Having trouble with ear mites in dogs? This is one of the most common problems your pet’s ears may face. Though not life-threatening, ear mites in dogs cause much discomfort and pain to the animal. Damaged eardrum and loss of hearing are among the most serious consequences of ear mites in dogs. As the name suggests, ear mites usually pick for their residence damp wrinkled ear canals where they can easily hide. Ear wax, warmth and humidity form a perfect environment for dog ear mites to develop and breed. That is why dogs that have long floppy ears with poor air conditioning are especially prone to this disease. Nevertheless, ear mites in dogs can easily shift from the ear canal to any other part of the body, which makes the situation even worse. This fact should predetermine the ear mites treatment. Being highly contagious, ear mites in dogs have different ways of infecting. But the most common one is by contacting with other animals. Though the indirect contact is also possible when ear mites wait for the chance to jump onto an animal and settle down. But this case is quite rare. Thereby, if you suspect one of your pets of having caught ear mites in dogs, treatment of the others should be done simultaneously. Ear mites are especially common in puppies and kittens as their immune system is still weak. Find out how to spot, cure and prevent ear mites in dogs by reading further.
- Ear mites in dogs can be a very annoying and painful problem to your pet. Thus, to spare your dog pain and agony, it’s essential for you to timely detect the issue and apply for help. There are certain telltale signs which show that your pooch might be suffering from ear mites. Excessive scratching and head shaking are in the first place. The next step will be to examine the pet’s ears closely and thoroughly. Ear mites in dogs are light-brown crab-like parasites about a centimeter or less in size, so you will unlikely see them with the naked eye. But they do leave the traces of their activity. Pull out the earflap. Be gentle as the ears may be inflamed and thus very painful. In the case of ear mites in dogs you will most likely see dark crusty substance that looks like coffee grounds. This is dried blood mixed with ear wax and other discharge. The matter is that the mites burrow into the dog ear causing inflammation. The body usually responds by producing more ear wax. This is often accompanied by foul odor. The same symptoms can also be caused by yeast or bacterial ear infection. That is why further examination by a professional is required. A specimen of wax is taken to be observed with a special magnifying instrument – a lighted otoscope. The light from it draws the mites out of the wax and makes them visible. If the diagnosis with ear mites in dogs is confirmed, further treatment follows.
- A cure program starts with thorough cleaning the dog’s ears of wax and other debris. It’s essential as thick discharge in the ear canals easily shelter mites. In addition, waxy surfaces do not let the medication work effectively. The course of treatment should last for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Ear mites in dogs usually have a three-week life cycle. But they can also survive off the host for several weeks. That’s why it is extremely important to complete the entire course. To kill ear mites in dogs, products containing pyrethrin and thiabendazole are generally prescribed. But practice shows that ear mites have become resistant to these chemicals. Instead, new products based on ivermectin are used. This insecticide has proved to be highly effective in treating ear mites in dogs. An ivermectin based product Revolution is a great option against flea and mite infestation as well as heartworm disease. It is also used as an off-label medication to prevent ear mites in dogs. Revolution should be applied once a month to the area in front of the shoulder blades. It is used on dogs starting from six weeks old and up. Apart from commercial products, you can choose a home remedy method to treat ear mites in dogs. Almond oil, olive oil or any other natural vegetable oil will be of great use. Apply 2-5 drops into your dog’s ear canals with an eyedropper or syringe. Gently massage his ears so that the oil penetrates deeper into every nook and cranny and loosens mite dirt and dried discharge. Use soft cotton balls or Q-tips to wipe excess wax and debris. Continue this treatment daily till no signs of mites occur. Ear mites in dogs are rather enduring so it’s better to go on with the treatment for two weeks after your pet seems to recover. There is another home remedy for ear mites in dogs. Mix 9 drops of yellow dock root extract with a tablespoon of water. Administer into the dog’s ears once in 3 days for a period of six weeks.
- It’s no secret that prevention is the best cure. To help prevent ear mites in dogs you can do the following:
- Apply a few drops of mineral oil or ear cleaner once per week. This will repel ear mites and rid of bad smell.
- Wipe your pet’s ears dry after each bathing procedure.
- Use an insecticide-based shampoo or any other flea & tick control product.
- Keep your dog’s bedding clean.
- Regularly check the pet’s ears for foreign matter. Get timely help at the first signs of trouble.
Ear mites in dogs are a common but serious health problem. Mites are very contagious and easily transfer from one animal to the other. Ear mites in dogs do not harm humans, but are highly irritating to dogs. To cure ear mites in dogs you need to apply special medication prescribed by your vet. Though, a home remedy for dog ear mites can also be effective. Make sure to take all preventive measures. Then you won’t have to deal with ear mites in dogs.
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