What Causes Scabs in a Dog’s Ears?

A good ear rub is a favorite for most dogs, but it can be uncomfortable when scabs appear inside their ears. These dark, scaly spots or lesions may arise for various reasons. While minor scabs from playful roughhousing may not be a concern, scabs in a dog’s ears may indicate a more significant underlying issue that warrants veterinary attention. Identifying and addressing the root cause of scabs in a dog’s ears is crucial to ensure that the animal receives the appropriate treatment.

Why are there crusty scabs on my dog’s ear?

Are you wondering why your dog has crusty scabs on their ear? It’s essential to take this issue seriously, mainly if the ear appears irritated or red or if there is excessive head shaking, discharge, or an unpleasant odor. If your dog is also exhibiting discomfort or itchiness, such as rubbing their head on furniture or scratching their ears, it’s time to seek veterinary attention. Ear problems in dogs can be pretty uncomfortable and even painful; in severe cases, they can be life-threatening. As a responsible dog owner, it is crucial to have your pet’s ear issues diagnosed and treated promptly to alleviate their discomfort and promote healing. Remember that only a veterinarian can confirm whether ear mites cause the crusty scabs on your dog’s ear, so seeking professional medical advice is the best course of action.

Common causes of scabs in a dog’s ear

Scabs in a dog’s ear can arise from various conditions, including dermatitis, ear infections, allergies, injury or trauma, fleas, and mites. Let’s take a closer look at some of these causes.

Ear dermatitis is a skin inflammation in dogs often seen in the ear and facial areas. Symptoms of ear dermatitis may include intense itching, redness, swelling, crusting, hair loss, and dark, waxy discharge from the ear. Affected dogs may scratch at their ear or rub their face on the carpet, and their ear flaps may appear red and inflamed. The condition is most commonly observed in dogs between 1 and 5.

Ear infections are common in dogs, mainly breeds with floppy ears. The shape of a dog’s ear makes them more susceptible to infections than humans, and these infections are frequently caused by bacteria and/or yeast. If left untreated, ear infections can cause scabs to form in the ear, and dogs may display symptoms such as head shaking, scratching, redness, and discharge. It’s essential to seek veterinary attention promptly to address ear infections and prevent them from causing further complications.

Scabs on a dog’s ear can also result from allergies, injury or trauma, and infestations of fleas and mites. Dogs can develop allergies to various substances, such as pollen, dust, mold, and certain foods. Allergies can cause intense itching and scratching, leading to scabs on the ears and other parts of the body.

Injury or trauma to the ear, such as from scratches or bites, can also result in scabs. Additionally, infestations of fleas and mites can cause irritation and scratching that leads to scabs. It is essential to regularly check your dog for fleas and ticks and take preventative measures to protect against infestations.

If you notice scabs on your dog’s ears or any signs of discomfort, such as excessive scratching or head shaking, it is essential to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. The underlying cause of the scabs may require specific treatment, such as medication or changes to their environment or diet. Your furry friend can recover and return to their playful and happy self with proper care and treatment.

Crusty ear scabs are caused by dog allergies.

Scabs in a dog’s ears can also be caused by allergies. Dogs can be allergic to various substances, including fleas, certain types of food proteins, and environmental allergens like grass, pollen, or mold. Environmental allergies, or atopic dermatitis, may cause crusty ear scabs and itch at specific times of the year. In contrast, food allergies may lead to chronic or recurring ear problems throughout the year.

Dogs with allergies are more susceptible to developing ear infections, making it essential to identify the source of the allergen to prevent chronic ear disease. Treatment for allergies may include allergy shots, medications, and changes to the dog’s diet or environment. A veterinarian can help identify the underlying cause of the allergy and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Injuries to a dog’s ear
It is crucial to monitor any scabs in a dog’s ear, regardless of the cause. If the scabs do not heal within a few days or seem to be worsening, taking the dog to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment is essential. Additionally, it’s vital to prevent the dog from scratching or rubbing its ears to avoid further irritation and potential infection. This can be done using an Elizabethan collar or other methods recommended by a veterinarian.

Symptoms of ear mites: Scabs in your dog’s ears

Other symptoms of ear mites in dogs may include:

Dark, crumbly discharge from the ear that resembles coffee grounds
Redness and inflammation inside the ear
Foul odor coming from the ear
Excessive head shaking or tilting of the head
Ear scratching or rubbing against furniture or carpet
Irritation or hair loss around the ears and head
A decrease in appetite or activity level in severe cases
If you suspect your dog has ear mites, you must take them to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Ear mites are highly contagious and can quickly spread to other pets in the household. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe medication to kill the mites and prevent secondary infection. Following their instructions carefully and thoroughly cleaning your dog’s ears during the treatment is essential.

Identifying a possible ear mite infestation in dogs

Additionally, as mentioned earlier, excessive scratching and head shaking are common signs of ear mite infestations in dogs. The scratching and head shaking are due to the discomfort and itchiness caused by the ear mites in the dog’s ear canal. It’s important to note that not all dogs with ear mites show all of these symptoms, and some dogs may not show any signs at all. Therefore, regular ear checks by a veterinarian are essential to catch any issues early on.

Diagnosing and treating ear mites in dogs

Typical treatments for ear mites in dogs may include topical medications, such as prescription ear drops or ointments, or oral medications, such as anti-parasitic drugs or antibiotics, to treat any resulting infections. The veterinarian may also recommend cleaning the dog’s ears to remove debris or discharge.

It’s essential to follow the veterinarian’s instructions for administering the medication and complete the entire treatment course, even if the dog appears to be feeling better. Failure to complete the whole duration of treatment may result in the reoccurrence of the infestation.

In addition to treating the dog, cleaning the dog’s bedding, toys, and any areas where they spend time to prevent reinfestation is essential. Other pets in the household should also be checked for ear mites and treated if necessary.

Preventing ear mites in dogs

In addition to the above, keeping a dog’s environment clean and debris-free can also help prevent ear mites. Regularly vacuuming carpets and washing bedding can help reduce the number of mites in the home. Keeping the dog’s ears clean and dry is essential, as ear mites thrive in warm and moist environments. Avoid using cotton swabs or other foreign objects to clean the ears, as this can damage the ear canal and make the dog more susceptible to infections. Instead, use a veterinarian-recommended ear-cleaning solution and follow the instructions carefully.

The bottom line

That’s correct! It’s always best to have a veterinarian properly diagnose and treat any ear issues in dogs to ensure their health and well-being. Regular cleaning and preventative measures can also help avoid ear problems in the first place.