In dogs, microscopic arachnids known as ear mites enjoy feasting on the wax and oils in your pet’s ear canal.
However, your dog won’t appreciate hosting this social event in your place of business. A dog’s ears can become infected with ear mites, which can cause significant itching and discomfort.
The bad news is… Ear mites are extremely contagious, so if you have one infected pet, the chances are good that your other pets are also afflicted.
In a nutshell? Treatment is simple and quick.
Mites are easier to treat than other parasitic infections since they don’t go as deep into the ear as other parasites do. Learn how to do it by reading our suggestions.
Removal of Ear Mites from Your Dog’s Ear
Ear mites: What Exactly Are They?
Otodectes cynotis, the most prevalent ear mite species, means literally “a beggar of the dog” in Greek.
An expert from the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists says these ear mites can also be detected in cats and ferret species.
In dogs, ear mites are really little, but if you look closely at an infected animal’s ear, you might detect pinprick-sized white spots. Because they have eight legs, they’re considered an arachnid along with spiders and ticks, but that’s hard to see without a powerful magnifying glass.
What Are the Signs That My Dog Has Been Infected?
Dogs with ear mites have an unpleasant and itchy experience. Your dog may have mites if he is scratching his ears or shaking his head more frequently.
THERE ARE CERTAIN DOGS THAT SCRATCH THEMSELVES SO MUCH AND SO OFTEN BECAUSE THEY HAVE EAR MITES, AND THIS CAN LEAD TO WOUNDS AND SCARRING AROUND THE EARS.
Examining your dog’s ears for ear mites may potentially reveal an infestation. Another indicator of ear mites in your dog’s ear canal is a dark-colored, crumbly, foul-smelling substance made of dried blood, according to the American Kennel Club.
These Unpleasant Creatures: Where Do Dogs Get Them?
Initially, your dog may have gotten ear mites via another animal or the outside world. Once one dog in the group develops ear mites, the entire pack is at risk (even your cats).
A shaking of a pet’s head or loose hair on the ground might spread ear mites to other animals in the immediate area. There is no word on how many frequent flier miles they receive.
EVEN A SINGLE EAR MITE CAN SOON TURN INTO A FULL-BLOWN INFESTATION IN A DOG.
According to Trupanion, female mites can lay up to five eggs per day. In only four days, these eggs will hatch, and the young will be ravenous for earwax and oil.
Is ear mite a Problem for my dog?
A dog’s hearing and balance can be permanently affected if ear mites aren’t treated in a timely way, according to Wag! There should be no problems if you take your dog to the vet as soon as you spot an issue.
When dogs scratch at their ears to try to get rid of the itching that ear mites create, the most prevalent problem is open wounds. To avoid infection, their hind claws can inflict painful, raw wounds that need to be washed and disinfected.
What Is the Best Way to Treat Ear Mite Infestation?
When it comes to your dog’s health, you should consult with a veterinarian rather than relying on a DIY solution.
If the infestation has spread from one animal to another, your veterinarian may advise you to bring all of your pets in for examination.
AS MANY EAR MITES AS POSSIBLE WILL BE REMOVED FROM YOUR DOG’S EARS BY YOUR VETERINARIAN’S THOROUGH CLEANING.
Antiparasitic medication may then be applied to your dog’s ears. According to Trupanion, antibiotics may also be prescribed if the infestation is advanced.
You may be advised by your veterinarian to regularly bathe your pets for up to a month in order to eradicate any mites that may still be present due to the potential danger that loose pet hair poses.
A recurrent illness can be prevented by properly cleaning and disinfecting any areas where your animal has shed.
Your dog’s itching ears can be alleviated with a little help from your veterinarian.