Complete Guide to Treating and Preventing Ear Mites in Dogs

Understanding Ear Mites in Dogs

Ear mites are a common parasite that affects dogs. These microscopic bugs can cause intense itchiness, discomfort, and even infection in your dog's ears. While ear mites are highly contagious between animals, they are treatable with proper medication prescribed by your veterinarian.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about ear mites in dogs including:

• What are ear mites?
• What causes ear mites?
• Signs & symptoms of ear mites
• How to check for ear mites
• Transmission & life cycle
• Risk factors
• Complications
• Diagnosis
• Treatment & prevention
• Home remedies
• When to see a vet

Gaining an understanding of this common parasite will help you spot the signs early and get treatment fast to provide relief and comfort for your canine companion.

What Are Ear Mites in Dogs?

Ear mites, known scientifically as Otodectes cynotis, are tiny parasitic bugs that live on the surface of a dog's ear canal. These mites feed on skin cells, oils, and earwax, causing irritation, itchiness, and inflammation.

Under a microscope, ear mites appear white and can reach up to 0.5mm in length. They have 8 legs and round bodies without any eyes or wings. Ear mites are highly contagious and can spread rapidly between animals.

Signs & Symptoms of Ear Mites in Dogs

The most common signs of an ear mite infestation include:

• Intense itchiness in the ears
• Frequent head shaking and scratching at ears
• Redness and inflammation inside the ear
• Black or brown ear discharge - may look like coffee grounds
• Scabby texture inside the ears
• Strong, unpleasant odor from the ears
• Crusty buildup in or around the ears
• Hair loss around the ears
• Development of secondary ear infections

If you notice any of these symptoms, check your dog's ears thoroughly. Seeing the mites themselves or the debris they leave behind will help confirm an infestation.

How to Check Your Dog's Ears for Mites

To properly inspect your dog's ears:

1. Hold your dog steady and gently pull the ear flap up to straighten the L-shaped ear canal.
2. Look first at the inner flap, then deeper inside the canal using a light source to illuminate.
3. Mites may appear as tiny white dots moving around the ear canal. You may also see a dark crumbly discharge.
4. If the canal is inflamed, only examine the outer area. Don’t insert objects inside.
5. Check both ears even if only one seems irritated.

Seeing live mites is the clearest confirmation of an infestation. But debris and symptoms also warrant a trip to the vet for evaluation and treatment.

What Causes Ear Mites in Dogs?

Ear mites spread through direct contact between animals. Young dogs are most vulnerable since their immune systems are still developing.

The mites transfer easily through activities like:

• Playing together
• Snuggling or sleeping close
• Grooming each other
• Sharing bedding

Adult dogs can also get ear mites, especially those with exposure to infected puppies or cats. Once on a new host, the mites quickly multiply and infest the ears.

Transmission & Life Cycle

The ear mite life cycle has 4 stages:

1. Egg - Tiny, oval-shaped eggs laid in the ear canal
2. Larvae - Hatched eggs develop into larvae
3. Nymph - Larvae mature into 8-legged nymphs
4. Adult - Nymphs become sexually mature adults who reproduce and lay more eggs to continue the cycle

Total development spans around 3 weeks. Adult mites can survive for 2 to 3 months in the ears. The entire lifecycle occurs inside the ear canal.

Close contact allows newly hatched mites to transfer to a new host easily. Pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets are all susceptible to ear mites.

Are Ear Mites Contagious to Humans?

Luckily, dog ear mites cannot live on human hosts. So you don't need to worry about catching ear mites from your pooch. Proper hygiene like washing hands after touching infected ears will prevent accidental spread between your pets.

Risk Factors for Ear Mites

Certain dogs are at increased risk of developing an ear mite infestation:

• Puppies - underdeveloped immune system
• Shelter & rescued dogs - possible prior exposure
• Dogs with allergies or skin conditions - susceptible ears
• Unclean living conditions
• Close contact with infected cats
• Dogs that play/groom together often

Routine ear checks and prompt treatment can help prevent chronic or recurrent ear mite cases. Keeping your dog's living area clean is also key.

Complications of Ear Mites

While not life-threatening on their own, ear mites can lead to painful secondary conditions including:

Ear Infections

Constant scratching and irritation opens up the skin for bacteria and yeast overgrowth. Infected ears become swollen, painful, and may discharge pus or blood.

Ruptured Ear Drum

Vigorous head shaking and scratching can sometimes rupture the ear drum. This causes hearing loss, equilibrium problems, and vulnerability to further infections.

