Outer ear infection (otitis externa). A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an ear infection, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems.
This yeast thrives in moist environments, so these infections are most common after your dog has gone swimming. Fungal ear infections can produce very dark brown or almost black discharge that smells pungent. Fungal or yeast infections will require antifungal ear drops to clear up.
Signs of ear mites in dogs include scratching around the ears, head and neck, skin irritation, head shaking, the presence of an ear discharge that is dark and waxy (resembling coffee grounds) and an unpleasant odour from the ears.
Dogs get earwax just like humans do – it's how the ears self-clean against pollen, dirt and debris. Normal dog ear wax ranges from pale yellow to light brown. Keep in mind, the wax may look darker if there's dirt in the ear. The consistency of the wax should be semi-soft.
Ears. Dog ear yeast infections are quite common, and the ears often smell sweet or musty. Usually, you will see redness, which may extend onto the flap of the ear, and the discharge is generally brown. The ear may appear to be greasy, and the hair may be matted.
Dog Ear Mites vs Ear Wax: How Can You Tell The Difference? Ear wax is normal in healthy dogs, but regular ear wax is light brown and doesn't have an odor. The wax in dogs with ear mites is usually darker brown or black, resembles coffee grounds, and can give off a foul odor.
If you notice any brown gunk or any other kind of discharge coming out of your dog's ears, clean the outer ear using a cotton ball. However, before you begin cleaning your ear's canals, you should know that brown/blackish earwax can be a symptom of an ear infection or another medical problem.
Healthy dog earwax tends to range from pale yellow to light brown, whereas darker colours tend to be associated with infections and should be observed by a veterinarian.
If your dog has a yeast ear infection you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: Red or brown waxy discharge in the ear. Itching, scratching & pawing at the ear. A cheesy or musty smell coming from the ear.
In the meantime, there are some home remedies you can try to ease your pet's discomfort, such as a warm compress, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide ear flush, and the use of natural anti-inflammatory agents like coconut oil or aloe vera gel.
The vet will start by cleaning the dog's ears to remove the mites. Treatment typically includes daily topical anti-parasitic medications which need to be applied regularly for a few weeks. But single dose medications can also be recommended – your vet will prescribe the best ear mite treatment for your dog.
Flush with a commercial ear cleaning solution, available from a veterinarian or veterinary supply store, or a homemade mixture of apple cider vinegar and water . Use a syringe or provided applicator, flushing out oil, mites, crust and debris. Allow the mixture to drain out of the ear.
Dark brown or black colored earwax is typically older, so its color comes from the dirt and bacteria it has trapped. Adults tend to have darker, harder earwax. Dark brown earwax that is tinged with red may signal a bleeding injury. Light brown, orange or yellow earwax is healthy and normal.
Wipe your doggo's ears dry. Use a cotton ball or two to wipe the entrance of the ear canal. You don't need to go very far in, just get what you can. Repeat this process with the other ear.
Ear drainage that is cloudy, whitish-yellow, or pus-like can indicate an ear infection or ruptured ear drum. Pus due to an infection may also have a foul smell. A chronic ear infection can cause pus or a pus-like drainage to drain from the ear.
Ear mites cause intense scratching. If you look in your dog's ears and see dark brown debris that resembles coffee grounds, then your dog most likely has ear mites. This parasite can be shared with cats, dogs and other animals (like the family ferret).
Ear mites are tiny animals and are a fairly common parasite in both cats and dogs. They look like tiny white dots, but can barely be seen with the naked eye. Ear mites live on the skin of the ear canal and feed off ear wax and skin oils. An adult normally lives for around two months, but they can multiply quickly.
This includes; damp cotton wool and ear cleaner, and possibly ear drops prescribed by your vet. If you have a large dog then it'll be easier to clean their ears on the floor, and for a small dog it may be easier to clean them on your lap.
Baking Soda. Baking soda can be an effective treatment for ear mites in dogs, but be careful not to allow your dog to ingest it. Mix one cup of warm water with one teaspoon of baking soda. Soak this in a cotton ball and use it to rub your dog's ear.
Ear mites are tiny skin parasites that cause intensely itchy ears and often lead to ear infections. Any dog can catch ear mites but they are most common in puppies. The most common way for a dog to catch ear mites is from another dog, but they can also be picked up from the home, garden and environment.
When Aspergillus causes a fungal ear infection, you may see yellow or black dots and fuzzy white patches in your ear canal. If Candida is the culprit, you might see a thick and creamy white discharge coming from your ear. If you develop any of the above symptoms, call a healthcare provider.
Sugar feeds the yeast that is naturally present in the dog's body, so when a dog consumes too much sugar, yeast overgrowth occurs in the body and around the ear folds or in the canal, causing infection.
Massage the ear canal between your finger and thumb. Then allow your pet to shake his head to help loosen debris that lies deeper in the canal. Do not use cotton swabs - they may puncture your pet's eardrum. To clean, use small pieces of cotton or tissue to wipe out the ear.