Dog ear mites. You’re probably wondering - what exactly are ear mites? How do dogs get ear mites? What ear mite treatment for dogs might include? And maybe even what do ear mites look like in dogs’ ears?  Read on for information that mite come in handy if your dog is having an ear emergency! 

Here’s some basic information that won’t go in one ear and out the other. You can use this information to better understand your dog’s condition, follow treatment recommendations, and help your pet. And if you need expert care? We’re all ears. Visit your nearest VEG ER for Pets to help diagnose and treat the issue.

What are ear mites in dogs?

A mite is a small parasite from the arachnid class. Adult mites have eight legs and while related to ticks they do not bury under the skin. Instead, mites bite and live on the surface of the skin. As a parasite, they need a host animal to stay alive and often stay in dark places on the animal’s body. Dark,moist places that are hard to reach, like the ear canal, is the ideal location for ear mites. 

Many ear mites are so small that they cannot be seen without the help of a microscope, unless your dog has very pink or white inner ears. For this reason, if your dog has ear mites, you may not see them at all at first. Often, as the infestation worsens, it is when the mites spread from within the ear canal to the outer parts of the ear, that they become more visible. This is typically the point at which pet owners notice there is something wrong and seek veterinary care.

Know the symptoms of ear mites in dogs so you can act quickly if you suspect this problem. Our emergency vet staff is here for you and your pup 24/7 to provide help.

What are the symptoms of ear mites in dogs?

While cats are more prone to ear mites than dogs, it’s important for any pet owner to know the key symptoms.  When it comes to canines, here’s what to look out for:

The main symptoms of ear mites in canines are listed below:

Dog's head is shaking? Ear mites could have your dog shook

Head shaking and head tilting are usually the first signs your dog is headed for an ear issue, as these behaviors often show up with any type of ear irritation. Because they can also indicate a potential ear infection. Left untreated ear mites can lead to infections that cause hearing loss. It’s important to take your pet to the vet to rule out that risk if you suspect ear mites

Ear discharge? It could be mites on your dog

Ear discharge may look like wax, or it may be crusty and dark. This type of discharge is common with ear mites as they bite through the skin and feed off of blood and ear wax. The discharge is often accompanied by a foul odor. If your dog’s ear discharge looks more like pus, this is indicative of an ear infection.

If dog is pawing at the ears, it could be mites

Now, this might be a paw-blem. Ear pawing happens when your dog’s ear feels uncomfortable. Too much pawing and scratching can cause an abscess on the ear. It can also result in hair loss in the area they are scratching. Any signs of persistent pawing are an indication that your pup is in pain, and needs veterinary care.

How do dogs get ear mites?

Listed below are the main risk factors for how dogs contract ear mites :

Contact with another animal can cause ear mites

Ear mites are highly contagious. The biggest contributing factor of an infestation is direct contact with another animal that already has mites, or exposure to that animal’s bedding. If one of your pets has mites, others are likely to contract an infestation too. For these reasons, social dogs that frequent kennels, dog parks, or even groomers may need you to keep an ear to the ground for symptoms of ear mites.

Outdoor activity can lead to ear mites in dogs

Mites reside outdoors but can only live a short time without a host on which to feed, like your pup. This is why dogs who spend a lot of time outside, especially in wooded areas or tall grass, are more likely to encounter ear mites. Once the mites find a host, they attach quickly and begin causing the symptoms you’re now familiar with.

Floppy-eared dogs are slightly more prone to ear mites

Floppy ears are an easy target for ear mites. Their dark, moist, tucked-away shape creates an ideal environment for mites to settle in. While dogs with floppy ears may be at a slightly higher risk, any dog, regardless of ear shape, can develop ear mites. Be sure to keep your floppy-eared friends’ ears clean and free of debris or wax, and visit VEG at the first sign of a potential ear mite infection.

Ear mites love puppies

Mites are slightly more common in younger dogs and puppies than in older dogs. This may be because puppies may spend more time outdoors (yes, the yard counts!) or because they are still strengthening their immune system.  However, the difference in adult dogs and puppies contracting ear mites is a small one, and dogs of any age can have mites.

Ear mites are more common in cats but dogs are prone to them too; mites especially love those floppy-eared dogs! Read the ways to keep your dog safe from ear mites, and remember, if one pet has mites, chances are the other one does too.

How can you treat ear mites in dogs?

If you’re wondering how to get rid of ear mites in dogs, there are a few ways to combat these parasites. Below are treatment method options for mites that dog parents can expect after diagnosis:

Ear drops and gels for mites on dogs

Sometimes a thorough medicated cleaning procedure done by a vet can fix the issue in a single visit. At home you may continue care with your vet prescribing ear drops, gels, and other topical ear medications. These are the most common treatments for ear mites. Typically placed in the pet’s ears, they’re then used for cleaning mites out. Your vet can give you specifics on how to use drops for your dog.

Combat dog's ear mites with vet-approved medication

One option your veterinarian may choose is injectable ivermectin, a medication that kills parasites, like mites.

If you suspect your pet is suffering from ear mites, visit VEG ER for Pets to evaluate your dog, confirm whether ear mites are truly the cause, and determine whether injectable treatment is appropriate for their specific case.

Do antibiotics cure ear mites? Not exactly

Since mites are parasites not a bacteria, antibiotics will not get rid of ear mites in your dog. However, ear infections, or wounds and abscesses caused by severe itching, may require antibiotics. In these cases, your veterinarian may prescribe them to prevent or treat a secondary infection.

Ear mite prevention in dogs

Tips to help prevent your dog from getting mites :

Wash and dry your pet’s living space to combat mites

Keep your pet’s blankets, pillows, toys, and bedding consistently clean. Vacuuming high traffic pet areas will also help. Even if your pet has not yet had ear mites, regular cleaning is crucial as mites can spread on these items.

Wash your dog’s ears to treat mites

During your dog's routine bath time, use a canine-safe ear cleaner to clean out the inside of your pet’s ears. Clean ears leave little wax for a mite to munch/feed on forcing them to find another host.

Keep your dog away from other pets with ear mites

If you suspect another dog or animal you know has ear mites, keep your pet away from that animal for the foreseeable future as mites are highly contagious and transferred often between infested pets. If your pet has already been in contact with an animal with mites, especially in your own home, they your vet may decide to treat them as if they have already contracted mites to prevent further spread.

Contact VEG if your dog has ear mites

Based on this guide, you can form a better understanding of ear mites in your pet. Refer back to this information if your dog is dealing with ear mites or if you just want to know how to protect your pet from these ear-ily stealthy parasites.

Your vet can give you more specific information about your pet’s individual health needs. Talk to your vet if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s ear health, if you suspect your pet may have ear mites, or if you don’t feel like their current ear mite treatment is working well enough.

Contact VEG if your dog is dealing with ear mites.  We have locations all over the country with emergency vets who are available 24/7 to help you and your pet. When you come to VEG, our team will get to the cause for your dog’s ear mites and you can be rest assured that your pet will get the proper care they need.