Getting rid of dog ear mites

Ear mites in dogs are tiny arachnids for which ear wax and the lubricant secreted by the ear canal is a first-class feast. Your dog, however, is unlikely to enjoy being the host of such a party. Ear mites cause severe itching around the ears and can cause extreme discomfort to animals.

The bad news: They are highly contagious, and if one of your pets has ear mites, chances are others have gotten it too. The good news is that otodectosis can be cured.” Since mites do not penetrate deep into the ear, they are easier to get rid of than other parasites. Our tips will help you learn how to do it.

What exactly are ear mites?

The most common type of ear mite is Otodectes cynotis, which literally means “dog beggar” in Greek. The American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists states that along with dogs, these ear mites can be found in cats, ferrets, and foxes.

Ear mites in dogs are very small in size, but if you look closely at the ear of an infected animal, you can see pinprick-sized white spots. They are classified as arachnids along with spiders and mites because they have eight legs, although you won’t see this without a strong magnifying glass.

How do you know if a dog has ticks?

Ear mites cause discomfort and irritation to dogs. If your dog is scratching his ears or shaking his head more than usual, he may have mites. Some animals itch so much and often because of these parasites that they can scratch the area around their ears to abrasions and sores.

You can also identify an ear mite infestation by looking into your dog’s ears. The American Kennel Club believes that one of the signs that ear mites “have taken up residence in your pet’s ear canal is the presence of a dark, lumpy, foul-smelling substance made from dried blood.

Where do dogs get these parasites from?

First of all, your dog may have picked up ear mites on the street or got infected from another animal. Ear mites are highly contagious, and as soon as they appear in one dog, all other members of the “pack” are at risk (even if they are cats). Parasites are passed from one pet to another when an infected animal shakes its head, and they can also be transferred to other animals from the hair that has fallen to the ground. It’s scary to imagine how many miles they would get if they were frequent flyers.

Once a dog has picked up even one ear mite, a full-fledged infection can develop very quickly. Female ticks can lay five eggs a day, says Trupanion. Ticks hatch in four days, and hungry offspring are ready to feast on earwax and fat.

What are the possible complications?

In particularly severe cases, animals that do not receive timely treatment may experience long-term consequences, such as hearing loss and loss of balance, writes Wag!. But if you take your dog to the vet as soon as you spot a problem, any trouble is likely to be minimal.

The most common problem is self-inflicted wounds by dogs trying to get rid of the itching caused by ear mites. With their claws, they can inflict deep painful scratches on themselves, which must be processed so that there is no infection.

How to get rid of ear mites?

While you may be tempted to try “homemade” remedies, you should still consult your veterinarian to determine the best treatment program for your dog. He may recommend that you bring all your pets in for a checkup to see if other animals have been infected.

Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog’s ears to remove as many ear mites as possible. After that, an antiparasitic agent will most likely be applied to her ears. Trupanion says if the infestation is advanced, the veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics.

Because shedding pet hair can carry parasites, your veterinarian may advise you to bathe your pet frequently throughout the month to remove any mites that may still be in their fur. You should also thoroughly clean and disinfect any areas where your dog may have left his hair to reduce the chance of re-infection.

With a little help from your veterinarian, you can beat those nasty ear mites and get rid of your dog’s itchy ears.