If your dog is frequently shaking her head or excessively scratching her ears, ear mites could be the culprit. While ear mites in dogs are highly contagious and can lead to more severe issues if left untreated, the good news is they don’t burrow or bite. Swift action is crucial to prevent their spread and to stop your dog from self-inflicting harm. This guide will provide information on identifying these pests and natural methods to eliminate them, helping you avoid unnecessary vet visits.
Understanding Ear Mites (Otodectes cynotis)
While the term “ear mites” is sometimes used interchangeably with mange mites, this post focuses specifically on Otodectes cynotis, a common type of ear mite that is also a form of mange, known as Otodectic mange. These tiny arachnids, related to spiders and ticks, inhabit your dog’s ear canal, feeding on wax and oils, which causes intense itching. Ear mites are parasites that thrive on a host and find the ear canal an ideal living and feeding environment. Although more prevalent in cats, dogs can contract them, and they are highly contagious to other dogs, cats, and ferrets. While rare, humans can experience a skin rash from ear mites, but they typically do not thrive on human hosts. Younger dogs may be more vulnerable, but ear mites can affect dogs of any age.
How Dogs Contract Ear Mites
Dogs can acquire ear mites from their environment, but more commonly, they contract them from an infected animal, such as another dog, cat, or ferret. Outdoor cats are a frequent source of infection. While foxes also carry ear mites, direct transmission to dogs from foxes is unlikely. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, cats can harbor thousands of mites in each ear, whereas dogs usually have significantly fewer. The lifecycle of ear mites is rapid; female mites lay 15-20 eggs within their short lifespan, which hatch in four days. These offspring mature and reproduce, with the entire egg-to-egg cycle completing in approximately 18 to 28 days. Given their contagious nature, if your dog has ear mites, it’s essential to check all other pets in your household, including cats and ferrets, as they may require treatment too. Ear mites are nearly invisible to the naked eye, and their symptoms often mimic other ear conditions.
Recognizing the Signs of Ear Mites in Your Dog
Several signs may indicate your dog has ear mites:
- Excessive ear scratching: This is often the most noticeable symptom.
- Head shaking: Constant shaking of the head can be an attempt to dislodge the mites.
- Droopy ears: If your dog typically has upright ears, they may appear to droop due to irritation.
- Dark, crumbly discharge: The ear discharge often resembles coffee grounds and is reddish-brown.
- Unpleasant ear odor: Infected ears may develop a foul smell.
- Skin lesions: Scratching can lead to sores or lesions around the ears, which can become infected.
- Visible movement: In some cases, tiny, pinprick-sized white spots may be seen moving within the ear canal.
If left untreated, ear mites and the resulting scratching can lead to more serious complications, including hearing loss, loss of balance, damage to the ear canal, ear hematomas, increased ear sensitivity, and secondary infections. It is therefore crucial to address the issue promptly before it escalates. To confirm if ear mites are the cause, and not another type of ear infection, veterinary diagnosis might be necessary, although natural remedies can often be effective without a vet visit.
Diagnosing Ear Mites in Dogs Naturally
You can often diagnose ear mites yourself without a trip to the veterinarian. Collect a small amount of debris from your dog’s outer ear canal using a cotton swab or ball. Place this debris on a dark surface and examine it with a magnifying glass. Look for tiny, white, moving specks, approximately the size of a pinhead. If you observe these, it’s highly probable your dog has ear mites. If the initial sample doesn’t reveal any mites, try collecting debris from a different spot or the other ear. If you still don’t find any evidence of mites, you can consult your veterinarian.
Alternatively, you can proceed with natural remedies, which are often effective for ear mites. If you do opt for a veterinary visit, diagnosis is typically straightforward. A veterinarian can usually confirm ear mites through a visual examination using an otoscope or by examining the ear discharge under a microscope. Some vets might suggest sedation for examination if the dog is particularly restless, but you can explore alternatives like Rescue Remedy or CBD oil for dogs to help calm your dog beforehand, potentially avoiding unnecessary sedation. If your vet rules out ear mites, information on other common dog ear infections may be helpful. Should your vet confirm ear mites and suggest pharmaceutical treatments, consider exploring safer, natural alternatives.
Treating Ear Mites in Dogs with Natural Remedies
Conventional veterinary treatments for ear mites often involve medicated ear cleaners that can disrupt the natural ear microbiome, potentially leading to future infections. Pharmaceutical anti-parasitics or pesticides, such as topical treatments (e.g., Revolution, Advantage) or injectables/orals (e.g., ivermectin, Bravecto), may be prescribed. These are often the same products used for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention and can carry risks. Some dogs may also receive antibiotics or anti-fungals for secondary infections.
