Scabs & Itching on Puppy Ears

If your puppy's ears are crusted or scabbed, or it is constantly itching them, ear mites are the likely culprit. Ear mites are the most common cause of ear problems in puppies and young dogs. After entering the ear canal, the mites feed on your pet's ear wax and begin laying eggs. If the infestation persists, it can cause serious health concerns. The good news is that an ear mite infestation is very treatable.

  1. Ear Mite Causes

    • Ear mites are usually contracted from another animal, most commonly an outdoor cat. Highly contagious, it takes only minimal contact for them to be passed from one pet to another. If one of your pets has ear mites, it is a good idea to treat all of them as a preventative measure. Fortunately, humans are not susceptible to ear mites.

    Ear Mite Symptoms

    • A puppy with ear mites is extremely uncomfortable. It may constantly scratch its ears or shake its head. The skin in and around the ears is likely to become crusted, inflamed or scabbed over. The puppy may also vomit or appear dizzy, as a mite infestation can alter the inner ear canal and the puppy's sense of balance. Other common behavioral changes include decreased appetite and listlessness. If you look inside your infested puppy's ear, you may notice black specks, dark and waxy secretions, and/or an unpleasant odor.

    Ear Mite Diagnosis

    • Determining whether or not your puppy has ear mites is quite simple. Simply use a cotton swab to take a small sample of ear wax from your puppy. Next, place the swab in front of a black background and examine it using a magnifying glass. Mites look like moving, white specks and are about the size of a pinhead. If you think you see mites, take your puppy to the vet for a more firm diagnosis and treatment.

    Ear Mite Treatment

    • If your dog has ear mites, the veterinarian will clean its ears and prescribe a miticide ear preparation. Follow your vet's directions regarding cleansing and medicating your puppy's ears. As a precaution, wash your puppy using flea shampoo. Sometimes, as the mites leave the ears, they will take up residence on other areas of your puppy's body. An anti-flea shampoo will help prevent this.