Amy Thompson
Dog scratching her head or ears excessively? Ear mites in dogs could be the culprit. These tiny parasites can cause major discomfort, leading to irritated ears and potential secondary infections if left untreated.
The faster you address an ear mite infection, the better, as untreated ear mites can spread to other dogs or animals in your house. Mites can also cause serious complications, like hearing loss or balance issues.
While it’s extremely unlikely that humans catch ear mites from dogs, it's still essential to treat the issue immediately to prevent discomfort for your pup. We'll show you how to identify and stop ear mites early. But first, let's get clear on what ear mites are, and how they're different from other mites.
What Are Ear Mites In Dogs?
Ear mites, scientifically known as Otodectes cynotis, are tiny parasitic arachnids that live in the ear canals of animals like dogs, cats, and ferrets. These pests feed on the oils and earwax in your dog’s ears, causing irritation and inflammation.
Though they are microscopic and difficult to see with the naked eye, their effects are often obvious, as they make your dog extremely itchy.
Unlike some parasites that bite or burrow into the skin, ear mites stay within the ear canal, making it a warm and protected place to feed and reproduce.
This feeding activity can lead to excessive itching and discomfort for your dog, and if not treated, ear mites can cause further complications ... like infections or damage to the ear structures.
Ear Mites Vs. Other Mites
While ear mites are a type of mange mite, they differ from the mites that cause conditions like sarcoptic mange or demodectic mange. Mange mites often burrow into the skin, causing intense itching and hair loss, whereas ear mites stay confined to the ear canal.
This distinction is important, as the treatment for ear mites differs from that for mange. Plus, ear mites are specific to the ear area, while mange mites can affect the skin across a dog’s entire body.
It’s important to make sure you're dealing with the right type of mite so you can provide the most effective treatment.
How Do Dogs Get Ear Mites?
Dogs typically contract ear mites through direct contact with other animals, especially those who are already infected. Outdoor cats are often the main carriers of ear mites, but ferrets, rabbits, and even foxes can also harbor these pests.
If your dog interacts with an infected animal, the mites can easily jump from one pet to another. Since ear mites are highly contagious, a simple play session with an infected dog, cat, or ferret can lead to an infestation.
Ear mites are more common in animals that spend time outdoors, but even indoor pets are at risk if they have contact with other animals.
Ear mites have a short but highly efficient lifecycle that allows them to spread rapidly. Female mites can lay 15 to 20 eggs over their lifespan, which hatch in about four days. The newly hatched mites mature quickly and begin laying their own eggs within a few weeks, creating a cycle of rapid infestation.
The entire lifecycle from egg to mature adult takes about 18 to 28 days, during which time the mites can multiply rapidly. This quick lifecycle, combined with their contagious nature, means that ear mites can spread quickly throughout your household pets if not addressed early.
Ear mites primarily reside in the ear ... but they can occasionally move to other areas of the body, making them even more challenging to control if left untreated.
Common Signs And Symptoms Of Ear Mites In Dogs
So how can you tell for sure if your dog has ear mites? They cause a range of visible symptoms that are often easy to spot if you know what to look for.
The most common signs include excessive head shaking, ear scratching, and droopy ears, especially in dogs with normally upright ears.
You might also notice dark, coffee-ground-like discharge inside the ear, which is a telltale sign of ear mites.
Additionally, a foul odor may emanate from your dog’s ears due to the accumulation of earwax, oils, and debris that the mites feed on.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to check for ear mites as soon as possible to prevent the problem from worsening.
If left untreated, ear mites can lead to more severe complications that go beyond irritation. Constant scratching and head shaking can result in ear hematomas—painful blood-filled pockets caused by ruptured blood vessels in the ear.
Mites can also damage the external or inner ear, potentially leading to hearing loss.
Additionally, the excessive scratching can break the skin around the ears, leading to open wounds and secondary bacterial infections.
Diagnosing Ear Mites In Dogs
Diagnosing ear mites at home is possible with a little patience and a few simple tools.
Start by using a cotton swab or a cotton ball to gently collect some debris from the outer portion of your dog’s ear canal. Place the debris on a dark surface, like a piece of black paper or cloth, and use a magnifying glass to closely inspect it.
If you see tiny white specks moving around, about the size of a pinhead, you’re likely dealing with ear mites. It’s a good idea to check both ears, as mites can spread from one ear to the other, and ensure you’re examining all areas of the ear where debris accumulates.
If you’re unable to spot the mites at home or your dog’s symptoms persist, it may be time to visit the vet for a professional diagnosis. Your vet will likely use an otoscope to look deep into your dog’s ear canal for any signs of mites or mite eggs. In some cases, they may also examine the ear discharge under a microscope to confirm the presence of mites.
