Ear Mites in Dogs: What You Need To Know About Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention!
Most avid dog lovers will eventually find themselves dealing with some sort of canine ear problem.
Dogs with itchy, irritated ears may be suffering from common ear mites. A case of ear mites can cause great discomfort for dogs, and if left untreated, severe cases may result in hearing loss.
Infections are more common in cats and puppies younger than six months of age, but adult dogs are not immune. Ear mites are extremely contagious and may be transmitted to dogs by casual contact with infected feline friends or other dogs.
What Are Dog Ear Mites?
Several types of mites can invade a dog’s ears, but the most common species is called Otodectes cynotis. The tiny, spider-like parasites live inside the ear and feed on wax, oil and skin debris within the ear canal. A single mite has a three-week life cycle, but because adult mites lay eggs that hatch inside the ear, infection is usually ongoing until treated. Inflammation caused by hypersensitivity to ear mites can lead to secondary ear infections, which may have more serious consequences. Ear mites can also wander out of the ear and cause irritation and itching of the skin.
Dog owners may confuse ear mite infestations with other types of ear infections. A veterinarian can diagnose ear mites with a visual or microscopic examination. The mites can sometimes be seen by the naked eye; they appear as tiny white spots moving within a sample of ear discharge. Fortunately, most cases are mild and respond rapidly to treatment. Although exposure can occasionally produce a transient skin rash, ear mites generally do not affect humans.
Symptoms of ear mites in dogs
Complications of Untreated Ear Mites in Dogs
Treatment for Dog Ear Mites