Causes and Prevention of Excess Earwax in Dogs
There are a number of causes of ear wax accumulation in dogs, but by far the most common cause is allergies. Ear mites and ear infections can lead to wax buildup as well.
When dogs develop allergies, they tend to constantly scratch at their ears. Left untreated, this can lead to inflammation and the production of excessive amounts of ear wax.
Treatment typically involves working with your vet to determine what your dog is allergic to. Once this is determined, you may be able to keep your dog away from allergens or, at the very least, limit their exposure to them.
Your vet may also have a medication that can be used to help relieve the symptoms of your poochs allergies. In most cases, this is a long-term solution to the problem, but it will take dedication and hard work on your part.
Ear mites are, unfortunately, extremely common in dogs. These parasites are highly “contagious” and can be transferred simply by your dog being in close proximity to an infested animal. Mites can cause inflammation and the presence of black or reddish-brown earwax.
Keeping your dogs ears clean on a regular basis (at least once per month) using a vet-approved cleaner will help to deprive ear mites of the food they need to survive. No food, no mites, no overproduction of earwax.
Having your dog checked out by their vet on a regular basis may also alert you to the presence of ear mites. Your vet will be able to recommend a treatment that will help destroy the mites and clean out the excessive ear wax. Keeping your dogs ears clean is an effective solution to a long-term problem, though it requires ongoing attention.
Ear infections often result in the overproduction of earwax as the dogs system tries to protect the inflamed areas. While the most common cause of inflammation is ear mites, if your dog likes to scratch their ears as a habit, this can also lead to infection and inflammation.
You may be able to train your dog not to scratch their ears using treats or even the “cone of shame”, but this is likely to be a long-term project. The good news is that this can be a permanent solution.
Alternatively, you may find that the cleaner you keep the ears, the less your pooch will feel the need to scratch. Again, this can be a long-term solution, providing you are willing to put in the effort needed to keep your dogs ears clean.
Finding the right way to keep down the amount of earwax in your dogs ears offers a number of excellent benefits. In the short-term, it will encourage you to keep their ears clean, and it will reduce the risk of an ear mite infestation.
For the long-term, keeping your pups ear wax levels under control will also help to reduce the risk of infection and inflammation that can lead to expensive visits to the vet. Overall, the most important benefit of all is that your dog will be significantly healthier and happier, and so will you–with a lower vet bill.
On top of all of this, you wont have to sit and watch your poor dog constantly scratching their ears and whining, which is sure to make both of you much, much happier.
Is Ear Wax Normal for Dogs?
Dog ear wax is normal, but only in small amounts. A tiny amount of dog ear wax is, in fact, a sign of healthy ears with a functional self-cleaning system.
However, too much dog ear wax is troublesome and indicates health issues. One of the most common causes of excess dog ear wax production and build-up is ear infections.
The dog ear wax build-up is like an enchanted circle – the more wax, the better environment for pathogens to thrive and contribute to the ear issue.
Dog Ear Wax Vs. Ear Mites
Ear mites are tiny parasites that live on the outer part of the dog’s ear canal. “The discharge is brown but very dry and often looks like coffee grounds. The ears are typically very itchy as well and inflammation in and around the ears is possible,” explains Goin. Ear mites tend to be more commonly found in kittens and puppies, rather than adult animals, she adds.
A dog with an ear mite infestation might also experience other symptoms similar to those of an ear infection, including head shaking and smelly ears.
The only way to know with certainty whether your dog has ear mites is by examining the ear debris under a microscope for the presence of ear mite eggs or adults, says Klein. “This type of exam (cytology) is usually performed by your veterinarian or a veterinary technician.”
Dog Ear Infection Treated With Natural Remedies
Ear discharge in dogs isnt really a specific condition; its actually a symptom of an underlying issue, like mites or an ear infection.
Because problems like these can be extremely painful, theres no reason to let your dog suffer needlessly. Know the signs and symptoms of dog ear problems, how to prevent them, and what you can do when they happen.