Dog Ear Mites vs Ear Wax: What’s the Difference?

Dog ears come in all different shapes and sizes, but they have at least one thing in common—they can get itchy! There are a few reasons your dog may have an itchy ear, but the most prominent culprits are ear wax and ear mites. Learn more about these two conditions and how to treat them both! 

Is There a Difference Between Dog Ear Mites vs Ear Wax?

While dog ear mites and ear wax have many similarities and can even look alike to the naked eye, they are two different conditions. Ear mites are tiny external parasites, and a furry friend can catch them from direct contact with an infected dog or by walking through a grassy area where mites live. This differs from dog ear wax, which is a buildup of oil produced from the ear canal’s glands. While it is natural, the accumulation of ear wax can cause an infection if not cleaned routinely.

So, how do you know which one your dog is suffering from? The best way to tell if your dog has ear mites vs ear wax is to take them to the vet and request a diagnosis. The vet will use a microscope or otoscope to look in the ear and see if there are mites looming in the canal.

Symptoms of Dog Ear Wax vs Ear Mites

The most common symptom of both conditions is excessive itchiness in your dog’s ears. If your pup cannot stop scratching, have them checked for both problems. You won’t be able to see an ear mite, but wax buildup will appear brownish in the ear canal and may give off a strong dog ear stench. If you don't see your dog scratching but suspect they have mites, hair loss in the area around the ear can be an indication.

The reason these two conditions can get mixed up is because dog ear wax is often one of the symptoms of ear mites. However, your dog can simply have ear wax buildup. Ear mites may cause additional symptoms like inflammation, redness, or blisters in the ear canal.

How Do You Treat Dog Ear Wax?

Dog ear care is essential to keep your pup healthy and clean! Here are a few ways to treat wax buildup and cure your dog’s itchy ears from the comfort of your own home.

• Clean your dog’s ears with pet ear wipes that contain soothing agents like aloe vera, vitamin E, or chamomile extract to help relieve any itchiness your dog is experiencing.
• Use Healthy Promise® Ear Wash to gently aid in dissolving odor-causing ear wax.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Has Ear Mites?

If your dog has ear mites, you’ll want to treat them as quickly as possible because of how easily they spread. While you don’t need to see a veterinarian to treat ear mites, you can still take your pup to confirm the diagnosis. An easy at-home treatment like Healthy Promise® Aloe Ear Mite Treatment will get rid of the mites on contact while helping to soothe irritation on your furry friend’s skin.

You Heard It Here!

Now that you know the difference between dog ear mites vs ear wax and how to properly take care of each, your pup is on their way to a healthier and happier lifestyle!

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