Treating Ear Mites in Nursing Dogs

Ear mites are tiny crablike parasites that thrive on the warmth and moisture of a dog's ear canal. Because ear mites are microscopic in size, chances are you won't be able to see them -- so you will not realize your canine companion has ear mites until the dog continually scratches at its ears, or the waste accumulation from the mites' activity shows up as dark dirt particles on the dog's ears. Due to the close proximity between a mother dog and her nursing pups, transmission of mites to the youngsters is quite likely if the mother has them, as mites do not limit themselves to a dog's ears but will live on other parts of the dog's body.

  1. Professional Advice

    • Today's pet product market is full of items claiming to be safe for use on dogs in general. Many others claim to be nontoxic and approved for use on nursing dogs and puppies. Aside from doing a significant amount of research regarding the ingredients in these products on your own, your best bet in identifying ear mite control methods and products approved for use with nursing dogs and puppies is to consult a veterinarian.

    Pyrethrin

    • Pyrethrin, a naturally occurring compound, attacks the central nervous system of insects and is widely used in a variety of insect-killing products, including those used for ear mite control. While in low doses pyrethrin is regarded as safe for use on dogs, the risk of of exposure to an accidental higher dose can jeopardize puppies and their immature body systems.

    Ear Mite Life Cycle

    • Eggs of ear mites hatch after just four days of incubation. The hatched larvae feed on the oils and wax in the ear canal for about a week before they become nymphs and begin to mate. This rapid reproduction cycle often translates into large infestations in a short period of time.

    Vigilance

    • Due to the quick reproduction cycle of ear mites and the shared quarters of a nursing dog and her pups, dog owners should be proactive in combating ear mites. It is recommended to check the mother's ears regularly for any buildup associated with ear mite activity. Unchecked, ear mite infections can lead to permanent damage to ear canals and eardrums, and to possible hearing loss.