issue. Sometimes, it means your dog’s ears are on the defense. The body produces more cerumen (ear wax) in an attempt to trap and neutralize foreign invaders like mites. While a small amount is normal, sudden or excessive wax can indicate an underlying problem.

Hair Loss Near Ears

That patchy spot where fur once was? It didn’t fall out on its own. There’s a reason. Localized hair loss around the ears usually happens after repeated friction and trauma. Dogs with ear mites will often scratch and dig at their ears so much that the fur thins out and bald patches appear. 

Frequently Rubbing Their Head Against Something

When scratching doesn’t work, your dog might rub their heads against furniture or even your legs. It’s their way of trying to relieve the maddening itch. However, this behavior can worsen the irritation and lead to new wounds or bruises on the head and ears.

Whining Or Discomfort

Pain changes behavior. A normally chill pup that suddenly starts whining or rolling could be dealing with discomfort due to ear mites or other issues. Dogs will often whimper when lying down or being touched around the head. Watch for changes in mood or appetite, too.

Sensitivity To Touch

A gentle touch shouldn’t spark a wince. If your dog suddenly pulls away when you touch their head or ears, it may be because the area is sore. Sensitivity here usually indicates inflammation or an active infection caused by mites. Some dogs may yelp or even snap in response to gentle handling.

Tilting The Head

Dogs don’t tilt their heads to look cute. Sometimes, they’re trying to make the world feel less lopsided. Mites that migrate deeper into the ear canal affect the vestibular system, which controls balance. Dogs may tilt their head as a way to counteract dizziness.

Difficulty Walking

The ears help dogs stay upright. When ear mites dig deeper and throw off their sense of balance, dogs might stagger or walk in circles. Such issues can be more pronounced in young puppies or small breeds, and they also pose a risk of accidents.

Thickened Ear Skin

Over time, all that scratching and inflammation can change the ear’s texture. Chronic irritation leads to lichenification, a condition where the skin thickens and becomes leathery. This is a defensive mechanism by the body to protect damaged tissue. Unfortunately, it also makes the ear more prone to future infections.

Crusty Ear Edges

When the tips of your dog’s ears start crusting or cracking, don’t shrug it off. The symptom can indicate advanced irritation, especially in breeds with large or floppy ears. Crusting occurs due to mite secretions and environmental exposure. Over time, it can lead to open sores and even tissue loss.