If you notice your dog frequently shaking her head or scratching her ears, it’s possible that ear mites are the cause. While ear mites in dogs are not as invasive as some other parasites, they are highly contagious and can lead to more serious issues if left untreated. Prompt action is crucial to prevent their spread and to stop your dog from causing self-inflicted injury due to persistent itching. This guide will provide essential information on identifying these pests and effective methods for their removal.
What Are Ear Mites (Otodectes cynotis)?
While the term “ear mites” is sometimes used broadly to refer to various types of mange, such as sarcoptic or demodectic mange, this article focuses specifically on Otodectes cynotis. This is a distinct type of ear mite and is one of the most prevalent varieties. It is also known as Otodectic mange.
These tiny pests are arachnids, belonging to the same family as spiders and ticks. However, unlike some of their relatives, they do not bite. Ear mites typically reside in a dog’s ear canal, though they can occasionally be found on the body. Their diet consists of the wax and oils present in the ear, which is what causes the intense itching your dog experiences.
Ear mites are parasites that have a limited lifespan without a host. Upon finding a suitable host like your dog, they quickly establish themselves. The ear canal provides a warm, inviting environment for them to live and feed. While more common in cats, dogs can contract them, and the mites are highly contagious to other dogs, cats, and ferrets. Therefore, if you suspect your dog has ear mites, it’s important to address the issue swiftly to protect your other pets. Fortunately, ear mites rarely affect humans, though a mild skin rash can occasionally occur. Younger dogs may be more susceptible, but dogs of any age can be affected.
How Dogs Contract Ear Mites
Dogs can acquire ear mites from various sources. While outdoor exposure is a possibility, the most common route of transmission is from another infected animal, such as a dog, cat, or ferret. Outdoor cats are frequently carriers of these mites. Foxes also harbor ear mites, though direct transmission to dogs from foxes is less common.
The Companion Animal Parasite Council notes that cats can host up to 1,000 mites in each ear, whereas dogs typically have significantly fewer. Once a dog is infected, ear mites can multiply rapidly. Female mites can lay between 15 to 20 eggs during their short lifespan, and these eggs hatch within four days. The offspring then begin their own reproductive cycle, leading to a continuous infestation. The entire cycle from egg to adult mite can take approximately 18 to 28 days. Given their ease of spread, if your dog is diagnosed with ear mites, it is essential to check your cats and ferrets as well, as they may also require treatment.
Ear mites are nearly invisible to the naked eye, and their symptoms often mimic those of other ear conditions, making diagnosis challenging without close inspection.
Signs Your Dog Might Have Ear Mites
Several indicators can suggest your dog may have an ear mite infestation:
- Excessive ear scratching: This is often the most noticeable sign.
- Head shaking: Frequent or vigorous head shaking.
- Droopy ears: If your dog normally has erect ears, they may appear to droop due to irritation.
- Dark, crumbly discharge: The discharge in the ear canal often resembles dry coffee grounds and can be reddish-brown in color.
- Unpleasant ear odor: A foul smell emanating from the ears.
- Skin lesions around the ear: These can result from your dog’s scratching and may become secondarily infected.
- Visible movement: In some cases, tiny, pinprick-sized white specks may be observed moving within the ear canal.
If left untreated, ear mites and the resulting scratching can lead to more severe complications, including:
- Hearing loss
- Loss of balance
- Damage to the external or inner ear
- Ear hematoma
- Increased ear sensitivity
- Secondary bacterial or fungal infections
It is therefore crucial to address the infestation promptly to prevent these issues. While some symptoms overlap with other ear infections, determining the exact cause may require veterinary assistance, though a vet visit can sometimes be avoided.
How to Diagnose Ear Mites in Dogs
You may be able to diagnose ear mites yourself without a trip to the veterinarian. Follow these steps:
- Collect debris: Use a cotton swab or ball to gather a small amount of debris from your dog’s outer ear canal.
- Examine the sample: Place the collected debris on a dark surface and examine it closely with a magnifying glass.
- Look for movement: Search for tiny, white specks, approximately the size of a pinhead, that are actively moving.
If you observe these tiny, white specks, it is highly indicative of an ear mite infestation. If you don’t see any mites on your first attempt, try collecting debris from a different area of the ear canal or from the other ear. Sometimes, the initial sample may miss the mites. If, after repeated attempts, you still cannot find any evidence of mites, you can consult your veterinarian for a professional diagnosis.
Alternatively, you can proceed with natural remedies that are effective for general ear health and can also address ear mites. If you do opt for a veterinary visit, diagnosis is usually straightforward. Your vet will likely use an otoscope to visually examine the ear canal and may examine the discharge under a microscope to confirm the presence of mites.
Important Note: If your dog is particularly sensitive or wiggly during an examination, some veterinarians might suggest sedation. However, this is often unnecessary. If you anticipate your dog may be difficult to examine, consider administering a calming aid such as Rescue Remedy or CBD oil prior to your appointment to help her relax. If your vet rules out ear mites, they can help identify other potential ear issues. Information on common dog ear problems may also be helpful.
Should your vet confirm an ear mite diagnosis and recommend conventional pharmaceutical treatments or pesticides, it’s an opportune moment to consider natural alternatives, which are often safer and equally effective.
Treating Ear Mites in Dogs
Conventional treatments for ear mites often involve prescription medications and cleaning solutions. Your veterinarian might suggest cleaning your dog’s ears with a medicated solution, which can unfortunately disrupt the natural balance of the ear’s microbiome, potentially increasing the risk of future infections.
Pharmaceutical options may include:
- Topical anti-parasitics: Such as Revolution or Advantage.
