Mites are microscopic parasites that cause infections in dogs’ ears.
If your dog scratches his ears a lot or moves his head constantly, he may have hearing problems. Dog ear mites are more common than you think, but not all owners are able to recognize them.
In this article, we tell you about these parasites and how to get rid of them. Let’s see together how to get rid of dog ear mites .
What are mites?
Mites are microscopic parasites, responsible for infections in different areas of the animal’s body , such as the ears. The two species that affect the health of dogs are Demodex canis and Otodectes cynotis , responsible for demodectic and otodic mange , respectively .
At first glance it is very difficult to identify them, although their presence manifests itself as small white dots (the size of a pinhead).
All dogs, regardless of age or breed , are vulnerable to mite infection and its consequences . Even the mother herself can transmit these parasites to her puppies.
When this happens – or in any situation where two dogs stay together – the mites lay their eggs inside the ear. Four days later the larvae are born that feed on the wax of the ear canal and shortly after the mating phase of the nymphs begins again.
The main problem with mites is that they reproduce very quickly – a colony can double in just one week. And they don’t take too long to cause infections or bad smells.
Symptoms of dog ear mites
In addition to seeing those white spots or dots, the presence of mites in dogs’ ears manifests itself in other ways , which are worth observing and identifying, to apply the appropriate treatment:
Intense itching.
Shaking your head sharply.
Crusted or red ears.
Scratching continuously.
Bad smell .
Dark brown or yellow droppings.
Bleeding due to the rupture of blood vessels.
General discomfort or restlessness.
Inner part of the ear with dark or white patches.
How to eliminate them?
As a first step, it is essential to prevent the appearance of these parasites in our pets. To do this, we recommend that you periodically clean your dog’s ears with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol . Also, when you bathe him at home, use a special shampoo against mites.
At the same time, it is advisable to clean blankets, pillows, kennels, toys and accessories, but also to keep its defenses in optimal conditions, through quality foods, to prevent mites from proliferating quickly.
Also, visit the vet periodically for general examinations. Don’t forget to respect the vaccination schedule!
To diagnose mites in pets, veterinarians do a direct observation of the animal’s ears and then remove a sample of earwax with a cotton swab.
This is analyzed under a microscope to determine if there are “white moving spots” indicating the presence of parasites.
The veterinarian can indicate a specific remedy to eliminate the mites , to be purchased at the clinic or in pet stores.
Since there is no “universal” treatment for dog ear mites, many owners opt for natural home remedies that eliminate microorganisms. Some ideas are:
Oil macerated with garlic.
Warm aloe vera gel.
Organic probiotic yogurt.
Almond oil with vitamin E capsule .
Apple cider vinegar filtered with water.
Hot water compresses.
You can try any of these homemade remedies without fear that something bad might happen to your dog.
It’s simple: apply to the affected area and leave for a few minutes . The only case in which the ear needs to be cleaned after applying the product concerns yogurt. The remaining remedies should be left to dry and absorb on their own.
Finally, it’s worth remembering that even though dog ear mites can be contagious to people, they’re unlikely to travel to the human ear.
