Ear Mites in Dogs: Causes, Signs & Treatment Guide

Have you noticed your dog scratching their ears or shaking their head frequently? Ear mites could be the cause, especially if you see thick black or brown crusty discharge. Knowing how to identify, treat, and prevent ear mites will help keep your dog comfortable and avoid complications.

What are ear mites?

The most common ear mite in dogs is Otodectes cynotis, a tiny parasite living in the ear canal of dogs and cats. They feed on dead skin and secretions rather than blood. Highly contagious, these mites can spread quickly between pets living in the same household. While they are not life-threatening, untreated infestations can lead to painful ear infections and other complications.

Lifecycle of Ear Mites
Ear mites have a life cycle of about 21 days. This cycle is important to understand for effective treatment, as treatment must continue beyond this period to fully eradicate all mites and eggs.

Recognising the Signs of Ear Mites

The earliest signs often involve your dog appearing unusually agitated and scratching their ears more than usual. Because the mites move around, irritation can spread beyond the ears to the neck, chest, and base of the tail.

• Agitation or restlessness
• Frequent scratching and rubbing of ears
• Thick, dark (black or brown) crusty ear discharge often with a foul smell
• Shaking the head vigorously
• Dragging ears on carpets or furniture
• Hair loss around ears or body in severe cases
• Occasionally aggressive behaviour due to intense irritation

Diagnosing Ear Mites

If you suspect your dog has ear mites, prompt veterinary examination is essential. A vet will inspect the ear using an otoscope, where the moving mites can sometimes be seen as creamy coloured flecks. If not visible, a swab sample examined under a microscope confirms diagnosis. Correct diagnosis ensures your dog receives the proper treatment, as other ear problems can look similar.

Treatment for Ear Mites

Treatment depends on infestation severity and whether a secondary infection is present. Usually, your vet will begin by cleaning your dog's ears thoroughly to remove crusts and wax. This step is critical because debris can block medication from reaching the mites.

Following cleaning, topical medicated drops or spot-on treatments designed to kill mites are applied. If the mites have spread to the body, a licensed flea-and-mite treatment may be necessary. Treatment often lasts beyond the 21-day lifecycle to eradicate all stages of mites and eggs.

Consulting your vet ensures correct medication choice and appropriate monitoring during treatment to avoid complications.

Preventing Ear Mite Infestations

Good hygiene substantially reduces ear mite risk. Regularly washing your dog's bedding and treating carpets or areas they rest on with approved flea treatments helps prevent reinfestation. Dry your dog's ears promptly after wet weather or bathing to avoid damp conditions that encourage mite survival.

Regular ear checks and cleaning with vet-recommended cleansers remove excess wax and debris. If you notice unusual discharge or irritation, seek veterinary advice rather than attempting treatment yourself due to the sensitivity of the ear canal.

Can Ear Mites Infect Humans?

Ear mite infestation in humans is extremely rare but possible. Practicing good hygiene and promptly treating infested pets limits this risk.

Expert Tips for Owners

• Prevent spread by isolating newly acquired or infected pets until treated.
• Use only veterinary-approved products for cleaning and treatment.
• Maintain regular vet visits for early detection of ear problems.
• Never use human medication or over-the-counter treatments on your dog's ears without vet recommendation.

Identifying and treating ear mites quickly improves your dog's wellbeing and prevents serious infections. Responsible pet ownership includes regular checks and maintaining a clean, comfortable environment. When in doubt, always consult your veterinary surgeon.

For those looking to find a new companion or puppies, remember to choose reputable breeders or consider adoption to ensure ethical pet ownership.