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Ear mites are a common, highly contagious ear parasite in dogs - especially puppies - that usually respond well to prompt treatment.
"Ear mites" refers to an infestation caused by the mite Otodectes cynotis.
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"Ear mites" refers to an infestation caused by the mite Otodectes cynotis. It's one of the most common ear parasites in dogs, and while it's usually mild, complications can develop if a dog's immune system is compromised in some way. In those cases, the mites can trigger a hypersensitivity reaction that irritates the external and middle ear.
Ear mites can affect dogs of any age, but they're especially common in puppies. The infestation is highly contagious and is often passed from a mother to her puppies shortly after birth. It can also spread between different animal species, though it doesn't typically affect humans - there have been very rare reports of transient skin reactions in people who've had close, prolonged contact with heavily infested pets. The mite can also spread from the ears to other areas of the body.
Watch for both behavioral and physical signs:
Itching and scratching
Itching and scratching, usually focused on the ears, head, and neck.
Generalized itching
Itching that spreads beyond the ears.
Frequent head shaking
Frequent head shaking.
Ear crusts
Thick, red-brown or black crusts inside the ear.
Coffee-ground debris
Debris in the ear canal resembling coffee grounds.
Outer ear injury
Scratches or abrasions on the outer ear.
Scaly skin elsewhere
Crusty, scaly skin on other areas of the body, including the neck, rump, and tail.
Complications from scratching
Dogs that scratch and shake their heads excessively can injure themselves, creating bald patches and, in more serious cases, damaging the ear canal or eardrum. Prolonged vigorous head shaking can also cause an ear hematoma - a pocket of blood within the tissue of the outer ear from a ruptured blood vessel.
Your veterinarian will start with a detailed history - when symptoms began, and whether your dog has regular contact with other animals. A full physical exam typically follows, and if needed, standard bloodwork, urinalysis, and other tests to rule out other conditions.
Skin scrapings may be taken for analysis, and ear swabs placed in mineral oil can help confirm the presence of mites under a microscope. Your vet will also use an otoscope to examine the ear canal and gauge how severe the infestation is. If a dog is especially sensitive or in pain, a thorough ear exam can be difficult. In these cases, your vet may base the diagnosis on how well your dog responds to treatment instead.
Most dogs with ear mites are treated as outpatients with prescribed medication. Because ear mites are extremely contagious, every pet in the household should be treated at the same time, along with a thorough cleaning of their shared environment. The mites don't survive long once off a host - typically no more than about two weeks under favorable conditions - so combining pet treatment with basic environmental cleaning is usually enough.
A gentle ear cleaner should be used first to clear out debris before starting topical treatment. Parasiticide treatment is typically applied for 7 to 10 days to kill both mites and eggs, followed by a repeat treatment about two weeks later to catch any newly hatched mites. Flea treatments are often recommended alongside this, since mites can spread to other parts of the body beyond the ears. Dogs that sleep curled up may bring their tail into contact with their ears, so cleaning the tail area is worth doing too, to avoid reintroducing mites.
Most dogs recover well with treatment. Your veterinarian will typically schedule a follow-up around 30 days after starting therapy, which usually includes an ear swab and physical exam to confirm the mites are gone.
Call (780) 488-0124 or book an appointment. Our team can diagnose, treat, and guide you through your pet's care.