The 3 Best Natural Remedies To Treat Ear Mites In Dogs
If your pup has ear mites, don't fear. There are a few potent home remedies you can use to clear out those mites and provide relief. Here's what we recommend.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is a natural antiseptic and an excellent option for cleaning your dog’s ears and removing mite-related debris.
To use, steep a green tea bag or a tablespoon of loose green tea in a cup of boiling water and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, use a dropper to apply a few drops of the tea into your dog’s ears and gently massage the base of the ear.
Green tea will help cleanse the ear canal, reduce inflammation, and remove the debris associated with ear mites.
Repeat this process once a day for about four weeks to ensure the mites are fully eliminated, as their lifecycle can take several weeks.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a gentle and effective home remedy for treating ear mites in dogs.
Start by applying a small amount of olive oil to your dog’s ears, using a cotton ball to wipe away as much debris as possible. The olive oil helps to suffocate the mites, while also softening and removing the wax and dirt they feed on.
For an added boost, consider mixing a few drops of essential oils like peppermint (for its soothing effects) or calendula (to promote healing of irritated skin) into the olive oil.
Repeat the process every three days for about two weeks to ensure you eliminate both adult mites and any eggs that may hatch.
3. Garlic Oil
Garlic oil is another natural remedy that can help combat ear mites. Garlic contains sulfur compounds, which mites dislike, making it a powerful tool for eliminating these pests.
To make your own garlic oil, crush a few garlic cloves and soak them in olive oil overnight. After straining the mixture to remove the garlic, apply a small amount of the oil to your dog’s ears twice a day.
Not only will it help to get rid of the mites, but garlic oil can also prevent secondary infections that may arise from the irritation and scratching caused by the infestation.
Preventing Ear Mites In Dogs
Prevention always beats a cure, and ear mites are no exception. One way to prevent these pests is by building a strong immune system.
A diet rich in high-quality, whole foods—especially one that includes nutrient-dense meats, vegetables, and healthy fats—will help keep your dog’s immune system functioning at its best.
In addition, avoiding chemicals, such as unnecessary pesticides, helps preserve the natural balance of your dog’s body, which in turn makes your pet less vulnerable to infestations like ear mites.
Preventing ear mites doesn’t stop at your dog’s health; maintaining a clean, toxin-free environment is equally important.
Pet owners should choose natural, chemical-free cleaning products for their home to avoid introducing harmful substances that can compromise their dog’s health.
In outdoor spaces, steer clear of chemical lawn treatments and fertilizers, which may weaken your pet’s immune system and increase her vulnerability to mites.
Lastly, minimize your dog’s contact with animals that may carry ear mites, such as outdoor cats or feral animals, and keep your pet’s living environment clean and well-maintained to reduce the risk of infestation.
Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears Regularly?
While keeping your dog’s ears clean is important, over-cleaning can do more harm than good. Your dog’s ears naturally maintain a balance of healthy bacteria, and frequent or unnecessary cleaning can disrupt this delicate ecosystem, making the ears more susceptible to infections or other issues.
Excessive cleaning can also irritate the ear canal, leading to increased wax production as the ears try to compensate. It’s best to avoid cleaning your dog’s ears unless there is visible debris or your dog is showing signs of discomfort.
Rather than frequent cleanings, it’s more effective to regularly check your dog’s ears for early signs of discomfort or debris. By gently examining the ears once a week, you can catch issues like ear mites or infections before they become severe.
Look for symptoms such as redness, bad odor, excessive wax, or frequent scratching, and address these signs with natural remedies or veterinary care as needed.
FAQ
How do you get rid of ear mites in dogs? To get rid of dog ear mites, you can use natural remedies like olive oil, garlic oil, or green tea to clean the ear canal and eliminate mites. Regular ear mite treatment helps prevent ear mite infestations from causing further ear irritation or a secondary ear infection.
How do I know my dog has ear mites? If your dog is scratching their ears excessively, shaking their head, or has dark ear wax, it could be a sign of ear mite infestation. You can diagnose ear mites by inspecting your pet's ears for tiny white specks or visiting a vet for confirmation.
Are ear mites in dogs contagious to humans? While dog ear mites are highly contagious to other pets, humans rarely catch ear mites. However, ear mite infestations should still be treated quickly to prevent ear infections and discomfort in your dog.
Where do ear mites come from? Ear mites typically come from direct contact with another infected animal, such as outdoor cats or other pets. Mite infestations spread quickly in environments where animals are in close contact, especially if a dog’s ear canals are already prone to irritation or ear infections.
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