If your dog is frequently shaking her head or scratching her ears, ear mites might be the culprit. While these tiny parasites don’t burrow or bite like some other pests, they are highly contagious and can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. Prompt action is crucial to prevent the spread and to stop your dog from self-inflicting further injury through excessive scratching. This guide will provide information on identifying and eliminating ear mites in dogs.
Understanding Ear Mites (Otodectes cynotis)
While the term “ear mites” is sometimes used broadly to refer to various mange mites, this article focuses specifically on Otodectes cynotis, a common type of ear mite that can also be referred to as Otodectic mange. These microscopic arachnids, related to ticks and spiders, typically inhabit a dog’s ear canal, feeding on earwax and oils, which causes intense itching. Though not usually found on the body, they can occasionally migrate.
Ear mites are parasites that thrive on a host. The ear canal offers a warm, comfortable environment for them to live and feed. While more prevalent in cats, dogs are also susceptible and can easily transmit these mites to other pets such as cats and ferrets. Fortunately, ear mites rarely affect humans, though a mild skin rash can occur in rare instances. Puppies may be more vulnerable, but dogs of any age can contract ear mites.
How Dogs Acquire Ear Mites
Dogs can contract ear mites from their environment, but the most common route of transmission is through contact with an infected animal, typically another dog, cat, or ferret. Outdoor cats are a frequent source of infection. Foxes are also known carriers, though direct transmission to dogs from foxes is less common.
The Companion Animal Parasite Council notes that while cats can harbor thousands of mites per ear, dogs generally have far fewer. These mites reproduce rapidly; a female can lay 15-20 eggs in her short lifespan, with eggs hatching in approximately four days. The entire life cycle from egg to egg-laying adult spans about 18 to 28 days. Given their high contagiousness, if you suspect your dog has ear mites, it’s essential to check all other pets in the household, as they may require treatment as well.
Recognizing the Signs of Ear Mites in Dogs
Several indicators may suggest your dog has an ear mite infestation:
- Excessive scratching of the ears.
- Frequent head shaking.
- Droopy ears, especially if your dog’s ears are typically upright.
- Dark, reddish-brown discharge resembling coffee grounds.
- An unpleasant odor emanating from the ears.
- Skin lesions around the ear area, often resulting from self-trauma due to scratching, which can become infected.
- Visible tiny white specks moving within the ear canal.
If left untreated, ear mites, combined with persistent scratching, can lead to more severe issues such as hearing loss, loss of balance, damage to the ear canal or inner ear, ear hematomas, increased ear sensitivity, and secondary infections. Early detection and treatment are vital to prevent these complications. If you’re unsure whether the symptoms indicate ear mites or another ear condition, consulting a veterinarian can provide a definitive diagnosis. However, there are also home-based approaches to consider.
Diagnosing Ear Mites in Dogs
You might be able to identify ear mites yourself without a veterinary visit. Collect a small amount of debris from your dog’s outer ear canal using a cotton swab or ball. Place the sample on a dark surface and examine it with a magnifying glass. Look for small, white, moving specks, roughly the size of a pinhead. If you observe these, it’s highly likely your dog has ear mites. If the initial sample is inconclusive, try collecting debris from a different area of the ear or the other ear. If you still cannot detect any mites, a veterinarian can assist with the diagnosis.
Alternatively, you can try one of the natural remedies described below, which are effective general ear treatments that can also address ear mites.
A veterinarian can typically diagnose ear mites easily using an otoscope for a visual examination or by examining ear discharge under a microscope. If your dog is particularly restless during the examination, some vets might suggest sedation. To potentially avoid this, consider administering a calming agent like Rescue Remedy or CBD oil prior to your appointment.
If your vet rules out ear mites, other ear problems might be the cause. Information on various canine ear issues can help you identify the problem.
If ear mites are confirmed, your vet might recommend conventional treatments involving pesticides or drugs. However, many pet owners prefer to explore safer, natural alternatives.
Natural Treatments for Ear Mites in Dogs
While your veterinarian might suggest medicated ear cleaners or pharmaceutical pesticides like Revolution, Advantage, ivermectin, or Bravecto, these treatments carry risks. Medicated cleaners can disrupt the ear’s natural microbiome, potentially increasing the likelihood of future infections. Pharmaceutical pesticides, often used for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, are neurotoxins that can have serious side effects, including tremors, seizures, incoordination, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, skin irritation, and lethargy. Since these drugs typically only kill adult mites, treatment can be prolonged, spanning several weeks to address the mite lifecycle.
For a safer and equally effective approach, consider these natural remedies:
Before starting any treatment, check all your pets for ear mites and treat them simultaneously to prevent reinfection.
1. Olive Oil
As recommended by veterinarians Susan G. Wynne and Steve Marsden in the Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine, olive oil can help suffocate ear mites.
- Clean the ear canal with olive oil, removing as much debris as possible.
- Repeat this process every three days for two weeks. This consistent treatment targets mites as they hatch.
- Optional enhancement: Add 1-3 drops of one of the following essential oils per ounce of olive oil to boost effectiveness: peppermint (for pain relief), catnip (to help control mites), St. John’s Wort (for pain relief), or calendula (to promote healing of ear skin).
2. Garlic Oil
Herbalists Mary Wulff and Greg Tilford suggest garlic oil in their book Herbs For Pets. Garlic’s sulfur content makes it a potent natural anti-parasitic, and its antibacterial and antifungal properties can help manage secondary infections.
- To make garlic oil, crush a few garlic cloves in a cup of olive oil and let it sit overnight. Strain the garlic and store the oil in a glass jar.
- Apply the oil to the affected ear twice daily. Be aware that your dog might carry a faint garlic scent.
3. Green Tea
Green tea acts as a natural antiseptic and can help eliminate mites and clear the characteristic coffee-ground-like debris.
- Steep a green 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, administer 3-4 drops of the cooled tea into each ear, followed by a gentle ear massage.
- Wipe the inside of the ears with a cotton ball dipped in the green tea.
- Repeat this daily for four weeks to effectively eliminate ear mites.
Preventing Ear Mite Infestations
The most effective way to prevent parasitic infestations is by maintaining your dog’s overall health and a strong immune system, making them a less appealing host for mites. Consider these preventative measures:
- Diet: Feed your dog a high-quality, whole-food diet, preferably raw if feasible.
- Vaccinations: Avoid over-vaccinating; adhere strictly to necessary vaccinations only.
- Medications: Limit the use of antibiotics and other pharmaceutical drugs, opting for natural alternatives whenever possible.
- Environmental Toxins: Minimize exposure to chemicals in your dog’s environment, including natural cleaning supplies for your home and avoiding lawn chemicals and fertilizers in your yard.
- Grooming: Use only all-natural, organic shampoos, such as all natural organic shampoo, during bathing.
The Role of Ear Cleaning in Prevention
While some advocate for daily ear cleaning to prevent ear problems, excessive cleaning can disrupt the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in your dog’s ears. Minor ear debris often resolves on its own. It is generally best to leave your dog’s ears undisturbed unless they show signs of discomfort. Regularly monitor your dog’s ears for any early signs of infestation and address them promptly with the natural remedies mentioned. These remedies can also be beneficial for other types of ear infections. Finally, minimizing contact with potentially infected stray or feral animals can significantly reduce the risk of your dog contracting ear mites.
