Ear mites are the most common cause of infection in cats and dogs. However, infections are also often misdiagnosed as a case of ear mites. Because they transfer so easily between animals, it is important to know more about ear mites to avoid spread and treat correctly.
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Basic Information
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Ear mites are contagious because they are living creatures. Direct contact between an infected animal and a healthy one can cause easy spread between the two. Almost 90 percent of cats will have ear mites at some point in their life.
Survival Without Host
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Ear mites can survive for months without a host. This means that they are able to spread even easier than some diseases because they can lie in wait between host animals. Boarded or adopted pets often catch ear mites because the mites will remain in the environment, even if their last host was cured and/or is no longer in the area.
Treatment
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If your animal exhibits signs of irritation, check the inside of the pet's ear. Eat mites cause a lingering presence of black crust inside the animal's ear. Treatment is relatively easy and can be administered either by a vet or at home. Once the pet is cured, shampoo and clean rugs and environment to make sure no lingering mites remain in the home.
Effects of Infection
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An ear mite infection can cause a number of problems for your pet. As well as the basic itching irritation, the mites can damage the middle ear, causing motor difficulty for your pet. They also will spread from ear to skin, causing irritation on the neck and back on your pet.
When to Go to a Vet
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If you have tried to rid an ear mite infestation at home and have not had success in 5 to 7 days, take your animal to the vet. You may have misapplied the home remedy or may have misdiagnosed your pet's condition. Make sure to clean the home environment as well. This will get rid of any mites that may remain in the area.
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