Ear mites, or Otodectes cynotis, are tiny parasites that can cause significant discomfort and irritation. These microscopic pests live inside your dog’s ear canal, where they feed on wax and oils.
They are highly contagious, spreading easily from one dog to another. Plus, they develop rapidly.
Stage | Descrption | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
Egg | Adult females lay eggs in the ear canal | Day 1-4 |
Larva | The larva hatches and feeds on ear debris | Day 4-7 |
Nymph | Larva molts into eight-legged nymphs | Day 7-16 |
Adult | Mites reach adulthood and begin reproducing | Day 16+ |
The good news is that an ear mite infestation can be treated, helping dogs regain the once-beloved comfort. In this blog, we’re going to talk all about ear mites in dogs, from how they spread to how we can prevent them.
How Do Dogs Get Ear Mites?
Next, let’s discuss how these parasites spread so we can know how to stop them.
Direct Contact
The most common way dogs get ear mites is through close contact. If your dog plays, sleeps, or interacts with another animal that has ear mites, the parasites can quickly transfer to them. This means that dogs in shared spaces, such as shelters and kennels, are at a higher risk.
Shared Objects
Shared belongings, such as blankets, bedding, brushes, and grooming tools, can also be ways for ear mites to spread. If even just one pet has ear mites, it’s easy for them to spread the parasites through these items.
Mother to Puppy
The nursing and nurturing period serves as an ideal opportunity for the ear mites to transfer from the mother to her puppies.
How Do You Tell if a Dog Has Ear Mites?
Even if ear mites are microscopic, the symptoms they cause can be significant and severe. These include:
Persistent Scratching and Head Shaking. This is usually the first red flag. Affected dogs will excessively scratch and shake their heads to try relieve the irritation. Some will rub their ears against furniture and walls.
Dark Ear Discharge. There will be a thick, dark brown discharge inside the ear of dogs with ear mites. This often resembles coffee grounds.
Foul Odor. Ear mites in dogs can also cause a strong and unpleasant odor.
Redness and Inflammation. The ears may appear red, swollen, and inflamed. In advanced cases of irritation, the ears may look raw.
Hair Loss. Excessive scratching and rubbing can lead to bald patches in the affected areas.
Behavioral Changes. Because of the constant irritation and discomfort, some dogs will become more irritable and uneasy.
What Happens if Ear Mites in Dogs Are Left Untreated?
Untreated cases can lead to severe and long-term pain for dogs, with a high chance of even more issues. These include:
Severe ear damage
Long-term ear infection
Loss of hearing
Ruptured eardrums
Aural hematoma
Extreme discomfort
How Do Vets Diagnose Ear Mites in Dogs?
At the clinic, we’ll go through a series of steps and tests to determine what’s causing your dog’s ear problem. These are essential parts of the process to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Otoscope Examination
We use a handheld otoscope to inspect your dog’s ear canal for inflammation, wax buildup, and other associated symptoms. This will give us an idea of what we’re dealing with.
Ear Cytology
Our vets use a cotton swab to collect a sample of the debris from the ear canal. We then mix this with mineral oil on a slide and place it under a microscope to check for the ear mites and their eggs.
How to Treat Ear Mites in Dogs?
Once your dog’s ear mites have been diagnosed, treatment will follow suit. The treatment process usually combines medications that kill mites and supportive care to clean and soothe the ear canal.
Ear Canal Cleaning
Before starting medicated treatments, it’s important to clean your dog’s ears to remove wax, debris, and mite eggs. Our vets may use a specialized ear-cleaning solution that gently removes buildup, creating a cleaner environment for the medication to work more effectively.
Spot-on Treatments
Our ear mite treatment for dogs is effective in eliminating these parasites. They are applied on the skin between the shoulder blades or at the base of the neck, so your dog won’t be able to lick them.
The components are absorbed in the skin, spreading throughout the body to eliminate the ear mites in dogs. Treatment usually spans 3 to 4 weeks to fully eliminate the parasites.
Oral Medications
Another effective form is through oral medications. These circulate through your dog’s bloodstream and effectively kill the mites, often in a single dose.
Home Cleaning
After vet treatments, make sure your dog’s bedding, bowls, and other belongings are properly sanitized. Use hot, soapy water for them and be sure to do this regularly.
Vet Tips: How to Prevent Ear Mites in Dogs
Preventing ear mites is easier than treating an infestation. Since mites spread quickly, a solid prevention plan keeps your dog safe and comfortable.
Clean Your Dog’s Ears
Clean your dog’s ears weekly or as recommended using a vet-approved solution. This helps remove wax and debris that attract mites, especially in dogs prone to buildup.
Maintain a Clean Environment
Even though mites don’t live long off the body, they can hang around just long enough to cause trouble. Toss the bedding in hot water, wipe down toys, and run a vacuum over their favorite spots.
Schedule Checkups
Some dogs are prone to ear mites, particularly those with floppy ears or thick coats. Regular wellness exams allow us to check your dog’s ears and provide the routine preventive treatments they need against ear mites and other parasites.
“Even if ear mites are tiny, they can get in the way of our dogs’ health and happiness. Let’s do our best to protect them.”
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Final Thoughts
Ear mites in dogs are parasites that can make our best friends' lives very difficult. Fortunately, they can be easily treated, helping provide the relief our dogs deserve. All it takes is a quick visit and swift treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do ear mites last?
Ear mites in dogs last for about two months, as that is their lifespan. With proper treatment, the infestation can be resolved in about 3 to 4 weeks.
Can these parasites go away on their own?
No, these parasites don’t go away without proper treatment. If left untreated, they cause severe complications and long-term problems.
Can I treat ear mites without going to the vet?
We always recommend visiting the clinic so we can diagnose the condition accurately, clean your dog’s ears, and apply the most effective type of medication.
What home remedy kills mites on dogs?
Some home remedies for ear mites in dogs include using mineral, olive, or coconut oil to suffocate the parasites. Others include apple cider vinegar and borax. Before using these, we recommend consulting with us first.
Are ear mites contagious to other pets?
Yes. Ear mites spread quickly between animals through direct contact or shared bedding, toys, or grooming tools. If one pet is diagnosed, it’s best to check and treat all animals in the home, even if they show no symptoms.
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