How to Get Rid of Ear Mites With Herbs

Pets that have ear mites will show signs by tilting or shaking their head, scratching ears and possibly have a brown paste--like substance in the ears. Untreated mites lead to infection which makes the ear smell "sour" and left without treatment may lead to deafness. Many medicines are available to eliminate mite, but homeopathic treatments are available as well, which are just as effective. These treatments can be homemade and are a less expensive way to get rid of ear mites.

Things You'll Need

  • Dried yellow dock root
  • Water
  • Jar
  • Cotton balls
  • Olive oil
  • Eyedropper
  • Cloth
  • Pet shampoo (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Make a tea by combining 1 tsp. of the powdered, dried yellow dock root to 4 oz. of boiled water. Let the tea steep, cool, and then strain it to remove any particles saving the tea in a jar or bottle.

    • 2

      Clean the pet's ears before treating them with the tea, so that any debris has been cleaned out. Often in cases where the ear mites have been particularly persistent, a dark discharge will appear. This is dried blood produced from the mites feeding. To clean the ears, put a few drops of olive oil in each ear and gently wipe with a cotton ball. Hold the pet's head as still as possible as they will want to shake their head and shift their position.

    • 3

      Using an eyedropper, administer the yellow dock tea by putting the drops in the ears. Keep the pet's head still and rub under the ear after inserting the drops to help work the tea deep into the ear canal. Use half an eyedropper full of the tea in each ear twice daily for approximately three weeks. The treatment must be continued for at least three weeks in order to be sure the full life cycle of the mites has been completed and exposed to treatment.

    • 4

      Wipe around the pet's ears , head, paws, and tail with a cloth dampened in the yellow dock tea to prevent any mites from settling on the fur around the pet's face or body parts that may come in direct contact with the pet's head. Wiping down the pet in these areas prevent the ear mites from reentering the ears afterwards. If preferred, pet shampoo will work fine but not be as effective as the yellow dock tea.