How to Recognize and Treat Ear Mites in Dogs

Ear mites are a common parasite picked up by dogs. Mites tend to be attracted to animal ear wax and cause intense itching.

Here’s what you need to know about ear mites in dogs.

What Are Ear Mites?

Ear mites are tiny little insects. They have eight legs, resemble ticks and live on or just under the surface of the skin. The Otodectes mite species infects canine ear canals; the Demodex mite species may cause skin infections around the ear but it does not cause infections in the ear canal.

Canine Risk Factors

Ear mites usually infect puppies and young dogs, especially if they have been living in a shelter or were abandoned and living in the wild. Older dogs seem to be resistant to ear mites.

If one pet in your home has ear mites, all animals need to be treated. If left untreated, ear mites can cause middle and inner ear infections, which can damage hearing or affect balance.

Ear mites can travel outside the ear to other parts of a dog’s body. The resulting sores will resemble a skin allergy or a flea infection. This condition is called otodectic mange.

Human Risk Factors

Humans are not a natural host for ear mites. If you become infected with mites, they will die within a couple of weeks because our bodies can’t sustain them.

Symptoms of Canine Ear Mites

Ear mites cause itching. Imagine being continually bitten by a tiny mosquito inside your ear canal and you’ll understand how aggravating this condition is for your dog. Usually there will be a dark red-brown or black, crusty and crumbly discharge. Here are the common symptoms of ear mites in dogs:

• Head shaking
• Scratches on ear and head
• Redness in ear canal
• Four odor
• Intense itching
• Dark discharge; looks like coffee grounds

Diagnosis and Treatment of Ear Mites in Dogs

A dog’s ears can become so inflamed they won’t let you or the vet get near them. If this happens, your vet will need to sedate your dog to diagnose and treat him or her.

The treatment of ear mites involves cleaning the ears at least twice a week for three weeks or more. If you don’t follow up on this regimen, ear mite eggs will hatch and start the infection all over again. Your vet can recommend the best cleaning solution for your dog.

While some dogs can be treated at home, sometimes the infection is so far advanced an injectable medication will be needed.

Prevention of Ear Mites in Dogs

If your dog is at risk for ear mites, look for heartworm or flea prevention treatments that include ear mite prevention.

Make sure to keep your dog’s bedding clean and outside run area sanitary so you’re not attracting mites or other unsavory pests.

A monthly grooming session with a trained dog groomer will include ear cleaning and feedback on any issues the groomer sees. Set up an appointment with our expert groomer, Chris. She can even take care of your dog while your dog is on campus!

If you suspect your dog has an ear mite infection, make an appointment to be seen by your veterinarian soon. Your vet knows your dog’s health history and can make the best recommendation for the care of your dog.

Have you had a dog with ear mites? Please share your experience with the rest of the Canine Campus community in the comments below…