Dark matter that looks like coffee grounds in the ears indicates that your dog or cat might be infested with common ear mites. Causing intense itching, this species of mite (Otodectes cynotis) lives on the dead skin cells of the ear, and it is a different species from the mite that causes skin mange. Your veterinarian can form a complete diagnosis by viewing the mites on a smear under a microscope and recommend either a prescribed or an over-the-counter liquid medication. According to Dr. Alleice Summer in "Common Diseases of Companion Animals," these mites are easily passed from animal to animal, so you might need to administer medication to all of the animals in your home over a period of several weeks to affect a cure.
Things You'll Need
- Commercial ear medication containing pyrethrin
- Veterinarian-prescribed medication containing ivermectin, fipronil or selamectin
- Towel
Instructions
Place your dog between your legs to immobilize it. With a cat, wrap its body securely in a towel, leaving the head exposed.
Pick up one of your pet's ears and gently pull it straight up and away from the head, to straighten the ear canal.
Drop enough liquid medication in your animal's ear so that it reaches both the inner and outer ear (the pinna).
Close the ear and gently massage the medicine into the inner ear and around the pinna.
Repeat this procedure with the other ear.