[Dog Earwax] Detailed explanation of Malassezia and ear cleaning

Ear cleaning is an essential part of dog grooming.
If you have your dog's ears professionally groomed, they should be doing it regularly, but it's a good idea to double-check.

Failing to regularly check your dog's ears can lead to earwax and secretions building up, increasing the risk of ear infections and hearing loss.

This article will explain otitis externa caused by Malassezia and how to clean your dog's ears at home.

What is Malassezia?

Malassezia is a type of yeast fungus that requires lipids for growth and proliferation.
It resides quietly on the surface of animals' skin, mouths, ear canals, between the toes, and around the anus.
When skin condition deteriorates or sebum secretion becomes excessive for some reason, it proliferates, causing inflammation and itching.  

Major Symptoms of Malassezia

It primarily causes dermatitis and otitis externa. As the condition worsens, inflammation begins, itching increases, and the skin becomes swollen. Other symptoms include seborrhea, dandruff, and a distinctive odor.
If the condition persists, the skin may develop a dark pigmentation, keratinization may progress, causing hardening of the skin, and hair loss.
In the case of otitis externa, dark brown to black, sticky earwax with a distinctive odor accumulates, causing itching in the ear.

Causes of Malassezia Overgrowth and Dog Breeds Susceptible to Otitis Externa

Otitis externa is more likely to occur during the humid, damp summer and rainy season. Dogs with droopy ears or densely packed ears are particularly susceptible to Malassezia-related otitis externa.

Dog Breeds Prone to Otitis Externa

• Shih Tzu
• Westy
• Cocker Spaniel
• Golden Retriever
• Dachshund
• Basset Hound
• Pug
• Poodle
• Boxer

Shih Tzus are said to be particularly susceptible.
It is also said that dogs with underlying conditions such as atopy, food allergies, endocrine disorders such as seborrhea and hypothyroidism, or tumors are more susceptible to Malassezia.

Main Treatments for Malassezia

The primary treatment is to physically remove Malassezia through washing.
For dermatitis, use a shampoo containing a medicated agent effective against Malassezia.
For otitis externa, regularly clean the ear canal with a medicated cleaner.

Dogs with underlying conditions will not improve with Malassezia treatment alone, so treating the underlying condition is essential. Treating Malassezia alone without treating the underlying condition may result in temporary relief, but it often recurs quickly, requiring continued care.

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears

If the skin or otitis externa symptoms are severe, be sure to have your pet examined at a veterinarian.
However, this is a disease that can be prevented to some extent with daily care, so here are some simple ear cleaning tips.

Before You Begin Ear Cleaning

Perform the cleaning in a place that's okay to get wet

The cleaning solution may splash during cleaning, so if you don't want to get the room wet, keep your dog in an enclosed area before proceeding. You may also want to put him in the bathtub or take him outside, such as to the yard.
We also recommend that owners wear clothing that can withstand contact with the cleaning solution.

Observe Your Dog's Ears

If your dog's ears are red and inflamed, or if the color of earwax or odor is unusual, this could be a sign of otitis externa. Stop cleaning your dog's ears and consult your veterinarian.
If there seem to be no problems, begin ear removal.

Check the outer ear (external ear) and earwax

Dirty dirt is easily visible in the outer ear, so if it's dirty with earwax or foreign objects, press a cotton ball soaked in cleaning solution against it.

At this point, look at the color of your earwax. Earwax color depends on your constitution, so it can't tell the whole story, but it certainly has a connection to illness.
Brown earwax is a sign of a skin disease caused by Malassezia, while black earwax is a sign of an ear mite infection. Brown or yellow color may indicate otitis externa.

Ear Cleaning Procedure

1. Drop the cleaning solution into one ear

Hold your earlobe upright and carefully drop several drops of the cleaning solution into the ear canal.
If you add too much, moisture may remain in the ear. Be careful, as excess moisture can breed bacteria and cause your ears to become even dirtier.

2. Gently Massage

Pinch the stiff area at the base of the ear between your thumb and index finger, apply the cleaning solution, and gently massage for about 20 seconds. If you're massaging properly, you'll hear a "squishing" sound; use this as a guide.

3. Shake your dog's head to wipe away dirt

After massaging, shake your dog's head vigorously to expel the cleaning solution from inside the ear. Hold a towel over your dog's head to prevent the cleaning solution from splashing.
If the ear doesn't vibrate naturally, try blowing a little air into the ear.

If earwax comes out along with the earwax, it means the ear is clean. Next, use a soft cloth such as cotton to gently wipe the visible area of ​​the ear canal and the outer ear.

This completes cleaning one ear. Repeat with the other ear.

Important Notes for Ear Cleaning

Dogs' ears are delicate, so it's important not to scrub them too hard. Scrubbing too hard can damage the inside of the ear and lead to otitis externa.
Cotton swabs are too harsh for dogs and can damage their ears or push dirt deeper into the ear. Therefore, always use soft materials such as cotton.

Finally

Otitis externa requires treatment appropriate for each disease.
If the symptoms of otitis externa are severe or widespread, do not self-diagnose; always have your pet examined at a veterinarian.

To prevent otitis externa, we recommend regular ear care for your dog. Ear care helps protect your dog's hearing and maintains its health.

To avoid creating an environment conducive to the proliferation of Malassezia, lead a healthy life with your dog.