Canine Ear Mites

Ear mites are parasites that are found in the ear canal of dogs and other pets. Ear mite infestation can cause severe irritation or itching of the ear canal, which can sometimes lead to ear infection. Know more about the symptoms and treatment for canine ear mites.

Otodectes cynotis or ear mites, is a common parasite that is found in many pets including cats, pet dogs and rabbits. Cats are more affected by ear mite infestation than the dogs. These parasites are most commonly found in the head and ear canal of dogs, but occasionally spread to other areas of the body, especially to the tails. The life cycle of this parasite is of three weeks, i.e. it takes almost three weeks for an ear mite to reach adulthood. Ear mites typically survive on the body fluid, mainly on the ear wax or ear secretions. Ear mite infestation can sometimes lead to infection in the outer ear. Such infection can cause considerable damage to the ear canal and ear drum, which in severe cases, results in hearing loss. Canine ear mite infestation is a contagious disease, which can easily spread from one infected animal to another.

Canine Ear Mites Symptoms

Ear mites in dogs causes severe irritation and itching in the ear canal, for which you will often see your dog scratching his ears and shaking his head forcefully. You can also notice an increase in earwax or ear secretion. Ear mite infestation can also cause inflammation of the ear canal. Some other symptoms include, dark brown or black colored debris in the ear along with a foul smell and thick crusty ear discharge.

Diagnosis of Canine Ear Mites

Diagnosis can play a very crucial role in canine ear mite treatment, as the condition produces some symptoms, that closely resemble the symptoms of other ear diseases. Generally, an otoscopic exam can help to detect the ear mites in the ear canal. Usually, ear mites can be seen with the help of a lighted otoscope. But, if they are not visible, then the veterinarian would need a sample of the ear discharge or exudates to examine under the microscope.

However, some dogs would need several other diagnostic tests to confirm that ear infection is the result of ear mite infestation and not some other medical conditions, like bacterial infection. Such tests include complete blood count, ear discharge culture, skin tests, X-ray and CT scan of the ear canal and a dog allergy test.

Canine Ear Mites Treatment

Before applying any kind of medication, it is quite important to clean the ear canal of your dog, to remove all types of debris and exudates. Otherwise, the medications, especially the topical ones, would not be effective to cure ear mite infestation. Topical medications usually come in the form of ear drops, that can be applied on a daily or weekly basis. Examples of such medications include thiabendazole and ivermectin. Apart from these, pyrenthrins and rotenone are also used for canine ear mites treatment. It usually takes some time to completely eliminate ear mites from your dog's ear canal.

Apart from usual medications, you can also take the help of some simple home remedies for canine ear mites. Such an effective home remedy for dog ear mites is almond oil. You have to mix it with vitamin E and then warm the mixture to body temperature, before applying in the ear of your dog. Yellow dock root extract can also be used for this purpose. Many people have also used oregano and olive oil to treat dog ear mites. But, before applying any substance in your dog's ear, it is better to consult a veterinarian. Know more about dog ear mites: symptoms and treatment.

Proper hygiene can prevent the occurrence of several canine diseases, including ear mites. So, be sure to take all the necessary dog care measures, to protect your dog from not only ear mite infestation, but many other common dog illnesses or dog health problems. Also keep in mind that canine ear mites is a contagious disease, which your dog can easily contract from another infected pet. So, keep your dog away from other diseased dogs, to prevent the spread of this contagious disease.