If you notice your dog excessively shaking her head or scratching her ears, ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) might be the culprit. While not as invasive as some other parasites, ear mites are highly contagious and can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. Prompt action is crucial to prevent their spread and to stop your dog from self-inflicting further damage. This guide will provide comprehensive information on identifying these pests, effective treatments, and preventative measures.
Understanding Ear Mites (Otodectes cynotis)
While “ear mites” can sometimes refer to mange mites like sarcoptic or demodectic mange, this article focuses specifically on Otodectes cynotis. This type of mite, also known as Otodectic mange, is a common cause of ear irritation in pets. Otodectes cynotis are arachnids, belonging to the same family as spiders and ticks, but they do not bite. They typically reside in a dog’s ear canal, feeding on ear wax and oils, which causes intense itching.
As parasites, ear mites rely on a host for survival and thrive in the cozy environment of a dog’s ear canal. While more prevalent in cats, dogs can easily contract them from infected animals, including other dogs, cats, and ferrets. This high contagiousness means that if one pet in your household is infected, it’s essential to check all other pets, as mites can spread rapidly. Though rare, humans can experience a skin rash from contact with ear mites. Younger dogs may be more susceptible, but dogs of any age can become infected.
How Dogs Contract Ear Mites
Dogs can acquire ear mites from various sources. While outdoor exposure is possible, the most common transmission route is through direct contact with an infected animal, such as another dog, cat, or ferret. Outdoor cats are frequently implicated as a source of infection. Although foxes also carry ear mites, direct transmission to dogs from foxes is uncommon.
The Companion Animal Parasite Council notes that while cats can harbor thousands of mites per ear, dogs generally have fewer. Female ear mites have a short lifespan but can lay 15-20 eggs during that time. These eggs hatch within four days, and the new generation begins to reproduce, creating a rapid life cycle that completes in approximately 18 to 28 days. Due to their high transmissibility, it is vital to treat all affected pets in a household simultaneously.
Recognizing the Signs of Ear Mites in Dogs
Several symptoms can indicate an ear mite infestation in your dog:
- Excessive ear scratching: This is often the most noticeable sign.
- Head shaking: Constant shaking of the head is another common reaction to the irritation.
- Drooping ears: If your dog normally has erect ears, they might appear to droop due to inflammation or discomfort.
- Dark, crumbly discharge: The discharge often resembles coffee grounds and can have a foul odor.
- Skin lesions: From persistent scratching, the skin around the ear may become raw or infected.
- Visible movement: In some cases, tiny, white, pinprick-sized spots might be seen moving within the ear canal.
If left untreated, ear mites and the resulting scratching can lead to more severe issues, including hearing loss, loss of balance, damage to the ear canal, ear hematomas, increased ear sensitivity, and secondary infections. Therefore, addressing the problem promptly is essential to prevent these complications.
Diagnosing Ear Mites in Dogs
You can often diagnose ear mites at home without a veterinary visit. Collect some debris from your dog’s outer ear canal using a swab or cotton 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 find them, it’s highly likely your dog has ear mites. If your initial sample doesn’t reveal mites, try collecting debris from a different spot or the other ear.
If you are unable to confirm the presence of mites, or if you prefer professional confirmation, your veterinarian can easily diagnose them using an otoscope during a visual examination. They may also examine the ear discharge under a microscope. If your dog is particularly restless during an examination, some vets might recommend sedation. To potentially avoid this, consider administering calming remedies like Rescue Remedy or CBD oil prior to your vet visit. If ear mites are ruled out, your vet can help identify other potential ear infections, for which numerous home remedies can also be effective.
Natural and Safe Treatment Options for Ear Mites
While conventional veterinary treatment for ear mites often involves medicated ear cleaners, pesticides, or parasiticides like Revolution, Advantage, ivermectin, or Bravecto, these can have significant side effects. These neurotoxic drugs, designed to paralyze parasites, can also harm your dog, potentially causing tremors, seizures, incoordination, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, skin irritation, and lethargy. Given that ear mites have a three-week lifecycle and these drugs typically only kill adult mites, a prolonged treatment period may be necessary, increasing the risk of adverse reactions. Natural remedies offer a safer and equally effective alternative.
1. Olive Oil Remedy
Veterinarians Susan G. Wynne and Steve Marsden recommend cleaning the ear with olive oil to help suffocate the mites. Remove as much debris as possible using the oil. Repeat this process every three days for two weeks. This schedule ensures that newly hatched mites are also eliminated. You can enhance this treatment by adding 1-3 drops of a single essential oil per ounce of olive oil, such as peppermint (anesthetic), catnip (mite control), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum) for pain relief, or calendula (ear skin healing).
2. Garlic Oil
Herbalists Mary Wulff and Greg Tilford suggest garlic oil for ear mite treatment due to garlic’s sulfur content, which is repellent to mites and possesses anti-parasitic properties. Garlic is also antibacterial and antifungal, aiding in the treatment of secondary infections. You can purchase garlic oil or make your own by steeping crushed garlic cloves in olive oil overnight, then straining and storing the oil. Apply the oil to the affected ear twice daily.
3. Green Tea Rinse
Green tea acts as a natural antiseptic and can effectively kill mites while helping to clear the characteristic “coffee ground” debris. Prepare a strong infusion by steeping a green tea bag or a tablespoon of loose tea in hot water, then strain and cool it to room temperature. Use a dropper to administer 3-4 drops into each ear, gently massaging the area. Follow up by wiping the inside of the ears with a cotton ball soaked in the cooled green tea. Perform this daily for four weeks to ensure the eradication of ear mites.
It’s important to treat all affected pets simultaneously, as ear mites are highly contagious among animals.
Preventing Ear Mite Infestations
The most effective way to prevent ear mite infestations is to maintain your dog’s overall health, ensuring a robust immune system that makes them a less appealing host. Key preventative measures include:
- Diet: Feed your dog a high-quality, whole-food, or raw diet.
- Vaccinations: Avoid over-vaccinating; administer only necessary shots.
- Medications: Minimize the use of antibiotics and other pharmaceutical drugs, opting for natural alternatives when possible.
- Environmental Toxins: Reduce exposure to chemicals in your dog’s environment, including natural cleaning supplies, lawn chemicals, and fertilizers.
- Grooming: Use all-natural shampoos when bathing your dog.
While some advocate for daily ear cleaning, this can disrupt the natural balance of healthy bacteria in your dog’s ears. It’s generally best to leave your dog’s ears alone unless they show signs of discomfort. Regularly check your dog’s ears for any early signs of irritation and address them promptly with the natural remedies mentioned above. Keeping your pets away from stray or outdoor cats can also help prevent exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 and unlikely, but yes, humans can technically contract ear mites from dogs. However, human infection is transient and typically resolves on its own, as these mites prefer the ear environment of pets over humans.
References:
- J Lohse et al. Validity of species status of the parasitic mite Otodectes cynotis. Medical and Veterinary Entomology. Vol. 15 Issue 2, June 2002.
