How to Check for Ear Mites

Ear mites are a common malady for cats and can also affect guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets and dogs. Because it is easily passed from one pet to another, it is often called the "social disease." If one of your pets has them, your other pets probably have them too. It is important to take your pet to a vet if she shows signs of being infested by ear mites. Not only are ear mites uncomfortable, they can cause infections and other problems if they are not treated.

Things You'll Need

  • Flashlight
  • Cotton swab
  • Magnifying glass or microscope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Observe your pet's behavior. An animal with ear mites may scratch his ears, shake his head or rub his head along the floor. Some pets show no behavioral symptoms at all.

    • 2

      Look at the ear to see if it is red and inflamed. This may be caused by the ear mites or by increased itching.

    • 3

      Look inside the ear with a flashlight to see if they look "dirty." Any excess dark brown, reddish-brown, reddish-black or black material is a reason to suspect ear mites. Many owners wonder if the debris is ear wax or ear mites. It doesn't matter since ear mites can also cause an increase in ear wax or a thick black discharge. A black discharge can also be caused by a yeast infection.

    • 4

      Smell the ears to see if there is an unpleasant odor.

    • 5

      Swab the inside of the ear with a cotton swab to remove some wax. Look at the wax with a magnifying glass. You may be able to see small white specks--the mites--moving around. If you have access to a microscope, smear the wax on a slide and look for the mites.

    • 6

      Look around the ear for small sores. They may be called "ear" mites, but they can move to other areas as well. Ear mites can be living on the skin and not affect the ears at all.

    • 7

      Take your pet to a veterinarian for a final diagnosis. Although there are products and home remedies available, symptoms of ear mites are very similar to those of an ear infection. Treating incorrectly for ear mites will aggravate an ear infection.