Dogs of all breeds and ages can be affected by ear mite infestations. However, dogs and puppies that have close contact with other animals are more vulnerable than others. The parasites infest our dogs’ fluffy ears and cause significant itching and discomfort. Therefore, as dog parents, we should take appropriate steps to reduce the risk of ear mite infestations. In this blog, we’ll shed light on everything you need to know about ear mites in dogs and discuss their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Read on to find out more!
Ear Mites in Dogs
Ear mites, commonly known as Otodectes cynotis, are nearly microscopic parasites that live on the surface of a dog’s ear canal and the surrounding skin. The parasites feed on debris and secretions in and around the ear canal. Ear mite infestations can cause intense itching, inflammation and discomfort in the dog’s ears. If not managed on time, secondary bacterial or fungal infections can develop. An intense or persistent infestation cans ead to self-trauma, causing injuries to the ear flap.
How Do Ear Mites Look?
Ear mites are tiny, almost microscopic organisms that are approximately 1 to 2 millimeters in length. Although the mites themselves are difficult to see, an infestation may be associated with dark, crumbly ear debris that looks like coffee grounds. Therefore, if you spot these residues around your dog’s ears, you should get in touch with the veterinarian, who can check for the presence of ear mites and offer relevant treatments.
Symptoms of Ear Mite Infection in Dogs
Let’s look at the common symptoms of ear mite infection in dogs.
- Intense scratching around the ears
- Head shaking
- Dark, brown, crumbly discharge from the ears
- Hair loss or thinning around the ears
- Unusual or unpleasant odors from the ears
- Redness or irritation around ears
How Do Dogs Get Infested with Ear Mites?
Ear mites are highly contagious and spread readily through close contact. Therefore, dogs living in a multi-pet household or have close contact with infected animals may be exposed to ear mites. According to studies, puppies are more vulnerable to ear mites than adult dogs.
How Is Ear Mite Infection Diagnosed?
To determine whether a dog has an ear mite infection, the veterinarian may either conduct a microscopic examination of the ear discharge or suggest an otoscope examination. A skin scraping may also be performed if mites are suspected elsewhere on the body.
How Is Ear Mite Infection Treated?
If your veterinarian diagnoses an ear mite infection in your dog, they can recommend an appropriate treatment.
Some of the treatments that work effectively to treat ear mite infestations in dogs include NexGard Spectra for Dogs, Revolution & Selehold.
If recommended by your veterinarian, a dog-specific ear cleaner such as Epi-Otic Ear Cleaner may be used to keep your dog’s ear canal clean and maintain its overall hygiene.
How to Prevent Ear Mite Infection in Dogs?
The following are steps may help reduce the risk of ear mite infestations in dogs.
- Limit your dog’s close contact with pets known to have ear mites until they have been treated. This can help reduce the chances of transmission.
- Wash your dog’s bedding and other washable items regularly, particularly if an infestation is present.
- If one pet is diagnosed with ear mites, have other pets in the household assessed by a veterinarian and treated if necessary.
Parting Words
Ear mite infections are generally not considered life-threatening in dogs. However, if left untreated, an infestation can lead to persistent itching, irritation, inflammation, and self-trauma in dogs. Therefore, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to keep your canine baby safe from the harmful bugs and restore their good health and comfort. At DiscountPetMart, we carry an impressive range of treatments designed to treat ear mite infection in dogs. Visit our online store to purchase your preferred products at the best prices from the comfort of your home.
