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Ear Mites in Dogs

By the Dog Health Handbook team · Updated · Fact-checked against current veterinary references (see sources)

Key takeaways

  • Coffee-ground ear debris and head shaking are the classic signs.
  • More common in cats, and very contagious between pets.
  • Your vet needs a microscope check, because ear infections look similar.
  • Treat all pets in the home at the same time.
  • Don't use peroxide, alcohol or oils in your dog's ears.

Table of Contents

Research Signs Diagnosis Treatment Home remedies FAQ Sources

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Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canals and feed on skin debris. They cause intense itching, head shaking and a dark, crumbly discharge that looks like coffee grounds.1,2,3 Ear mites are much more common in cats than in dogs, and they spread easily between pets.1,4 Because ear infections caused by yeast or bacteria look very similar, your vet needs to look at a sample under a microscope to confirm ear mites before treating.5,3,2

See your vet if your dog has:

  • Dark, waxy or coffee-ground debris in the ears, ear scratching or head shaking3,2
  • Red, sore or smelly ears, a head tilt, or hair loss around the ears4
  • A swollen, puffy ear flap, which can be an ear hematoma from shaking and scratching3,6

What the Research and Guidelines Say

  • Less common in dogs than cats. In a study of 250 dogs, 6% had ear mites. Dogs living outdoors were at higher risk.7
  • Very contagious between pets. Ear mites spread by close contact among dogs, cats and ferrets.3,1
  • Treat every pet. Parasite guidelines say all dogs and cats in the household should be treated.1,4
  • Rare in people. Ear mites only occasionally cause a temporary itchy rash in people.1,3

Signs of Ear Mites in Dogs

  • Thick, dark brown or black debris, often described as coffee grounds2,4
  • Frequent ear scratching and head shaking3,1
  • Red, inflamed ear canals and a bad smell4
  • Scratches or hair loss around the ears, and sometimes on the neck4,1

Mites are most often found in puppies, dogs that live with cats and dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, though any dog can get them.4,2,7

How Vets Diagnose Ear Mites

Your vet will look into the ears with an otoscope and examine a swab of the debris under a microscope for mites and their eggs.5,1,4 This matters because yeast and bacterial ear infections, allergies and other problems cause similar signs and need different treatment, and many dogs with ear mites also have a secondary infection.2,3,4 See ear infections in dogs.

Treatment

  • Ear cleaning by your vet to remove debris, which helps any treatment work.1,3
  • Anti-parasite medicine prescribed by your vet. Several modern flea and parasite products kill ear mites, often with a single treatment, though most are used off-label.1,4
  • Treatment for any secondary yeast or bacterial infection.1,3
  • Treat all pets in the home, including cats, even if they don't seem itchy, and wash bedding.1,2,4

Clearing ear mites can take up to about a month, and your vet may recheck the ears to make sure they're gone.4

Why Not Treat Ear Mites at Home?

Ear mites need a vet diagnosis because the same signs are often caused by something else.2,5 Vets advise against putting hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, vinegar or essential oils in a dog's ears: they can irritate the ear canal and may make things worse.8,9,5 There's no good evidence that oils or other home remedies clear ear mites. Never push cotton swabs into the ear canal.8 If you clean your dog's ears, use a cleaner your vet recommends.

See also dog shaking head, ear hematomas and mites on dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do ear mites look like in a dog's ear?

You'll usually see dark, crumbly debris like coffee grounds rather than the mites themselves, which are tiny.

Are ear mites contagious?

Yes, between dogs, cats and ferrets. Treat all your pets.

Can humans get ear mites from dogs?

Very rarely, and usually only a temporary itchy rash.

Will ear mites go away on their own?

No. They need treatment, and untreated ears can become infected or develop a hematoma.

Does hydrogen peroxide kill ear mites?

Vets advise against putting hydrogen peroxide in dogs' ears because it can irritate the ear canal.

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Sources and further reading

This article was written and fact-checked on October 20, 2026 against current veterinary references and specialist guidelines:

  1. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Otodectic Mite. CAPC Guidelines, updated March 2019.
  2. Maharaj N. Ear Mites in Dogs: What Owners Need To Know. American Kennel Club, updated August 3, 2026.
  3. Barnes C, Weir M, Ward E. Ear Mites in Cats and Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals, updated March 28, 2025.
  4. Kleszynski B. Ear Mites in Dogs: What Are They and How Do You Treat Them? PetMD, June 10, 2024.
  5. Hoff S. Otitis Externa in Animals. Merck Veterinary Manual (professional version), reviewed September 2025, updated April 2026.
  6. Weir M, Williams K, Llera R, Ward E. Aural Hematoma in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals, updated April 10, 2026.
  7. Souza CP, Ramadinha RR, Scott FB, Pereira MJS. Factors associated with the prevalence of Otodectes cynotis in an ambulatory population of dogs. Pesq Vet Bras 2008;28(8):375-378.
  8. DeJaynes J; reviewed by Mitchell SC. How To Clean Your Dog's Ears: Step-by-Step Guide for Pet Parents. PetMD, updated November 29, 2023.
  9. Purdue University Center for Canine Welfare. Ear Cleaning for Dogs. Purdue University.

About this article

Last updated : new page, written using Companion Animal Parasite Council guidelines, the Merck Veterinary Manual, VCA, PetMD, the AKC and a published study of ear mites in dogs.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam by your veterinarian.