Ear mites are one of the most common parasite infestations that can occur in dogs. Most puppies get the mites from their parents at a very young age as they nurse. These tiny crab-like creatures infect dogs' ears and cause itching, head shaking and ear odor and discharge. Once diagnosed, ear mites can be easily treated.
Things You'll Need
- Dog
- Veterinarian
- Clean cloth
- Prescribed medication
- Insecticide
Instructions
Treating the Mites
Seek a diagnosis from your veterinarian.
The treatment for ear mites helps eliminate the bugs. Applying treatment that is not specifically intended to eliminate mites can aggravate them or push them further into the ear canal where they can do more damage to your dog's ears and hearing.
Clean the dog's ear. Your veterinarian may do this at the appointment, but it should be done each time you apply the prescribed medication. The waxy build-up must be removed for the prescription to reach the actual skin inside the ear and work. Use large pieces of cotton or a soft damp cloth to clean inside the ear. Do not use cotton swabs as they are too small for dogs' ears and have the potential to fall inside or push dirt and debris further into the ear, causing more problems.
Apply the medication. Most treatments for ear mites include a topical cream or ointment to be applied inside the ears. After thoroughly cleaning the ears, apply the medication as prescribed by the veterinarian, at recommended intervals.
Get rid of the mites. Sometimes, during the course of treatment, the mites will flee the ear, only to live somewhere else on the dog and then return to the ear after the treatment cycle is over. To prevent this, ask your veterinarian for an insecticide. It usually comes in either a liquid or powder form and should be used on your dog's whole body to kill all of the mites.
Plan to give your dog daily baths and grooming during treatment to help get rid of dead mites. Toys, bedding and the kennel should be cleaned daily as well to ensure that mites do not live on them.
Ask your veterinarian about natural remedies and treatments if you would prefer not to give your dog a prescribed medication or insecticide. A holistic veterinarian should be able to give you several natural treatment options.
Prevent ear mites through proper care and cleaning of your canine companion. Grooming your pet and checking ears should be part of a daily routine. Keep the dog's kennel area clean as well, as mites thrive in dirty situations. Since mites are easily passed from one dog to another, know the dogs that your pet comes into contact with and talk to other owners about their dog's health.
Because ear problems can be fairly common in dogs, plan to take your dog to the veterinarian if your pet starts to show signs of having ear mites or any other ear infection. At the appointment, the veterinarian will look in your dog's ears and possibly take a swabbed sample from the ears to observe under a microscope. This sample will allow the veterinarian to see the mites and confirm the diagnosis to prescribe the correct medication.