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Treating Ear Mites in Pets with Apple Cider Vinegar

Ear mites are a common parasite that affects cats, dogs, rabbits, and other animals. These microscopic bugs live in the ear canal where they feed on ear wax and oils. An ear mite infestation can cause severe itchiness, irritation, and inflammation of the outer and inner ear. Pets may shake their head constantly and scratch at their ears attempting to get relief. Left untreated, ear mites can lead to bacterial and yeast infections of the ear canal. To properly get rid of ear mites and provide relief to your pet, a vet-recommended topical medication is usually necessary. However, many pet owners have also had success using apple cider vinegar to help treat and repel ear mites.

What are Ear Mites?

Ear mites, scientifically known as otodectes cynotis, are tiny parasitic insects that live on the skin surface inside the ears of cats, dogs, ferrets, and other animals. These mites are highly contagious and can spread rapidly between animals. They feed on ear wax and oils and lay their eggs inside the ear canal. An ear mite infestation is medically known as otodectic mange. Some key facts about ear mites include:

• Microscopic size - Adult mites are just large enough to be visible to the naked human eye, about 0.5 mm long.
• Short life span - Mites can live up to 2-3 months and complete their life cycle inside the ear.
• Highly contagious - They are easily spread between animals in close contact.
• Cause irritation - They feed on ear wax and irritate the sensitive skin of ear canal.
• Difficult to eliminate - Treatment needs to kill mites and eggs since they live their full life cycle in the ears.

Kittens and puppies are most prone to ear mites since their immune systems are still developing. However, ear mites can affect pets of any age. Animals that spend time outdoors and come into close contact with strays have a higher risk of contracting ear mites.

Signs Your Pet May Have Ear Mites

The most common signs of an ear mite infestation include:

• Intense itchiness and irritation of the ears
• Frequent head shaking and ear scratching
• Redness and inflammation of the outer and inner ear
• Brown or black ear discharge - often resembles coffee grounds
• Crusty build up in or around the outer ear
• Hair loss around the ears
• Ear odor - sometimes associated with bacterial or yeast infections secondary to ear mites
• Change in behavior such as depression or lethargy from discomfort

Severe ear mite infestations left untreated can lead to more serious secondary ear infections. It is important to get veterinary attention if you notice any signs of irritation or discomfort in your pet's ears.

Diagnosing Ear Mites

A veterinarian can confirm an ear mite infestation through a physical exam and visual inspection of the ears. Signs during examination may include:

• Excess ear wax and discharge
• Redness, irritation, and inflammation
• Evidence of skin irritation and itching
• Visible bugs - mites may be seen moving on the eardrum or in a sample of the ear discharge when viewed under a microscope

In some cases, a vet may take a sample of the discharge from the external ear canal with a cotton swab to examine under the microscope. This can allow identification of mites, eggs, or mite fecal material for confirmation.

Conventional Ear Mite Treatments

Most vets will recommend prescription or over-the-counter topical ear mite treatments. Frequently prescribed medications include:

• Ivermectin - applied topically or given orally or by injection
• Selamectin - topical medication applied to skin, kills adult mites and eggs
• Milbemycin oxime - oral medication in pill form
• Spinosad - quick kill topical drops
• Lime sulfur rinse - helps address secondary infections

These products work by killing the adult ear mites as well as eliminating eggs and immature mites to stop the life cycle. This allows the infestation to be fully eliminated. Treatments usually need to be continued over a period of time to ensure any newly hatched mites are killed before they can reproduce.

Treating any secondary infections with antibiotic, antifungal, or anti-yeast medications may also be necessary. Severe infections may require oral antibiotics and steroid treatment. After treatment, the ears may need to be kept clean while healing finishes. Follow your vet's advice for care during treatment.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Ear Mites

While medical treatments available through your veterinarian will be the most effective way to eliminate an ear mite infestation, many pet owners have had success using apple cider vinegar to help treat and repel mites. The acidic nature is thought to help kill mites while also rebalancing the skin's pH levels to repel future infestations.

Apple cider vinegar can be used both topically in the ears and added to your pet's food or water. Some key ways to use apple cider vinegar include:

• Add 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar per 1 cup of drinking water for pets. This can be provided as the regular drinking source.
• Mix 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with 1 cup food. Can be added to wet or dry food.
• Make an apple cider vinegar rinse by mixing equal parts vinegar and water. Use cotton balls to apply liberally in and around ears. Allow your pet to shake out excess.
• Soak cotton balls in undiluted apple cider vinegar and use them to wipe out visible debris and wax from ears. Take care not to apply vinegar deep into ear canal.
• Make an apple cider vinegar spray by diluting vinegar with water. Spray directly onto your pet's skin to repel mites and soothe irritation.

Continue use of apple cider vinegar for 2-4 weeks. Combine with regular ear cleaning using a pet-safe ear wash to remove waxy buildup during treatment. Monitor your pet's ears closely and discontinue use of vinegar if increased irritation or discomfort occurs.

While anecdotal evidence shows apple cider vinegar can be helpful, medical treatment will still be needed for severe infestations or secondary infections. Contact your vet promptly if your pet's condition does not improve.

Tips for Prevention of Ear Mites

Since ear mites are highly contagious, prevention is key to keeping your pets comfortable and avoiding infestations. Some tips to help prevent ear mites include:

• Treat any pets that come into close contact with one another at the same time. This helps prevent them from reinfecting each other.
• Quarantine and treat adopted pets or strays before introducing them to your other animals.
• Thoroughly clean bedding and living areas to remove eggs and prevent exposure.
• Groom pets regularly and keep hair around ears trimmed to prevent mites.
• Clean pets' ears weekly with a gentle cleanser to remove wax and debris.
• Avoid contact with strays and strange animals when possible.
• Use flea and tick prevention medications as prescribed by your vet.
• Keep cats indoors and dogs on prevention to avoid picking up mites from outdoors.

By taking proper precautions and getting veterinary care when needed, you can help protect your furry companions from being bothered by painful, irritating ear mites.

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.