Ear mites are pests that are most common in dogs, but they can also be found in cats as well. Mites cause irritation inside your pet's ears, which can lead to damage through excessive scratching. In addition, the buildup caused by the mites can lead to further infection. Because of this, you should treat your dog immediately if you suspect he has ear mites.
Instructions
Take your pet to a vet for a proper examination if she shows signs of a possible ear mite infection. The vet can examine your pet's ear wax under a microscope for the presence of mites.
Treat your pet with an over-the-counter topical treatment, and use it for 21 to 30 days. You must use over-the-counter treatments through a full 21-day life cycle to ensure full eradication, because they do not kill eggs.
Use a prescription topical treatment per your vet's suggestion, and use it for 10 to 14 days. Prescription options are able to kill eggs as well, which is why they have a shorter time frame for use.
Use two to four injections of anti-mite treatment if your dog makes application of topical treatments difficult. The pet will get the shots once or twice weekly, depending on the brand; however some dogs cannot have the shots, so only use them if recommended by your vet.
Use a single-use product. Follow the instructions of the single-use product, as some must be applied directly to the ears, while some are used on the shoulders of the pet. Clean your pet's ears thoroughly before attempting to use a single-use product.