Paralysis of the Ear Canal

Chronic inflammation can damage the muscles controlling the ear canal. Loss of muscle function leads to floppy, weakened ears.

Permanent Deafness

Prolonged ear mite infestations and infections can destroy delicate ear structures. This causes permanent hearing loss in severe cases.

That's why quick diagnosis and treatment are so important. Follow up exams will also help ensure the mites and any secondary infections are fully eliminated.

Diagnosing Ear Mites

Veterinarians use a combination of tests to confirm an ear mite diagnosis:

Physical Exam

Examining the ear canal with an otoscope allows vets to look for live mites and associated inflammation. Debris from mites may also be visible.

Microscopic Analysis

Taking a swab sample of ear discharge lets vets examine debris under the microscope. Seeing mite eggs or body parts helps confirm their presence.

Culture & Sensitivity Testing

Culturing ear discharge can identify any secondary bacterial or fungal infections. Testing also shows what medications will be effective for treatment.

In severe cases, vets may recommend:

• Blood work to assess overall health
• X-rays to check for middle ear inflammation

Catching ear mites early simplifies diagnosis and treatment.

Treating Ear Mites in Dogs

Veterinarians often prescribe a combination of medications to eliminate ear mites:

Topical Medications

Applied directly in the ears, these kill both adult mites and eggs. Common options include:

• Selamectin
• Ivermectin
• Milbemycin oxime

Multi-dose treatments are often needed to fully break the mite life cycle.

Antibiotics & Antifungals

If a secondary infection is present, additional medications will be prescribed like:

• Anti-bacterial ear drops
• Oral antibiotics
• Antifungal ear medications

Anti-Inflammatories

Steroid therapy helps reduce swelling and inflammation for faster relief and healing.

Ear Cleansers

Gentle ear cleansers will be recommended to wash away debris and discharge from the irritated ears.

Follow your veterinarian’s treatment plan exactly, even if your dog’s ears look better. Stopping medication too soon gives remaining mites a chance to recover and prolongs the infestation.

Can Ear Mites Go Away on Their Own?

Unfortunately ear mites will not go away without treatment. The infestation will continue worsening and your dog will be in ongoing discomfort.

Medication is necessary both to kill the mites and heal any resulting infections. Home remedies can provide some soothing relief but do not treat the root cause.

Recovery & Follow Up

With proper treatment, your dog's ear mites should resolve within 1-3 weeks. You may notice:

• Reduced scratching, head shaking and discomfort
• Minimal remaining debris or discharge
• Visible improvement in ear swelling and irritation

Your vet will likely recommend a follow up appointment to confirm the infestation has fully cleared. Repeat exams may be needed if the ears still show inflammation.

If symptoms get worse or recur shortly after finishing medication, call your veterinarian right away for reevaluation.

Preventing Reinfestation

Since ear mites spread rapidly, all pets in the household should be treated simultaneously. Wash bedding and disinfect living areas to eliminate traces.

Limit contact with strays or shelter animals. Ask playmates if their pet’s ears have been checked recently.

Monthly ear cleanings and checks will help spot reinfestations early before they intensify.

Home Remedies for Dog Ear Mites

While home remedies can’t cure ear mites, they may provide some soothing relief alongside prescribed medication. Options include:

Coconut Oil

Has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a few drops in each ear daily.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Mildly acidic to deter mites. Mix with equal water and wipe on outer ears daily.

Aloe Vera Gel

Calms inflammation and itching. Use gauze soaked in gel to wipe inside ears.

Witch Hazel

Natural astringent to remove wax and debris. Dampen cotton ball and gently wipe ears.

Always talk to your veterinarian before using any home treatments. Only apply to outer ears if the canal is inflamed or infected.

When to See a Vet for Ear Mites

Make an appointment with your veterinarian right away if your dog shows any signs of ear mites or related complications. The vet will be able to:

• Confirm if mites are present
• Prescribe effective parasite killing medication
• Treat any secondary infections
• Provide ongoing care tips

Leaving ear mites untreated allows the irritation to worsen and ups the chances of permanent damage. So don’t wait - seek vet care as soon as symptoms appear to get your dog relief and on the road to recovery.

Protect Your Dog from Ear Mites

Ear mites are extremely contagious but also very treatable parasites. Checking your dog’s ears frequently gives you the best chance of catching infestations early before they intensify. Contact your vet at the first sign of irritation for proper diagnosis and medication.

Sticking to prescribed treatment, keeping up with follow up appointments, and taking preventive measures will help protect your pooch from reoccurring discomfort. With proactive care and monitoring, you can keep your dog’s ears healthy, comfortable, and mite-free.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.