Black Ear Wax in Dogs
Ear wax that is black in color is a sign of an ear mite infestation. Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canals of dogs and other household pets including cats, hamsters, rabbits and gerbils.
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Symptoms
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The ear wax often has an appearance similar to coffee grounds. The affected dog may also itch or paw at the ears, shake the head and there may be an unusual odor---which can be indicative of a secondary infection.
Diagnosis
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Ear mites are relatively common, so a well trained veterinarian can usually spot their presence during a physical exam. Confirmation can be made under a microscope with a sample scraping from the ear, or directly in the ear with an otoscope.
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Treatment
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The first step of treatment involves a veterinarian thoroughly cleaning out the ears. All ear wax must be removed to allow the medication to fully penetrate the ears.
Home Care
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Some cases of ear mites may require additional at-home treatment as directed by a veterinarian. At home, the dog's ears should be cleaned thoroughly before medication is applied.
Warning
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Ear mites are highly contagious, so all household pets should receive treatment---even if no symptoms are present. However, ear mites are not a zoonotic disease, meaning they cannot be passed from pets to humans.
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