Can ear infection spread from dog to cat?

Ear mites are more common in young puppies and kittens and more common in cats in general, especially outdoor cats. These parasites live in the ear canal causing thick dry black debris to build up in the canal. They can be spread from one pet to another by close contact with one another.

Do cats and dogs have ear wax?

Just like humans, dogs and cats sometimes get waxy or gunky buildup in their ears. In these situations, cleaning your pet’s ears keeps the skin lining of their ear canal clean and healthy; gets rid of dirt, wax and debris; and helps prevent the buildup of bacteria or yeast that could lead to infections.

Is it normal for cats to have waxy ears?

As with humans, it’s completely normal for a small amount of earwax to form in your cat’s ears. However, excessive wax buildup can occur if your kitty has allergies, a bacterial infection, systemic inflammation, ear mites, or a yeast infection. A cat’s brown earwax often resembles dirt or dried blood inside the ears.

What is the brown gunk in my dog’s ear?

Dark brown or black—This type of earwax is commonly associated with yeast and/or bacterial ear infections. It’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if earwax is this color. Brown—Light brown earwax is normal and expected. If the wax is accompanied by odor or inflammation, it can be a sign of infection.

Is it OK to clean dog’s ears with Q-tips?

Cleaning your dog’s ears does not require any special equipment. A good quality ear cleaning solution, some cotton balls or gauze, and some treats to reward your dog are all that is needed. Do not use cotton tip applicators (Q-tips®), due to the risk of perforating the ear drum or causing trauma to the ear canal.

What does normal ear wax look like in cats?

What should your Cat’s Outer Ear look like? A healthy outer ear or pinna should have a layer of hair on the surface with no bald spots, and should be clean and light pink in colour. Any discharge, redness, or swelling indicates you should get your cat checked.

Do ear mites smell in cats?

Strong Odor In The Ear The last sign of ear mites in a cat is a strong odor in your cat’s ear or ears. If you notice your cat smells funny, you may try to sniff around the cat to determine where the scent is coming from.