How to Treat Dog Ear Mites

Disclaimer: Remedies that have been mentioned in this article are meant for educational purpose. They cannot replace what a vet would recommend for your pet. So it is advised to use such remedies only after consulting with a professional.

One of the most common woes faced by canines is an ear mite infestation. Otodectes cynot happens to be the common species of these parasites which affect dogs and cats. As the name suggests, these parasites are known to inhibit the ear canals and head of dogs. On the surface of the skin of the ear canal, they feed on tissue debris, and tissue fluids. Although they are known as ear mites, these tiny crab-like creatures can affect any part of the body. To add to this, their infestation is highly contagious, and can easily spread from one animal to another. Puppies and younger dogs tend to be more vulnerable to ear mite infection.

How To Know If Your Pet Has Ear Mites

Mentioned below are some of the most common signs which arise after the infestation sets in.

• The continuous crawling of the parasites in your dog's ear will make him vigorously shake his head.
• You will notice your pet scratching his ears way more than normal. This is because of the itching caused by the ear mites. Due to this, painful sores may develop.
• He may whine in pain if you touch his ears.
• Some dogs rub their face along the ground to relieve the itching.
• On examining his ears carefully, you would be able to notice a thick, black crusty ear discharge.
• Production of earwax may also be increased.
• Another common symptom is a foul odor coming out of the dog's ear

Home Remedy for Dog Ear Mites

• Make a mixture of water (2 parts) and white vinegar (1 part). Now drop 2 - 3 drops of this solution in the right ear. Massage the area gently, and using a cotton ball, wipe the ear canal. Repeat with the other ear. This method works because of the acidity of the vinegar, which is good enough to deal with the infestation.
• Get an empty eye dropper. Fill it with mineral oil. Now squirt the oil into each of the ear canal and wait for sometime. The oil helps in getting rid of the debris, and also eliminates the mites. After applying the oil, massage around the ear. This would help loosen the earwax and also kill the mites. After you are done with the massaging, simply let your pet take out the oil on its own.
• Make a mix of almond oil (½ oz.) and vitamin E (400 IU). Place a drop or two into the ears of your pet, and let it shake out the excess. Now what you can do is wipe the opening of the ears with a cotton ball. Repeat this step every alternate day for 6 days. Almond oil not only kills these pesky parasites, but also adds to the healing of the wounds and swelling.
• Treating dog ear mites with a mix of yellow root dock extract (about 8 - 9 drops) and water (1 tbsp.), also helps.

The important fact about all these home remedies is, although they are effective in getting rid of adult ear mites, the mite eggs somehow bypass them. And this is why, using these methods regularly would help prevent these parasites from reproducing. Also, if you see that your pet is not responding to these home remedies, then do not wait any longer, but make your way to a vet. Delay would only make the condition worse.