Simple Cure for Teddy's Ear Mites: Easy Relief Guide!

Ear mites are a common pet ailment, particularly prevalent in cats and young dogs. Due to the dense fur in their ear canals, Teddy bears are more susceptible to ear mite infections than other breeds. If left untreated, these infections can lead to secondary conditions such as otitis externa, otitis media, and aural hematomas. So, what should you do if your Teddy bear gets ear mites? Don't worry; treating ear mites in dogs is actually quite manageable, and today, I'll introduce a simple method for you.

Understanding Ear Mites

Ear mites, also known as otodectes cynotis, are tiny parasites that reside within an animal's ear canal. They feast on earwax and oils, reproduce rapidly, and can cause inflammation and infections in the ear canal.

How can you tell if your Teddy bear has ear mites?

• Observation of Behavior: Look out for your Teddy bear frequently shaking its head or scratching at its ears.

• Examination of the Ears: Check for black or brown crusty discharge within the ears, which may also have a foul odor.

• Skin Changes: Look for hair loss or skin inflammation around the ears.

• Professional Examination: Use a magnifying lens or a lowpower microscope to observe the ear canal for tiny white or pink mite bodies.

How to Treat Ear Mites in Teddy Bears

The treatment for ear mites in dogs involves cleaning the outer ear canal and then applying or dropping ivermectinbased mitekilling medication into the ear. For severe infections or if the dog is uncooperative, a veterinary visit may be necessary for an ivermectin injection, along with antibiotics and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching.

Of course, ear mite treatment can also be done at home. Here's a detailed stepbystep guide:

1. Ear Canal Cleaning: Begin by gently removing excess fur from the outer ear canal using ear powder and a hemostat to ensure good ventilation. Then, use a mild pet ear cleaning solution to clean the ear canal secretions. Products like Erifen (pet ear care solution) can be used daily for 7 to 10 days, reducing the frequency to once or twice a week after the discharge diminishes.

Cleaning Steps:

① Secure your dog, then gently pour a small amount of ear cleaning solution into the ear canal.

② Gently massage the base of the ear for 1 to 2 minutes to distribute the solution evenly and soften the earwax.

③ Allow your dog to shake out any excess solution and earwax, then use a hemostat wrapped with medical gauze to carefully wipe away any remaining residue.

2. Applying Medication: After cleaning, apply Xin'er Ning (miconazole nitrate and neomycin sulfate ointment), which contains chlorfenapyr, neomycin sulfate, and miconazole, to inhibit the reproduction of ear mites in the ear canal and provide antifungal and antiitching effects.

3. Timely Deworming: Since ear mites are a type of mite, it's important to deworm promptly. Use Di Pai (pyriproxyfen moxidectin drops) to effectively kill ear mites and prevent other common parasites such as fleas, lice, and tapeworms. It's recommended to use this product once a month.

4. Environmental Cleaning: In addition to direct treatment, it's crucial to thoroughly clean your Teddy bear's living environment, including beds, toys, and other pet items. This helps prevent reinfection with ear mites.

To avoid recurrence of ear mite infections, it's generally advised to continue local treatment for at least 21 days, even if symptoms disappear. Furthermore, maintaining good hygiene habits and regularly deworming your dog can also help prevent ear mite outbreaks.