What Do Dog Ear Mites Look Like

Ear mites are tiny parasites that can cause big problems for your dog if left untreated. They're most commonly found in puppies or dogs that spend time in close contact with other animals. These mites live inside the ear canal and feed on skin debris, causing irritation, inflammation and in some cases, infection. But what do dog ear mites actually look like?

To the naked eye, you probably won’t see the mites themselves—they’re microscopic. However, their presence causes very noticeable symptoms. If you look into your dog’s ear and see a dark, crumbly substance that resembles coffee grounds, that’s often the first visible sign. This discharge is made up of ear wax, dried blood, and mite waste.

The Symptoms to Watch For

Even if you can’t see the mites, your dog’s behaviour will give you strong clues. Dogs with ear mites often shake their heads repeatedly, scratch at their ears, and may whine or cry due to discomfort. In some cases, the scratching is so intense it leads to cuts, redness, or even small scabs around the ears.

You may also notice a strong, musty odour coming from the ears or see redness and swelling when you gently lift the ear flap. If your dog suddenly becomes sensitive to having their head touched, ear mites could be the reason.

What’s Actually in the Ear

The telltale discharge caused by ear mites is usually dark brown or black, dry, and flaky. It tends to build up in the inner ear canal, but in more severe cases, it can spread to the outer parts of the ear and surrounding fur. If you see this kind of gunk, especially alongside itching and discomfort, it’s a strong indicator that ear mites could be present.

A vet can confirm the diagnosis by taking a sample of the debris and looking at it under a microscope. The mites look like tiny white dots with legs when magnified. Without a microscope, it’s almost impossible to spot them directly, which is why recognising the signs is so important.

Is It Definitely Ear Mites?

Not all ear issues in dogs are caused by mites. Bacterial or yeast infections can also produce discharge, redness and a bad smell. Allergies, ear injuries or water trapped from bathing can cause similar symptoms. That’s why it’s always worth getting a vet to take a proper look if you suspect a problem. Treating the wrong condition with over-the-counter products can sometimes make things worse.

Treating Ear Mites

Treatment is straightforward but must be done properly to fully eliminate the mites. Your vet will usually prescribe medicated drops that kill the mites and reduce inflammation. In some cases, a thorough ear cleaning is done beforehand to remove debris so the medication can reach deep into the ear canal.

Home cleaning should only be done if advised by your vet, as incorrect cleaning can damage the ear or push debris further in. It’s also important to treat all pets in the home, as ear mites spread easily between animals.

How to Treat Ear Mites in Dogs at Home

If you’re confident your dog has ear mites, either through a vet diagnosis or from clear signs like dark discharge and persistent itching, there are effective treatments you can use at home. Medicated ear drops specifically designed to kill mites are the most reliable choice. These are often available from vets, but you can also find over-the-counter options designed for home use.

Before applying any treatment, it’s important to gently clean the ear to remove excess wax and debris. Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner or saline solution and soft gauze—never cotton buds, as they can push debris further in and risk damaging the eardrum. Always follow the instructions on the product carefully and treat for the full recommended course, even if symptoms start to improve early.

If one pet in the household has ear mites, it’s important to treat all pets at the same time, even if others aren’t showing symptoms. Mites spread easily through shared bedding or close contact. Washing bedding, toys, and collars helps prevent reinfestation.

For recurring cases, monthly preventative treatments such as spot-ons or parasite control drops can help keep mites and other pests at bay.

Ear Mites vs Ear Infections: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to confuse ear mites with ear infections because the symptoms can look very similar—itching, discharge, redness and odour. But there are key differences that help tell them apart.

Ear mites typically cause a dry, dark, grainy discharge—almost like ground coffee. The ears often look dirty but don’t always smell strongly. Dogs may scratch furiously or shake their head, especially in the early stages.

In contrast, ear infections (bacterial or yeast) usually produce a wetter, waxier discharge that can be yellow, brown or even bloody. The smell is often stronger, and the ear may be visibly swollen or hot to the touch. Infections can develop from untreated ear mites, allergies, water trapped in the ears after bathing, or a buildup of wax.

The only way to know for sure is to visit the vet. They’ll examine a swab from your dog’s ear under a microscope to identify the cause. Treating an infection as if it were mites—or vice versa—can delay healing and lead to complications.

When to See a Vet

While many cases of ear mites can be managed at home, there are times when professional help is necessary. If the discharge is severe, if your dog’s ear is bleeding or has a foul smell, or if they’re in visible pain, it’s time to call the vet. Persistent scratching can also lead to ear hematomas—a swelling caused by broken blood vessels from head shaking.

In some cases, what looks like ear mites could be something more serious, including allergies, polyps or foreign bodies lodged in the ear canal. A vet visit ensures the right diagnosis and saves your dog from prolonged discomfort.

Summary

Ear mites may be tiny, but the signs they leave behind are easy to spot once you know what to look for. A dark, dry, gritty discharge, along with itching and head shaking, are strong indicators of an infestation. Home treatment with the right ear drops and gentle cleaning can clear up most cases quickly, but it’s important to treat all pets in the home and maintain good hygiene. If you’re unsure whether it’s mites or an infection, or if the symptoms persist, your vet can help get things sorted and keep your dog comfortable and healthy.