Ear Mites in Beagles Treatment

A common problem for owners of dogs and cats are ear mites. Ear mites are microscopic organisms that can take root in your pet's ears. They are highly contagious for animals, and can cause very irritating ear infections. Dogs with long ears, like beagles, are especially prone to ear mites.

  1. Signs

    • There are several signs that may tell you if your beagle has ear mites. If your dog keeps rubbing its head against objects or keeps scratching its ear, it could be due to irritation caused by ear mites. If a dog's ear feels warm, it could be a sign of an infection. While you can't see ear mites with the naked eye, if you look in your dog's ear and see what looks like coffee grounds, chances are your beagle has ear mites.

    Early Treatment

    • You should use cotton swabs and remove the discharge in your beagle's ears. Use a rolling, lifting motion, taking care to not pack the discharge deeper into the ear canal. If you're not sure how to do this, ask your veterinarian to show you. Mineral oil helps remove the discharge, and there are solutions like Douxo Micellar Cleaner Solution or Virbac's Epi-Otic, that can be used for this purpose, but don't be surprised if your dog resists--it won't like liquids being poured into its ears.

    Medicines

    • After the discharge is cleared, you need to medicate your dog to kill the ear mites. There are drugs that can be bought over-the-counter, as well as prescription, but always contact your vet before you use them. Generally, you'll add a few drops into your dog's ear canal, then massage the ear area to make sure the solution penetrates well, according to TerrificPets.com. The site also says to keep the ear flap open in order to provide good air flow. The dosage and duration varies depending on the medication. Follow the instructions, and if you have any questions, call your vet. You can purchase drugs like Eradimite or Otomite Plus online.

    Prevention

    • Beagles' long ears make them prone to infections because they don't get enough fresh air into the ear canal. Check your dog's ears regularly, and clean them at least once a week. Wash your dog's bedding in hot, soapy water, and dry it in a dryer. Treat your home and lawn area with insecticides used to kill fleas, but again, clear it with your vet first.

    Unsuccessful treatment

    • If your beagle's ear problems will still not go away, even after repeated treatment, take it to your vet. It may be something other than ear mites, such as an allergy. It could also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a weak immune system. Ear mites generally go away after a course of treatment, and can be kept at bay through vigilance on your part.