Ear mites are minuscule parasites that inhabit the ear canal (the small tube-like formation within the ear) of your canine. They are one of the most common allergens in dogs, leading to significant discomfort for your pet. Regardless of ear mites often infecting dogs under three months old, they may also plague older dogs.
Ear mites don’t harm dogs as ticks or fleas do; they’re really itchy. If you notice your pup shaking his head frequently or scratching at his ears, he might have an ear infection-or worse still, ear mites! The symptoms of ear mites in dogs can be quite alarming: a dog may shake its head frequently or scratch at its ears, but these symptoms may also indicate other problems. To ensure your pup is safe from these pesky parasites, you should contact your veterinarian immediately!
Symptoms of Ear Mites in Dogs
- The dog may shake its head frequently or scratch at its ears
- Excessive scratching and/or shaking of the head
- Inflammation, redness, or a foul smell coming from the ear
- Occasional bleeding (bloody discharge) coming from the ear
- Hair loss at or near the ears
- Weight loss due to lack of appetite
Prevention of Ear Mites in Dogs
Your dog may contract ear mites from another animal or your home, but there are a few things that you can do to prevent him from being affected by them. Keep his bedding, and living area sanitized, and ensure he wears a collar with tags at all times. Also, check with your veterinarian to ensure he has been vaccinated against ear mites.
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How to Treat a Dog for Ear Mites
Ear mites can be successfully treated with various treatments, but these treatments depend on the severity of the infection. If your dog is scratching his ear excessively or shaking his head frequently, he has moderate to severe ear mites. In this case, you may want to schedule an appointment with your vet right away!
If your dog is only mildly affected by the parasites, then you can treat them at home with a topical solution you purchase from your local pet store.
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If your dog is severely affected, he will require special treatment to eliminate the mites. Your veterinarian will probably initially prescribe an anti-parasitic oral medication, and he will clean and flush your dog’s ears simultaneously. You should treat your pup at home with a topical ointment that is safe for dogs three months of age and older.
Repeat the treatment after 14 days to kill any mites that might have hatched since then. Keep your dog’s bedding clean, and ensure that you don’t use a collar with tags around his neck to prevent re-infection.
Ear Mite Treatment Options:
- Oral antibiotics if there is a secondary bacterial infection.
- A topical ointment containing an adulticide and antibiotic.
- Oral medication that will kill all stages of mites.
How Long Does it Take for Dogs to Recover from Ear Mites?
Dogs usually recover quickly after receiving treatment for ear mites. Some dogs may require follow-up treatments at home to get rid of the mites once and for all, but this depends on your dog’s age, health, and the severity of his case. Keep a close eye on your pup after treatment to ensure that no new parasites have hatched.
Recovery from ear mites will vary depending on how severe the infection is and how old your dog is. If you notice any new symptoms, make sure to take your pup back to the vet as soon as possible.
Do Dogs Infect Other Animals with Ear Mites?
Yes, dogs can spread ear mites through contact with other animals. They often contract mites from their mother before they’re three months of age, and they can also get them from other dogs and cats in their area. To prevent your dog from becoming infected, you should keep him away from any animals that might be carrying the parasites.
When your dog contracts ear mites, he often has no symptoms but can still spread them to other animals and humans. The parasites are transmitted through contact with the pup’s ear or fur, so ensure you disinfect any items he might have touched. Please keep your dog away from other pets in your home, and take him to his veterinarian regularly for treatment.
Conclusion
Ear mites are a common health problem in dogs that can be pretty alarming. This article has provided information on the symptoms of ear mites, how they’re transmitted and treated, and prevention tips to keep your pup safe from these pesky parasites. If you notice any of the following signs in your canine friend, take him to his veterinarian for diagnosis ASAP!