- Injectable or oral pesticides: Like ivermectin or Bravecto.
Some of these medications are also used for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. It’s important to be aware that these are potent neurotoxins and carry potential risks. Additionally, your vet might prescribe antibiotics or anti-fungals to treat any secondary infections that have developed.
Side Effects of Conventional Ear Mite Medications
These treatments, while effective, can pose risks to your dog’s health. They often work by paralyzing the parasites, but their neurotoxic nature means they can also affect your dog, potentially causing side effects such as:
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Ataxia (loss of coordination)
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Appetite loss
- Skin irritations
- Lethargy
Because ear mites have a three-week lifecycle and these medications typically only kill adult mites, treatment can extend for several weeks, meaning your dog might be on these drugs for an extended period. For these reasons, safer, natural remedies are often preferred.
3 Home Remedies for Ear Mites in Dogs
It’s crucial to remember that if your dog has ear mites, other pets in your household may also be infected. Inspect all your pets and treat them concurrently if necessary.
These natural remedies offer a gentler approach to cleaning your dog’s ears compared to medicated solutions, and they are effective in eliminating ear mites:
#1 Olive Oil
Veterinarians Susan G. Wynne and Steve Marsden recommend using olive oil as an ear mite treatment. The process involves:
- Cleaning the ear: Apply olive oil to clean the ear canal and loosen debris.
- Removing debris: Gently remove as much ear wax and discharge as possible.
- Suffocating mites: The oil helps to suffocate the ear mites.
- Repetition: Repeat this process every three days for two weeks. This schedule is designed to target mites at different stages of their lifecycle, including newly hatched ones.
Optional Addition: To enhance the effectiveness and promote healing, you can add 1-3 drops of one of the following essential oils per ounce of olive oil:
- Peppermint: Provides a mild anesthetic effect to soothe discomfort.
- Catnip: Known for its mite-repelling properties.
- St. John’s Wort (Hypericum): Helps alleviate pain.
- Calendula: Promotes healing of the ear skin.
#2 Garlic Oil
Herbalists Mary Wulff and Greg Tilford suggest garlic oil for ear mite treatment. Garlic’s sulfur content makes it a potent natural anti-parasitic that mites tend to avoid. Garlic also possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can be beneficial in treating secondary infections often associated with ear mite infestations.
You can purchase garlic oil from health food stores or prepare your own by crushing a few garlic cloves in a cup of olive oil. Allow the mixture to steep overnight, then strain the garlic and store the infused oil in a glass jar. Apply the oil to your dog’s ears twice daily. Be aware that your dog might emit a slight garlic odor.
#3 Green Tea
Green tea acts as a natural antiseptic and can help eliminate mites. It also aids in removing the characteristic “coffee ground” debris associated with ear mite infestations.
- Preparation: 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 completely to room temperature.
- Application: Use a dropper to administer 3-4 drops of the cooled green tea into each of your dog’s ears.
- Massage: Gently massage your dog’s ears, which she will likely enjoy.
- Wiping: Use a cotton ball dipped in the green tea to gently wipe the inside of her ears.
Perform this treatment once daily for four weeks to effectively combat ear mites.
How to Prevent Dog Ear Mites
Preventing ear mite infestations relies on maintaining your dog’s overall health and a strong immune system, making her a less attractive host for parasites. Key preventative measures include:
- Optimal Diet: Feed your dog a high-quality, whole-food diet, preferably raw if feasible and appropriate for your dog.
- Judicious Vaccination: Avoid over-vaccinating your dog; administer only the vaccines that are essential for her health and lifestyle.
- Natural Alternatives: Opt for natural health solutions over antibiotics and other pharmaceutical drugs and pesticides whenever possible.
- Minimize Chemical Exposure: Reduce the use of chemicals in your dog’s environment, including natural cleaning supplies for your home and avoiding lawn chemicals and fertilizers in your yard.
- Natural Grooming Products: Use all-natural grooming products, such as organic shampoos.
Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears to Prevent Dog Ear Mites?
While some advocate for daily ear cleaning to prevent ear problems, excessive cleaning can disrupt the delicate balance of healthy bacteria in your dog’s ears. Ear crud often resolves on its own, and it’s generally best to leave your dog’s ears alone unless she shows signs of discomfort. Regularly check your dog’s ears for any early signs of irritation or discharge. If you notice anything unusual, address it promptly with one of the aforementioned natural remedies, which can also be helpful for other types of ear infections. Additionally, try to limit your dog’s contact with stray or outdoor cats, as they are common carriers of ear mites.
By understanding the signs, causes, and implementing safe, natural treatments and preventative measures, you can effectively manage and prevent ear mite infestations in your beloved canine companions.
FAQ
How do you get rid of ear mites in dogs?
To eliminate ear mite infestations in dogs, clean the affected ears with a gentle cleanser to remove debris. Then, apply a natural anti-parasitic topical specifically for ear mites. In severe cases, a vet may prescribe medications like ivermectin or selamectin.
How can you tell if a dog has ear mites?
There are a few symptoms of ear mites to watch for. Excessive scratching of the ears, head shaking, a strong odor, and a dark, coffee ground-like discharge in the ear canal are major signs. You may also notice other ear irritation symptoms, like your dog’s ears appearing red and inflamed.
What kills ear mites naturally?
You can use natural treatment options to help kill ear mites, including the application of green tea or olive oil in the ears, which can soothe irritation and smother the mites. These can help to loosen the debris in the ear canal and suffocate the mites.
Can humans get ear mites from dogs?
It is extremely rare for humans to contract ear mites from dogs. While technically possible, any human infection is typically temporary and resolves on its own, as these mites are not well-suited to living on human skin.
