Your Dog Is Shaking Their Head — Is It Ear Mites or an Infection?
Ear problems are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet. The symptoms — head shaking, ear scratching, odor, and discharge — can look nearly identical whether the cause is ear mites or a bacterial or yeast infection. But the treatments are completely different, so getting the diagnosis right matters. Here's how to tell them apart.
What Are Ear Mites?
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are tiny, spider-like parasites that live in the ear canal and feed on skin debris and ear wax. They're highly contagious between animals — dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets can all pass them to each other — but they don't infect humans.
Ear mites are most common in puppies and young dogs, and in dogs that spend time with cats (who are very commonly affected).
What Is a Dog Ear Infection?
Ear infections (otitis externa) in dogs are caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, yeast (Malassezia), or both in the ear canal. They're extremely common — especially in dogs with floppy ears, dogs that swim frequently, and dogs with allergies. Unlike ear mites, infections are not contagious.
Ear Mites vs. Ear Infection: Key Differences
The Discharge
This is the most reliable visual clue:
- Ear mites: Dark brown or black, dry, crumbly discharge that looks like coffee grounds. This is a mixture of ear wax, dried blood, and mite debris.
- Bacterial infection: Yellow, green, or brown discharge that may be thick or pus-like. Often has a strong, unpleasant odor.
- Yeast infection: Dark brown, waxy discharge with a distinctive musty or "corn chip" smell.
The Smell
- Ear mites: Mild odor or no odor
- Bacterial infection: Strong, foul smell
- Yeast infection: Musty, yeasty odor
Which Ears Are Affected
- Ear mites: Almost always affect both ears simultaneously
- Ear infection: Can affect one or both ears; one-sided infections are more common with infections than mites
Other Pets in the Household
- Ear mites: Other pets (especially cats) may also be scratching their ears
- Ear infection: Other pets are unaffected
Age and History
- Ear mites: More common in puppies and young dogs; often follows contact with cats
- Ear infection: More common in adult dogs, especially those with allergies, floppy ears, or frequent swimming
Symptoms They Share
Both conditions cause:
- Head shaking
- Scratching at the ears
- Redness and inflammation of the ear canal
- Sensitivity when the ears are touched
- Holding the head tilted to one side (in severe cases)
How to Confirm the Diagnosis
The only way to definitively tell the difference is a veterinary exam. Your vet will use an otoscope to look inside the ear canal and may take a swab for microscopic examination. This identifies whether mites, bacteria, or yeast are present — and guides the right treatment.
Attempting to treat at home without knowing the cause can make things worse. Treating an infection with a mite product won't work, and treating mites with an antibiotic ear drop won't eliminate the parasites.
Treatment: Ear Mites
Ear mites are treated with antiparasitic medications. Options include:
- Topical ear drops containing pyrethrins, ivermectin, or milbemycin — applied directly into the ear canal
- Spot-on treatments (like selamectin or moxidectin) applied to the skin — convenient and effective
- Isoxazoline-class flea/tick preventatives — some also treat ear mites
Important: Treat ALL pets in the household simultaneously, even if they don't show symptoms. Ear mites spread easily and untreated pets will reinfect treated ones.
Clean the ears gently before treatment to remove debris, but don't over-clean — the ear canal is delicate.
Treatment: Ear Infections
Treatment depends on the type of infection:
- Bacterial infection: Antibiotic ear drops (prescription), sometimes combined with a steroid to reduce inflammation
- Yeast infection: Antifungal ear drops (prescription or OTC antifungal solutions)
- Mixed infection: Combination products that address both bacteria and yeast
Regular ear cleaning with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner is important for dogs prone to infections. Avoid using cotton swabs deep in the ear canal.
When to See a Vet Immediately
Don't wait if your dog shows any of these signs — they suggest a deeper or more serious infection:
- Loss of balance or walking in circles
- Sudden hearing loss
- Facial paralysis or drooping
- Extreme pain when the ear or jaw is touched
- Swelling of the ear flap (may indicate a hematoma)
Shop Dog Ear Care at Paw and Tail Supply
We carry ear cleaning solutions, ear mite treatments, and other dog health essentials to keep your pup's ears healthy and comfortable. Fast shipping so you can get your dog relief quickly.
