If black dirt or dark brown wax suddenly appears in your dog's ears, this could indicate an ear infection or fungal infection. In rare cases, ear mites and allergies are also responsible.
The black dots inside the ear are just one of many possible symptoms. In most cases, affected dogs also behave differently.
By the way, dogs produce earwax regularly, just like humans. This is part of the natural cleaning process against pollen, dirt and other deposits.
Depending on the thickness, earwax is usually yellow or light brown. However, if dirt gets into the ear, this layer can turn dark brown or even black.
If dirt is not a possible trigger, then one of the following 4 causes is most likely responsible:
- 1) Bacterial ear infection
- 2) Fungal infection of the ear
- 3) Ear mites
- 4) Allergies [1]
You can usually recognize inflammation and infections by a foul smell, while dogs constantly scratch their ears if they have mites or allergies.
All of these problems occur much more frequently in dogs than in people. Because their ears are on their heads and their auricles are up to 5 times larger than ours.
Then let's take a closer look at the individual causes.
Are you worried or unsure? Then click here to start a live chat with a veterinarian.
#1 Bacterial ear infection
Breeds with floppy ears and water dogs in particular suffer from ear infections more often. Because these dogs can easily collect water in their ears.
And this in turn provides the ideal breeding ground for bacteria to multiply. Because the ear canal is dark, warm and, with a little water, also moist.
In principle, any dog can get an ear infection. According to statistics, almost 20% of all dogs suffer from it every year. [2] Typical symptoms here are:
- Dog constantly scratches his ear
- Ear suddenly stinks
- Redness and swelling
- Black dirt in the ear
- Touch sensitivity
- Dog keeps shaking his head
- Lateral head posture [3]
In 50% of cases, bacteria are said to be behind the inflammation. A common trigger here is an overproduction of earwax and everyday dirt.
Previous inflammation also increases the likelihood. To prevent this, it is important to always pat your ear completely dry after swimming and bathing. [4]
The further inside the inflammation is, the stronger the symptoms. An infection in the inner ear is therefore significantly more painful than an infection in the outer ear.
As part of the treatment, the vet will first have the ear professionally cleaned. A combination of ear drops and antibiotics is usually used afterwards.
Black dirt or black dots in the ear can indicate an existing ear infection. In most cases, bacteria are responsible for this. With the help of ear drops and antibiotics, the inflammation should disappear within 5 days.
This website is for sale.
#2 Fungal infection on the ear
Fungal infestation of the ear is relatively rare in humans. However, it is more common in dogs because their ear canal is shaped like an “L”.
Water, dirt and bacteria are therefore more likely to settle in the dog's ear and serve as a breeding ground for the fungi to spread. [5]
One of the most common signs is a dark layer of earwax, which can be brownish or even black depending on the type of fungus. Other typical symptoms include:
- Unpleasant smell from the ear
- Coordination and balance problems
- Severe itching of the ear
- Dog appears to be hard of hearing
- Scattered hair loss on the ear
- Dog keeps shaking his head
- Sores, redness and swelling
- Brownish discharge from the ear [6]
You can see how much the fungus has spread by looking at the black dirt. Food high in carbohydrates can speed up this process.
The treatment here varies depending on the fungal culture and severity. In some cases, ear drops, creams or professional cleaning are enough.
But sometimes medication is also necessary. Tea tree oil, coconut oil and low-carbohydrate food have also proven to be effective home remedies. [7]
Various fungi can attack the dog's ear and manifest themselves as black dirt, a stinky smell and itching. To treat this, special ear drops and creams should be applied to the black spots and dots.
#3 Ear mites
In general, there are a high double-digit number of parasites that can affect dogs. The most common types include lice, fleas, scabies, mites and ticks.
Mites in particular like to nest on the ear. Unfortunately, these animals are so small that they are rarely visible to the naked eye. [8]
All other parasites such as scabies, ticks, fleas and lice are significantly larger and visible to the naked eye. You can usually recognize them by small black dots.
Here you should pay attention to the following symptoms:
- Constant scratching of the ear
- Skin becomes increasingly dry
- Dark brown discharge from the ear
- Black dots inside the ear
- Skin on ear peels
- Constant shaking of the head [9]
The black dirt here is a mixture of mite feces, skin flakes and earwax. The itching is often so severe that dogs often scratch themselves bloody. [10]
By the way, the ears are usually just the beginning here. All of these parasites can also spread and affect the face, neck or even the rest of the body.
I recommend using such a spray for treatment. Compared to home remedies, it not only has a stronger effect, but also offers long-term protection. [11]
In the early stages, apple cider vinegar in spray form can also bring improvement. The only important thing here is that the skin is not already sore. Otherwise it hurts a lot.
An infestation of ear mites or other parasites can cause black dirt to build up in the dog's ear. It can be recognized by severe itching without the ear smelling strange. An anti-parasite spray is recommended for treatment.
#4 Allergies
Common allergies usually affect the entire body and not just individual parts of the body. Things are different with contact dermatitis.
Here the symptoms only occur where the body has been in direct contact with an allergen. The following allergens can be responsible for the dark dirt in the ear:
- Pollen
- Cigarette smoke
- grasses
- Sunscreen
- house dust [12]
In theory, dogs can be allergic to anything. Contact with these allergens usually results in severe itching and dry skin.
In more severe cases, the ear can also become inflamed, causing a brown-black discharge. The vet can help with the diagnosis here.
Antihistamines are usually used for acute allergic reactions. Since allergies cannot be cured, it is important to avoid possible allergens as a preventive measure. [13]
If you suspect food allergies, simply changing the food is often enough. An allergy test can give you certainty here.
Alternatively, such a free food check can also help to get individual food recommendations and free food samples.
In rare cases, the black dirt in the ear can also be an allergic reaction. This is especially the case if there has been direct contact with an allergen. Antihistamines are usually used to relieve acute symptoms.
Most read articles:
- The 25 coolest inventions for dogs
- 31 original gift ideas for dog owners