Effective Treatment for Dog Ear Mites: Relief from Itch

Ear mites are a common parasitic pest found in a dog's ear canal. They survive by feeding on earwax, skin flakes, and blood, which can irritate the ceruminous glands and damage the ear canal mucosa, leading to excessive itching and discomfort.

In an effort to alleviate the itching, dogs may frequently scratch their ears, shake their heads, or rub their ears and heads against furniture legs, sofas, or chairs. If left unchecked, this behavior can lead to issues such as otitis externa, ear hematoma, and periauricular dermatitis, among others.

So, what should you do if your dog contracts ear mites, and what medications can be used to treat them?

1. Symptoms of Ear Mite Infection in Dogs

Here are some signs that may indicate your dog has an ear mite infection:

Constantly scratching at their ears with their paws;

Frequent head shaking or ear rubbing;

Black or brown, coffeecolored discharge from the ears;

Inflammation of the outer ear canal;

A foul, musty odor coming from the ears.

2. Medications for Treating Dog Ear Mites

1. Cleaning the Ear Canal: Utilize a specialized ear cleaning solution to remove earwax and secretions, reducing inflammation. Since ear mites can damage the ear canal mucosa, opt for a gentle ear cleanser like Erfa (Pet Ear Care Solution). Use it once daily, then twice or thrice a week after the first week, and for routine care, apply it every one to two weeks.

PS: Remember to put an Elizabethan collar on your dog to prevent them from scratching their ears.

2. Antiparasitic Medications: There are many ear mitespecific ear drops or sprays available on the market that contain effective ingredients like ivermectin and avermectin to kill ear mites. After cleaning your dog's ears, apply the medication as directed on the label.

In addition, you can use medicated ointments and dewormers containing ingredients like nystatin, neomycin, chlorhexidine, and triamcinolone, such as Xin'er Ning (Compound Nystatin Ointment). This ointment not only kills mites but also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiitching effects, preventing secondary infections while treating the mites.

Dewormers are used to kill mites in the deeper ear canal and other parts of the body. Options include ivermectin, selamectin, or pyriproximate moxidectin drops, administered every 15 to 18 days for two consecutive treatments, followed by monthly applications for prevention.

3. Antibiotic Treatment: If ear mites have caused secondary bacterial or fungal infections, antibiotics or other targeted medications are necessary to eliminate these complications.

3. Preventive Measures for Ear Mites

Ear mites are easily spread and can recur, so prevention is always more important than treatment. Here are some methods to prevent ear mite infections:

Regularly clean your dog's earwax with pet ear cleaning solutions and check their ear health;

For dogs with abundant ear hair, schedule regular ear hair trimming at a pet store;

Keep your pet's living environment clean and hygienic to reduce the spread of ear mites;

Regularly wash, disinfect, and airdry pet items such as beds and toys;

After your dog bathes, swims, or gets wet, dry their ears thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth;

In households with multiple pets, treat all pets if one is found to have ear mites to prevent crossinfection.

Ear mites may seem like a minor issue, but if left untreated, they can lead to complications like otitis externa and even otitis media, causing significant harm to your dog.

Therefore, it's crucial to treat ear mite infections promptly, even if the symptoms appear mild, to avoid further complications.