5 Signs of Dog Ear Mites

Ear mites in canines are contagious parasites that can take up residence in your pup’s ear, and they will feed off their blood. Dogs can get ear mites from being close to an infected pet.

The most typical indication of ear mites in dogs is constant itching and scratching at the ears. Dogs may even scratch until their ears are red and inflamed, which requires treatment. They may also shake their head forcefully in an effort to get the mites out of their ears. 

Treating ear mites involves thorough ear cleaning and medication. Check out this article if you want to know the five signs of ear mites in canines.

What Exactly Are Dog Ear Mites?

Ear mites in dogs are extremely transmittable vermin that live in your pup’s ears. They are mostly invisible but can sometimes be identified as tiny white dots. They feed off your dog’s blood. If you use a soft cloth to clean your pup’s ears and then look at what is on the cloth, you may be able to see if your pup is indeed suffering from ear mites.

Ear mites are not as threatening to your dog as ticks or heartworms, although they can still make your pup uncomfortable. When ear mites reach maturity, they reproduce, which causes a surplus of ear mites. Ear mites are arachnids, which means that they are in the same family as spiders and ticks.

Most of the time, when your pet gets ear mites, it will be in both ears. Ear mites have a tendency to live for about three weeks and cannot live without a host, which means that they depend on your pup for survival. Ear mites can be transmitted from one animal to another, as the condition is highly contagious.

What Are the Signs of Ear Mites?

There are various signs of ear mites in dogs. The ear canal and the surrounding skin area where the ear mites live on your pup. If you want to know whether your dog has ear mites, pay attention to the following signs:

Itching and Scratching

If your pup has ear mites, you may notice them scratching at their ears excessively. If they scratch too much, it can cause cuts around their ears. It can make them feel very uncomfortable and tend to scratch more. Continuous scratching can result in a secondary infection, such as a yeast or bacterial infection.

Shaking of the Head

Your dog will try to shake the ear mites loose from their ears by constantly shaking their head. It is uncomfortable for them, and they need to get some relief. The shaking does not necessarily help, but your pup will often continue to shake vigorously to try to free themselves of the obnoxious little arachnids. Look for ear debris in the outer ear and tiny mite eggs.

Inflammation or Redness

Ear inflammation is also referred to as otitis. Ear mites feed on skin debris, which triggers inflammation. It causes a secondary infection. Your pup may rub their ear against the floor or furniture, which can cause redness. Look for the following symptoms:

• Redness and inflammation
• Scabs
• Scratches
• Dark discharge
• Hair loss
• Dry, flaky ear

Ear mites can cause your pup a lot of discomfort. Watch out for any visible symptoms in your dog if you suspect ear mites may be present.

Putrid Smell

Ear mites feasting on your dog’s ears will likely develop a foul-smelling odor because of the accumulation of dead skin cells, blood, and other fluids. The dark discharge, which looks like coffee grounds, will produce an odor. Some other conditions that cause your pup’s ears to smell include:

• Ear wax buildup
• Yeast infections
• Bacterial ear infections
• Mixed ear infections

The ears of your dog are very sensitive and can be aggravated easily. Be careful when cleaning your pup’s ears. You can have your veterinarian clean their ears if you are more comfortable.

Ear Infections

Mites feed on wax and skin cells within the ear. Your dog’s ear canal is more vertical than in humans. It takes a special shape that tends to carry fluid. Ear infections are typically caused by bacteria, but they can also occur because of ear mites. This condition is commonly seen in puppies, as their immune system is still developing.

What is Therapy for Ear Mites in Dogs?

The treatment for ear mites in dogs typically requires a good ear cleaning. Once you or your vet are finished cleaning your pup’s ears, anti-parasite medication should be applied to the skin. Your vet may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to help decrease inflammation in the ears and reduce your dog’s discomfort.

The medication should be administered over the course of 7 to 10 days. Even if your pup demonstrates that they are no longer having extreme discomfort, you need to keep giving them the medication for the duration until the mite eggs are entirely gone.

If you live in a multi-pet household, you will need to protect all your pets from the infection. You should quarantine the affected pup until the mites clear up because the mites are very contagious. Veterinarians may prescribe antibiotics for dogs who display signs of secondary bacterial infection.

If the infection spreads to other skin regions, you may need to wash your dog with a specially formulated shampoo to exterminate the infestation of ear mites. If there are any injuries to the ear, they will need to be treated as well.

If you intend to ensure that your pup does not continue to scratch and exacerbate any existing wounds, try an Elizabethan collar while they are still healing. There are all types of Elizabethan collars you can DIY and make to help your dog:

• Cardboard Elizabethan collar
• Paper plate Elizabethan collar
• Plastic bucket Elizabethan collar

You can also have your choice of Elizabethan collars if you want to order one online. Some are very comfortable for your dog, and you can adjust them.

Ensure you wash your dog’s bedding, as the eggs must be eliminated. Wash the bedding in hot water, then run it through a hot dryer to eliminate any lingering pests.

Conclusion

Dog ear infections are very uncomfortable for your dog; if you see them scratching incessantly, they could suffer from ear mites. If you suspect your pup may have ear mites, talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate treatment for them.