Ear mites are one of the many tiny parasites that affect your dogs. They get in your dog’s ears. Known scientifically as Otodectes cynotis, these mites are so small you can barely see them without a microscope, but they sure can cause a lot of discomfort. Ear mites feed on the wax, oils, and dead skin in the ear canal, which leads to itching and irritation. 

When these parasites start to trouble your dog, it’s important to bring them to the clinic right away so we can give your dog relief and comfort. In the meantime, let’s talk more about the signs, transmission, and treatment for ear mites in dogs.

Signs of Ear Mites in Dogs

When ear mites make themselves at home in a dog’s ear canal, they cause a lot of irritation and discomfort. Because they’re so tiny, it can be hard to see the mites themselves, but the signs of an infestation are usually pretty noticeable. Here are the signs of ear mites in dogs:

Persistent Scratching and Head Shaking

One of the initial signs of ear problems in dogs is when they start shaking and scratching their head. The presence of ear mites will cause your dog to scratch and paw at its ears, usually using furniture and nearby objects to help scratch. When this goes on for longer, it might lead to more irritation.

Dark Ear Discharge

Ear mites produce a characteristic discharge that looks like dark brown or black coffee grounds in the ear. This discharge is a mix of earwax, blood, and mite debris. If you notice a dark buildup in your dog’s ears, especially if it has a dry or crumbly texture, it’s a strong sign of ear mites. Unlike regular earwax, the discharge is darker and different from the normal color.

Foul Odor from the Ears

Another sign your dog is dealing with a mite infestation is the presence of a strong and foul smell emanating from its ears. The discharge and irritation can create an environment where bacteria thrive, contributing to a bad odor. This smell can be one of the easiest ways to identify that there’s an issue, even before looking closely at your dog’s ears.

Red and Inflamed Ear Canals

As your dog scratches at their ears, the constant irritation causes redness and swelling in the ear canal. This inflammation is your dog’s reaction to the mites and the scratching that follows. Left unchecked, the irritation can worsen, leading to raw, sensitive skin and even minor bleeding.

Hair Loss Around the Ears

Some dogs scratch and rub so much that they lose fur around the ears, creating bald patches or thin areas in the fur. The combination of scratching and rubbing can also lead to small wounds or scabs forming on the ears and nearby areas, which may turn into larger sores if the infestation goes untreated.

Behavioral Changes

Constant discomfort from ear mites can affect your dog’s behavior as well. A dog with ear mites may become more irritable, restless, or sensitive to touch around their ears and head. If your typically calm dog starts acting anxious or snapping when you try to touch their ears, it’s a good idea to check for other symptoms of ear mites.

Transmission of Ear Mites in Dogs

Ear mites can easily spread among animals, particularly in households or environments where pets have close contact. Here’s how ear mites are transmitted to dogs:

Direct Contact with Infected Animals

Ear mites spread most commonly through close contact with other infested animals. Mites can easily transfer during play or grooming sessions, and since they can infest cats, rabbits, and other pets, any interaction with infected animals increases the risk. Multi-pet households, shelters, and boarding facilities are common areas for transmission.

Contaminated Environments and Objects

Ear mites can live briefly in the environment, which means they may be picked up from contaminated bedding, toys, or grooming tools. Even if your dog does not make direct contact with an infected animal, it can still pick up mites left behind in shared spaces, making regular cleaning essential.

Poor Ear Hygiene

Dirty or wax-filled ears create the ideal conditions for mites, as these parasites feed on wax and skin oils. Dogs with poor ear hygiene have a higher risk of developing infestations, as the buildup in the ear attracts and sustains mites. Regular ear cleaning reduces this risk, especially in dogs prone to waxy buildup.

Lack of Regular Preventive Treatments

Without regular use of preventive treatments that protect against ear mites and other parasites, dogs are at greater risk for infestations. Products designed to prevent mites, fleas, and ticks help protect dogs from common parasites that are otherwise hard to avoid, especially in dogs who frequent places with lots of animals.

Treatment for 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. Here are the main treatment options we offer to remove ear mites in dogs:

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. Regular ear cleaning also helps relieve discomfort by removing mite debris and excess wax, which can irritate the ear canal.

Topical Medications

For ear mites treatments, medicated ear drops are common and effective options for killing these parasites. These ear drops have ingredients that work to eliminate the ear mites of your dog. Selamectin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications that work by paralyzing and killing the mites. 

Ear drops are usually administered over several days or weeks, depending on the severity of the infestation, and should be used according to your vet’s instructions to ensure all mites, including eggs, are eradicated.

Oral Medications

In more severe infestations, our veterinarians may prescribe oral antiparasitic medications. These medications circulate through your dog’s bloodstream, killing mites as they feed on the dog’s blood. Fluralaner is one such oral treatment that provides long-lasting protection against mites and is often combined with other topical treatments for a comprehensive approach.

Follow-Up Treatments and Rechecks

Ear mites can remain for several weeks, which means that follow-up visits and regular treatments are important to make sure these parasites don’t come back. This includes a regular schedule of ear drops or oral doses until our vets see any changes. We will schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress and confirm the mites are gone. 

Prevention Tips for Ear Mites in Dogs

Preventing ear mites in dogs is simple when compared to treating an infestation. Because mites are highly contagious and can easily spread, it’s important to have a good prevention plan to make sure our dogs stay happy and healthy. Here are some effective prevention tips to keep ear mites at bay:

Regular Ear Cleaning

Regularly cleaning your dog’s ears can help prevent mites from taking hold. Use a vet-recommended ear-cleaning solution to gently remove excess wax and debris that could attract mites. For dogs prone to ear issues, routine cleaning once a week or as recommended can help keep their ears healthy and less appealing to parasites.

Use Preventive Treatments

Many flea and tick preventatives also protect against ear mites. These medications, available in topical and oral forms, can help keep a range of parasites at bay. Selamectin and fluralaner are two options that offer broad-spectrum protection and can be applied monthly to reduce the chance of getting ear mites and other parasites. Talk to your vet about the best preventive products for your dog based on their lifestyle and exposure risk.

Limit Exposure to Infected Animals

Because ear mites spread easily through direct contact with other animals, keeping your dog away from overcrowded pet facilities and households can help a lot. If you have multiple pets, check them for symptoms regularly and separate any animals showing signs of mites to prevent them from spreading to others.

Maintain a Clean Environment

Ear mites can live in the environment for short periods, so regular cleaning of your dog’s bedding, toys, and grooming tools is important. Wash bedding in hot water and vacuum areas where your dog spends time. Keeping your dog’s living space clean reduces the risk of mites infesting your dog again or spreading to other pets in the household.

Regular Vet Check-Ups

Routine vet visits help us keep track of your dog’s ear mites or other ear-related issues. Your vet can inspect your dog’s ears during regular check-ups, ensuring that any issues are caught and treated early. Dogs that are more prone to ear issues, such as those with floppy ears, may benefit from more frequent ear inspections.

Conclusion

Ear mites, or Otodectes cynotis, in dogs are parasites that can make the lives of our best friends very difficult. But with our help, we can give them the relief and comfort they deserve. Bring your puppy in for a visit, and we’ll create a great treatment schedule to keep your dog protected and safe.