Parasites pose great danger to pets and dog ear mites are no exception. These tiny parasites live in the ear canal and can cause complications unless the canine is treated effectively.
Owners of puppies are more worried about their pets getting this kind of problem as younger animals are more susceptible to getting mites. Find out all about these parasites, how they affect the ears, what symptoms they produce and how your dog can get treated.
What are dog ear mites?
Ear mites, also called otodectic mites, are tiny parasites. They are about the size of a pin head and are white in color which makes them difficult to be notice in the dog’s ear canal. They are highly contagious and can be transferred easily between dogs, cats and other pets such as rabbits. They are not contagious to humans and cannot be transferred by us.
Once the ear mites are inside the ear canal, they pierce the skin and feed on the ear oils and the wax that builds up. Only a few parasites are sufficient to cause skin sensitivity and irritation which eventually leads to inflammation. These ear mites are not to be confused with mites that cause mange. These are different parasites that affect the ears of animals only.
Are puppies at higher risk of getting ear mites?
In general, the immune system of younger canines is not yet fully developed, that is why they have somewhat poorer protection compared to adult dogs. As a result, the parasites often find a better host environment in puppies so they grow in numbers more quickly. At the same time, each and every dog has the same risk of getting ear mites since they are highly contagious. Adult as well as elderly dogs are at equal risk of getting these parasites.
What are the symptoms?
The parasites cause great irritation, so you will certainly notice your pet scratching his ears and shaking his head. The waxy brown discharge in the ears is another typical symptom of dog ear mites. The discharge is dry and crumbly. The dark brown color makes the crumbles look like coffee grounds. When there is a secondary bacterial ear infection present, the discharge has a bad odor. The skin of the ear flaps becomes red, coarse and crusted. Eventually, it becomes scabbed if not treated.
Usually, ear mites affect both ears while infections tend to affect just one. The two ears being affected is another sign that parasites are responsible for the problem and not something else.
Are there any complications especially in puppies?
Complications can occur if the condition is treated right away. The waxy substance in the ears is the perfect medium for growth of bacteria. Bacteria can cause external bacterial infection that affects the ear canal. If this infection is not treated, it may reach the middle ear and cause more serious complications.
As the dog is scratching aggressively, the blood vessels inside the ear flap may rupture. This can cause swelling and pain. The swelling is defined as ear flap hematoma and requires surgical treatment.
Puppies are often more susceptible to complications and to bacterial ear infections, in particular, due to their lower immunity.
How are dog ear mites diagnosed?
If you notice any of the symptoms described above, you must take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. The vet will take a sample of the brown waxy substance present in the ear and will examine it under a microscope. The white parasites are easy to see against a black background, so the vet will be able to diagnose your pet immediately.
How are dog ear mites treated?
The vet will clean the ear canals first to remove the waxy substance as it prevents medication from taking effect. He/She uses special equipment and methods, so it is essential not to attempt this at home. Once the vet cleans your pet’s ears from the wax, he/she will prescribe special drops for cleaning that you can use before applying medication.
The medications used for treating dog ear mites usually come in the form of drops that are to be applied directly into the ear. The main active ingredients are pyrethrins and thiabendazole. You can readily get a preparation that includes an ingredient that kills the mites, antibiotic and a steroid. In this way, the parasites are killed and so are any bacteria present. The steroid has anti-inflammatory properties and relieves the pain effectively.
Once the medication starts taking effect, the ear mites flee to the body of the dog and to other animals that are in contact with him. That is why your pet requires full body treatment and so do other animals that are in your home and/or play with your dog. Your vet will prescribe a special shampoo or powder. You should treat every pet in your home including the one that has ear mites with it once a week.
Eye mite medication isn’t covered by your dog insurance as it is considered a drug that is there to maintain the well-being of your canine, this also applies to other treatments such as worming and the eradication of flees. Medication for eye mites isn’t that expensive; make sure you use the whole course as ear mites may re-infest your pet so you must complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your vet.
Are there effective home remedies for dog ear mites?
Yellow dock root and Oregon grape are some of the most commonly used home remedies for dog ear mites. Garlic oil and mullein oil are also considered to kill the mites along with having antibacterial properties. Vitamin E oil can be used for soothing the inflammation.
It is recommended that you do not use any home remedies for treating your pet without consulting your vet first. Generally, just like any parasites, ear mites are hard to get rid of so a home remedy may take longer to produce results, if it works. That is why it is always best to rely on medications prescribed by your vet. Home remedies may be used as complementary treatment with the veterinarian’s permission and approval.
What are the methods for prevention?
Cleaning your dog’s ears at least once a month is an effective method for preventing ear mites. Effective flea control may also help keep these parasites away from your pet. Both puppies and adult dogs will benefit from having a well-balanced diet full of beneficial nutrients that boost their immunity and natural protection.
Ear mites are extremely irritating and painful for your dog. Your dog may inflict and cause more damage to the ear itself if left untreated. If the ear becomes damaged you will be able to claim on your dog insurance policy, as this sort of thing will be covered. If you are in any doubt your vet is only one call away, so drop them a line if you think there is a problem.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Joe Futrelle.