Ear mites are small organisms that are in the same family as mange, and they are extremely itchy. A dog that is infested with ear mites will scratch at its ears often. If you look into the ear, you will see a thick brownish-black substance.
Mites are diagnosed by a veterinarian looking at your dog's ear discharge under the microscope. If your dog has ear mites, proper treatment is crucial to prevent them from spreading to other animals in the house.
-
Importance of Cleaning the Ears
-
Cleaning out your dog's ears before treatment is the single most important thing to do to rid it of the infection. If the mites are hidden in the waxy substance that the ear is exuding, then the medication will not properly reach its target. This must be done before each treatment. Several over-the-counter solutions are available for cleaning ears, or you can purchase one from your veterinarian.
It is not a good idea to use cotton swabs for cleaning, because this can push debris farther into the ear canal. A cotton ball is a better option.
How You Can Clean Dog's Ears
-
Though it sounds simple enough, cleaning a dog's ears can be a challenge, especially when the dog is resistant to treatment. It can be accomplished, though.
Putting peanut butter on the refrigerator can distract the dog while you work on cleaning its ears. Sometimes, the task might take two people--one to hold the dog while the other cleans.When you put the ear solution into your dog's ear, it can help to massage the base of the ear canal--you can feel it under the ear flap--to help break up the wax. A cotton ball or paper towel can remove the debris.
If you do not feel that you can safely clean out the ears, then consult your veterinarian.
How Are Ear Mites Treated?
-
Several types of medications are available for the treatment of ear mites. They can vary from daily administration of drops in the ears to a once-a-month application. What type of treatment your dog needs will be determined by the veterinarian.
Topical Treatments
-
Topical treatments include ear drops that are dosed daily, often more than once, for a duration of three weeks. The steady application over such a time period is needed to kill the mites that hatch over the 21-day life cycle. Many over-the-counter drops require extended treatment.
Some mites are resistant to the insecticides used in many of the topical treatments, so they might not be effective.
Injections
-
Your veterinarian can administer a medication that is injected under the dog's skin. This injection contains ivermectin, a fairly effective medication in the treatment of mites. It is especially helpful in cases where the dog does not want to be treated. Ivermectin needs to be injected weekly or every two weeks for a month to kill newly hatched mites.
Single Use Topicals
-
Some of the flea treatment medications on the market today also include pesticides that kill ear mites. These are applied once a month, usually year-round. Your vet can also prescribe medicine that is applied directly to the ears that will kill the mites in a single dose. When using these topical ointments, however, the ears still need to be cleaned to prevent wax accumulation, which could lead to an ear infection.
-