Ear Mites In Dogs - Prevention, Symptoms and Treatment

Ear mites, also known as Otodectes cynotis, are tiny parasites that cause an infestation in a dog’s ears. They’re often incorrectly referred to as ear lice in dogs, but they are ear mites. They cause intense irritation, discomfort and feed wax and oils in the ear, which is what causes your dog to itch and shake their head incessantly. Whilst they’re not dangerous and easily treatable, if left untreated they can cause secondary infections in the ear.

They belong to the Psoroptidae mite family and dwell on the surface of the skin rather than burrowing down into deeper layers like other mites do.

Worried about a different kind of mite infestation on dog fur? If you think your pooch may have sarcoptic or demodectic mange, learn more about it here.

Ear mites are very difficult to see with the naked eye. They’re approximately 1-2 mm long and appear small and white, moving slowly with a short round body and eight legs. As it’s difficult for dog parents to see, your veterinary practice will usually have a microscope used for diagnosing mites to advise the next steps.

The most common cause of ear mite infection in dogs is close contact with another dog that’s already infected with them. They can survive in the environment for long periods so some dogs can pick them up from their home environment or when they’re out in the garden or on a walk. They’re also highly contagious and easily spread between dogs, so if you’re planning to take your pup to any play dates, it’s best to reschedule.

Puppies are, however, more commonly affected than adult dogs. When a puppy has an ear mite infestation, they travel onto bedding and can be picked up by other dogs easily. They can also be transferred quickly to other puppies in the litter as they all sleep close to each other.

There’s a range of symptoms that will make themselves present if your dog has ear mites. It’s always good practice for dog parents to check their ears for anything abnormal.

Dog mites symptoms include:

●     Sore skin around the ears

●     Redness and swelling

●     Painful ears

●     Itching and scratching around the ears, head, and neck area

●     Rubbing ears on the floor, or other objects

●     Head shaking

●     Dark waxy ear discharge

●     Foul smell from the ears

●     Aural hematoma (swelling between the cartilage due to a blood clot)

It’s very important to monitor for symptoms of ear mites in dogs. If left untreated, your dog will become extremely uncomfortable, and their quality of life will be significantly reduced. Persistent ear mites can lead to secondary infections and other complications in the ear. Some severe infections can involve dogs needing surgery to salvage the ear. 

Want to know how to treat dog for mites? Ear mite treatment for dogs is relatively simple if the infestation is caught early. The safest and most successful way to get rid of ear mites in dogs is to visit your vet so they can examine your dog’s ears and determine what treatment is necessary.

Your vet will check if ear mites are present by using a tool called an otoscope. This allows them to examine the contents of the ear close with a magnifying lens. A sample of any debris or discharge can also be taken with a swab which is then examined under the microscope to check for mites, as well as bacteria, yeast, and other organisms that may cause disease. Then your vet can ascertain the appropriate treatment for dogs with mites. Treatment options for ear mites include:

●     A clean of both ears at your vet - a thorough clean can be done under sedation or general anaesthetic

●     Prescription ear drops and medication

●     Ivermectin injections

There are many spot-on treatments available on the market that act as canine ear mite treatment and prevent mites too!. The Otodex Ear Drops and Johnson’s Ear Cranker Drops are great for effective treatments at home to kill the mites and soothe irritation. Medicated ear drops often require a long course of treatment, a minimum of 3 weeks as the medication cannot work on eggs laid, so it must be used until all eggs have hatched. The eggs take 21 days to develop, hence the minimum 3-week course.

Insecticidal ear drops are needed for ear mites. These products usually contain pyrethrin, fipronil, selamectin, or ivermectin. It’s important to administer the medication after the ears have been cleaned as this allows the drug to get to all the necessary areas. It’s always important to consult your vet before using any medication.

This can vary due to the life cycle of mites and it also depends on the course of medication your pooch undertakes, as medicated ear drops are at a minimum 3-week course.

To prevent ear mites, clean your dog’s ears once a month with the appropriate ear solutions or drops, wash their bedding and keep your dog away from those infected with ear mites.

If left untreated, ear mites can cause lots of problems for dogs. Excessive scratching of the ears and head shaking can easily lead to trauma to the external and inner ears. Aural hematomas can form. The ear can become hypersensitive. Secondary infections are very common with chronic mite infestation. Your dog can even experience loss of hearing in some extreme cases.

It’s always best practice to visit a vet if your dog is unwell, or struggling with an ear infection. Home remedies are not a substitute for a vet visit, and if you’re wanting to try an at-home solution it’s always worth speaking to your vet beforehand to check if it’s safe.

It has been suggested that putting Vaseline in your dog's ears can work by suffocating ear mites, but it won't affect mites deeper in the ear and it can be dangerous to try as clumps of Vaseline may also change the environment inside the ear canal and allow for bacteria and yeast to thrive, exacerbating the problem rather than getting rid of it.

Although ear mites are not a medical emergency, it’s very important to seek veterinary attention as soon as you see any symptoms of ear mites in dogs. For the first sign of any ear issue, you need to be booking an appointment to be seen. This is because clinical signs may only be subtle or may have taken a while to become apparent. There are other things that dogs can be affected by in their ears such as cancer or infection, so you must get a professional diagnosis on the issue promptly. This will enable your vet to set up a tailored treatment plan. Searching for ear mite treatment that’s puppy friendly? Speak to your local vet today.

Ear mite medication for your dog will need to be prescribed by your local vet. If you’re looking for ear drops and cleaners to keep your dog’s ears clean which can help prevent ear mites, have a sniff around our selection of products here.

Ear mites are a common problem in dogs and can occur on dogs of any age but are seen more in puppies than older dogs. Dog mite medication is required to rid your dog of the infection. If you are concerned about anything to do with your dog's ears, you need to contact your vet for advice. For more dog and puppy essentials, discover our range online and in-store.