Ear Mites in Dogs

Ear mites in dogs are tiny insects that live inside the ear canal of the dog. Also referred to as canine ear mites, they are highly contagious and can spread to other animals like cats and rodents. Otodectes cynotis, few of the most common ear mites, feed on epidermal debris and earwax, and burrow into the ear, causing inflammation to which the body responds by generating more wax. Ear mites may cause painful, serious ear infection in the dog, that can force the dog to scratch vigorously around the ears and shake his/her head frequently. The dog may scratch and shake more as the infestation worsens, and eventually the ear mites in dogs can result in permanent hearing loss. The mites can also spread to the skin and cause itching, scratching all over the back, neck and tail areas of the dogs.

Ear Mites in Dogs: Symptoms

• Shaking the head and scratching the ears excessively
• Thick, crusty reddish black discharge from the ears
• Increase in the amount of earwax
• Excessive itchiness, irritation and pain
• Fresh or dried blood inside the ear canals, resembling coffee grounds

Ear Mites in Dogs: Diagnosis

Ear mites, though small, are visible to the naked eye, and appear as white dots among the dark debris. If the dog has been infected by the mites, reddish-brown debris can be seen throughout the ear canal. However, ear mites in dogs are most often diagnosed by the veterinarian who looks into the ear with a lighted otoscope that magnifies the mites. The vet may perform a cytology exam which involves examining the sample of the ear discharge mixed with mineral oil under a microscope. Radiographs (X-rays) or CT scans may also be conducted to determine the condition of the ear canal and bone, and to evaluate the extent of severity. Different skin or dog allergy tests may be performed to diagnose if the dog has allergies that may irritate the ears, and skin as well.

Ear Mites in Dogs: Treatment

The first step of the treatment is to clean the dog's ear thoroughly. The vet will remove the waxy buildup and dark reddish black discharge, so that the medications can penetrate properly and kill the ear mites. The doctor may prescribe some medications that has to be put in the pet's ear once or twice, daily to weekly in the form of drops. If you are purchasing over-the-counter medications, make sure they comprise pyrethrin or ivermectin, two main ingredients that are actually aimed at killing the ear mites.

Ear Mites in Dogs: Home Remedies

• Use an eyedropper to put some vegetable or olive oil into the ear canal, massage the ear thoroughly to loosen any deeply impacted mite dirt.
• To relieve irritation and scratching caused by the ear mite, you can use natural treatment of psorinum or sulfur.
• In order to kill the mites, prepare a mixture comprising 9 drops of Yellow Dock Root Extract and 1 tbsp of water. With the help of an ear drop, insert the mixture into pet's ears and massage well.
• Another remedy is to mix ½ an ounce of almond oil with 400 IU's of vitamin E. Use an ear drop to put the treatment in to the dog's ear, massage the mixture around the ear and remove the excess with cotton balls.

Ear mites in dogs can be serious if left untreated, causing permanent damage to the ear canals and eardrums, and leaving deformity of the ears and possible deafness. The infection can be treated with insecticidal ear preparations, and if the mites are living on other parts of the dog's body, you may require to give your dog a bath in medicated shampoo prescribed by the vet. For puppies or first time dog owners, it's recommended to have a veterinarian examine the ear infestation to carry out the first diagnosis.