Potential Side Effects of Conventional Medications
These treatments, which typically work by paralyzing parasites, are neurotoxins and can pose risks to your dog. Potential side effects include tremors, seizures, incoordination (ataxia), vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, skin irritation, and lethargy. Since ear mites have a three-week lifecycle and these drugs primarily kill adult mites, treatment can be prolonged, potentially exposing your dog to these side effects for an extended period. Therefore, safer, natural options are often preferred.
3 Natural Home Remedies for Ear Mites in Dogs
It is crucial to remember that if your dog has ear mites, your other pets might too. Thoroughly check all animals and treat them simultaneously if infected. These gentle yet effective remedies can cleanse your dog’s ears and eliminate ear mites.
1. Olive Oil
As recommended in the Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine by veterinarians Susan G. Wynne DVM and Steve Marsden DVM, olive oil can be used to clean the ears and remove debris. The oil helps to suffocate the mites. Apply this remedy every three days for two weeks. This consistent treatment schedule is effective because ear mites hatch every four days, ensuring newly hatched mites are also eliminated.
Optional Addition: To potentially expedite your dog’s recovery, you can add 1-3 drops of one of the following essential oils per ounce of olive oil: peppermint (for a numbing effect), catnip (to help control mites), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum) (to relieve pain), or calendula (to promote healing of the ear skin).
2. Garlic Oil
Herbalists Mary Wulff and Greg Tilford, authors of Herbs For Pets, suggest garlic oil for ear mite treatment. Garlic contains sulfur, a compound that mites dislike, making it an effective natural anti-parasitic. Garlic also possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can aid in treating any secondary infections resulting from ear mite infestations. You can purchase garlic oil from health stores or make your own by crushing a couple of garlic cloves in a cup of olive oil, letting it steep overnight, then straining and storing the oil in a glass jar. Apply the oil to the affected ear twice daily. Be aware that your dog might temporarily smell like garlic.
3. Green Tea
Green tea acts as a natural antiseptic, effectively killing mites and helping to clear the characteristic “coffee ground” debris associated with ear mite infestations. Prepare a solution by steeping a tea bag or a tablespoon of loose green tea in a cup of hot water for a few minutes. Strain the tea and allow it to cool to room temperature. Using a dropper, place 3-4 drops of the cooled green tea into each ear, followed by a gentle massage. Then, use a cotton ball dipped in the green tea to wipe the inside of her ears. Performing this treatment once daily for four weeks can help eradicate ear mites.
Preventing Ear Mite Infestations in Dogs
The most effective way to prevent parasite infestations is to ensure your dog maintains optimal health with a strong immune system, making her a less attractive host for mites. Consider these preventative measures:
- Diet: Feed your dog a high-quality, whole-food, raw diet.
- Vaccinations: Avoid over-vaccination; administer only essential vaccines.
- Medications: Minimize the use of antibiotics and pharmaceutical drugs, opting for natural alternatives when possible.
- Environment: Reduce exposure to chemicals in your dog’s environment, including using natural cleaning supplies at home and avoiding lawn chemicals and fertilizers in your yard.
- Grooming: Use all-natural, organic shampoos like 4Legger Organic Dog Shampoo when bathing your dog.
Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears Regularly?
While some advocate for daily ear cleaning to prevent ear problems, excessive cleaning can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in your dog’s ears. Minor ear debris often resolves on its own. It’s generally best to leave your dog’s ears undisturbed unless she shows signs of discomfort. Regularly monitor your dog’s ears for any early signs of infestation and utilize one of the suggested natural remedies immediately if needed. These remedies can also be beneficial for other types of ear infections. Additionally, try to keep your pets away from stray or outdoor cats that may carry mites.
If your dog does develop ear mites, the natural and safe methods outlined above provide effective solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get rid of ear mites in dogs?
To eliminate ear mite infestations in dogs, gently clean the affected ears to remove debris. Then, apply a natural anti-parasitic topical treatment specifically for ear mites. In severe cases, a veterinarian may prescribe medications such as ivermectin or selamectin.
How can you tell if a dog has ear mites?
Key symptoms of ear mites in dogs include excessive ear scratching, head shaking, a strong odor emanating from the ears, and a dark, coffee ground-like discharge within the ear canal. Redness and inflammation of the ear are also common signs of irritation.
What kills ear mites naturally?
Natural treatments for ear mites include applying green tea or olive oil to the ears. These substances can help soothe irritation and smother the mites, while also loosening debris in the ear canal.
Can humans get ear mites from dogs?
While it is extremely rare, humans can technically contract ear mites from dogs. However, such infections are usually temporary and resolve on their own, as ear mites are better suited to the ear environment of pets than humans.
References
- Lohse, J., et al. (2002). Validity of species status of the parasitic mite Otodectes cynotis. Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 15(2), 193-197.
