If your dog is shaking his head and scratching at his ears, you might suspect he has fleas or possibly an ear infection. Unfortunately, the culprit could be something more sinister: deep inside the ear canal, ear mites may be the cause of your dog’s discomfort.
Ear mites in dogs, Otodectes cynotis, are microscopic parasites that live deep within the ears of affected animals. Although the mites are sometimes large enough to be seen by the naked eye, a microscopic examination is typically necessary to confirm their presence.
Considered an external parasite, ear mites can live their entire lives inside the ear. They resemble ticks or spiders, with eight legs and a head equipped with “teeth” to feed on substances in the ear. The mites lay eggs inside the ear, which incubate for about four days before hatching. The newly hatched mites begin to evolve into adults by feeding on earwax, blood, and the oils of the skin. These mites have a relatively long lifespan of two months, and their rapid reproduction, combined with their ability to survive outside the dog’s body, makes them highly contagious to other animals, including cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds.
There are several signs and symptoms that could indicate an infestation of ear mites in dogs. The most common signs include shaking the head, scratching at the ears, and rubbing the ears on the ground, furniture, or even on you in an attempt to alleviate the severe itching caused by the mites.
In affected dogs, a dark, chocolate-like discharge may be present, which becomes noticeable when you look inside the ear or try to clean the ears at home. Severe inflammation may also be present, with the ear canal appearing reddened or swollen. Additionally, a foul smell may emanate from the ear, and the ear may be painful for the dog.
However, not all dogs with ear mites will show symptoms. This can be the more insidious form of an infestation, where the pet owner may not notice the problem until it has progressed to a more serious stage or caused secondary ear issues.
Because many of the symptoms of ear mites are similar to those of other ear problems, it’s important that your veterinarian diagnoses the cause of your dog’s ear discomfort. Other potential sources of ear problems include:
Primary ear infections: These infections, often caused by bacteria or yeast, can result from debris buildup, and are usually accompanied by a foul odor. Identifying the specific bacteria is crucial for prescribing the right medication.
Foreign bodies in the ear: Objects like foxtails are another common cause of ear discomfort, scratching, and discharge. If left untreated, foreign bodies in the ear can cause secondary infections and damage to the inner ear and eardrum, leading to severe pain.
To diagnose your dog’s ear problem, your veterinarian will examine the ear canal with an otoscope, checking for foreign bodies and abnormalities. They will also obtain a sample of the discharge and examine it under a microscope. If ear mites are present, they will be easily visible. Additionally, if a secondary bacterial infection is present, your vet will identify it at this time.
Treating a Dog with Ear Mites
The first step in treating a dog with ear mites is to thoroughly clean the ear. This is best done with a specific pet ear wash. A small amount of ear wash is flushed into the ear, and the ear canal is massaged to help loosen up the wax and debris. Afterward, the dog can be allowed to shake his head, hopefully dislodging and expelling much of the debris. The remaining material can be carefully wiped out with cotton balls. Avoid using Q-tips, as they can cause serious damage to the dog’s eardrum if used incorrectly.
Once the ear is cleaned, an ear mite treatment will be prescribed. Depending on the medication your vet prefers, treatment may involve a one-time oral dewormer or eardrops to be administered over several days. If a secondary bacterial infection is present, antibiotics or antifungal medication may also be prescribed. Throughout the treatment, your veterinarian may recommend frequent ear cleanings to ensure the mites are completely eradicated.
While many over-the-counter treatments for ear mites are available, it’s always best to consult your vet before using any pet store products. In many cases, pets can be treated for weeks without improvement because the ear problem may not be due to ear mites, but another underlying issue. Working closely with your vet, ear mites can typically be eradicated in one office visit, and your dog can return to comfort sooner.
Since ear mites are highly contagious and can easily spread from dog to dog, it is necessary to check all pets in the household for mites and treat those affected to prevent re-infection. While treating the dogs, be sure to wash all bedding, vacuum the floors, and take steps to remove all mites from the environment.
For households where ear mites have been a problem, the use of topical flea medications, such as Frontline, can help prevent recurrence. These medications kill mites and are especially helpful for dogs that frequent places where they may come into contact with other animals, such as kennels, parks, or grooming salons.
