Symptoms, Treatments And Remedies – Forbes Advisor

If you’ve observed your dog scratching at their ears or shaking their head more than typical, it might be an ear infection, allergic reactions, and even worse—ear termites.

Before you start removing the beds and cleaning whatever under the roofing system, ear termites aren’t like bed bugs or fleas. They are just extremely infectious to other animals, consisting of cats and ferrets.

Here’s a take a look at what triggers ear termites, how to safeguard your dog from getting contaminated and possible treatments.

What Are Dog Ear Mites?

Ear termites are brought on by small parasitic termites, otodectes cynotis, that feed upon the ear wax and oils in a dog’s ear canal.

“Ear mites, though tiny, can cause quite a stir,” says Dr. Cheri Honnas, D.V.M. and
veterinary consultant to Bone Voyage Dog Rescue, a not-for-profit that saves dogs from Mexico and rehomes them in the U.S. and Canada. “They’re microscopic parasites that inhabit dogs’ ears, leading to severe itchiness and discomfort.”

Ear termites usually infest a dog’s external ear and trigger swelling of the ear canal, typically deep in the external ear canal.

Most dogs experiencing ear termites will shake their heads and scratch at their ears; with dogs that usually have upright ears, you might see the ears start to sag.

According to the VCA Hospitals, it takes about 3 weeks for a mite to establish from an egg to a grownup. The adult ear mite lives about 2 months and constantly recreates that whole time.

What Are Scabies on Dogs’ Ears?

Scabies on dogs’ ears are brought on by a various kind of mite infection: the sarcoptes scabiei.

“Scabies (a.k.a. sarcoptic mange) causes intense itching all over the body, but can also affect the ears,” says Dr. Jennifer Sperry, D.V.M., veterinary consultant for Pets Plus Us, an animal insurance provider in Canada.

According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the termites that trigger scabies “live in the outer layer of the skin, where they reproduce and lay eggs.”

The termites are very infectious and are spread out by means of direct contact in between dogs and polluted locations, consisting of kennels, grooming centers, multi-dog families, and dog parks, notes Cornell University.

Older dogs and dogs with weakened body immune systems are more prone to being plagued with the termites that trigger scabies.

What Do Ear Mites in Dogs Look Like?

To the naked eye, ear termites appear like small white dots or flecks.

The most significant indications that your dog may have ear termites are the signs they display.

Symptoms and Signs of Ear Mites in Dogs

While ear termites might be challenging to determine by sight, there are symptoms and signs owners can watch out for in their dogs, consisting of:

• Excessive scratching or rubbing of the ears
• Shaking their head often
• Showing indications of pain or level of sensitivity around the ear location
• Dark, crumbly discharge that looks like coffee premises
• Redness or swelling of the ear canal
• Strong smell originating from the ears
• Secondary ear infections

How Do Dogs Get Ear Mites?

The most typical methods dogs get ear termites is through close contact with other contaminated dogs, cats, or ferrets.

Dogs can likewise get ear termites from their environment, specifically in locations where other plagued animals have actually existed, specifically dog parks or grooming hair salons.

Because ear termites are so infectious, it’s important to take both preventative steps and to inspect your dog’s ears for any indications of problem.

How Can You Prevent Ear Mites in Dogs?

Honnas keeps in mind that typically “prevention is better than cure” when it concerns ear termites in dogs. The finest avoidance is available in the form of medications that fend off ticks and fleas.

It’s likewise crucial to keep a tidy and healthy environment for your dog—that includes routinely cleaning their bed linen and toys in hot water—and taking your dog for routine check outs to your veterinarian to help avoid an ear mite problem in your dog.

Are Ear Mites Contagious?

Ear termites are extremely infectious and dogs usually contract them through physical contact with other plagued dogs and cats, Honnas says.

If you reside in a multi-pet household and your dog is detected with ear termites, you will require to treat every family pet in the household. This will avoid the ear termites from continuing to infest the household animals. It’s likewise a good concept to clean all bed linen and toys in hot water to eliminate the ear termites.

Can Humans Get Ear Mites From Dogs?

Very seldom do people get ear termites from dogs, Sperry says.

Most ear termites do not choose individuals, however there are uncommon circumstances where ear termites have actually triggered a scratchy rash on individuals.

Can Cats Get Ear Mites From Dogs?

Yes, cats can get ear termites from dogs, and vice versa. Ear termites are very infectious in between animals, specifically ferrets, dogs, cats, and bunnies.

Sperry keeps in mind that cats are more prone to ear mite invasions than dogs.

How To Get Rid of Ear Mites in Dogs

If you think your dog has ear termites, the very best strategy begins with a see to your vet.

Your veterinarian can validate whether they have ear termites or some other problem triggering the itching and discomfort, and after that what the very best treatment is for your dog.

Ear Mite Treatment for Dogs

According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, there are a range of treatment alternatives available for ear termites, consisting of day-to-day topical medication, injectables, and single-use tablets.

Only your vet can identify the most suitable treatment, based upon your dog’s health history.

To identify if your dog has ear termites, your vet will analyze your family pet’s ears with an otoscope or they will take a sample of the discharge from the ear and analyze it under a microscopic lense.

If the veterinarian identifies your dog has ear termites, they will start by cleaning your dog’s ears.

“Treatment starts with thoroughly but carefully cleaning debris, mites, and discharge from your pet’s ears,” Sperry says. “Once cleaned, your veterinarian will use an otoscope to make sure your pet’s ear drums are intact. This will tell her what medications are safe to use in the ears.”

Veterinarians will recommend among a range of antiparasitic drugs that can eliminate adult and juvenile termites and/or avoid eggs from hatching, Sperry includes.

Due to extreme scratching, it’s possible your dog might have likewise established a skin infection, in which case your veterinarian will likewise recommend medications to treat any skin concerns.

According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, there are a range of treatment alternatives available for ear termites, consisting of day-to-day topical medication, injectables, and single-use tablets.

Only your vet can identify the most suitable treatment, based upon your dog’s health history.

Home Remedies for Ear Mites in Dogs

While visiting your vet for an extensive assessment and medical diagnosis is the very best strategy if you think your dog has ear termites, there are home solutions, too.

“Home treatment also begins with a thorough and careful ear cleaning,” Sperry says. “Oils like mineral oil or olive oil can be administered two to three times daily for six weeks. The oil works by suffocating mites and eggs, so it needs to be present continuously in the ears throughout the treatment period.”

She adds that owners will need to clean their dog’s ears once or twice a week during treatment, before they treat with the oil.

Does Hydrogen Peroxide Kill Ear Mites in Dogs?

While hydrogen peroxide is sometimes used as a household disinfectant, it should not be used to treat ear mites in dogs.

“It can irritate the delicate tissues inside the ear, causing further discomfort to your pup,” says Dr. Kathryn Dench, a veterinary surgeon and advisor for Gentle Dog Trainer, a site dedicated to helping owners raise happy and healthy dogs.

How Do You Treat Dog Ear Mites Naturally?

Using mineral or olive oil is sometimes used as a natural treatment for ear mites in dogs, but isn’t as effective as prescription medications, Sperry says.

Sperry notes that natural remedies should not be used if your dog is uncomfortable, in pain, or suffering from secondary infections.

It’s also best to take your dog to the vet to ensure a proper diagnosis and the best treatment plan.

Ear Mites in Dogs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)