Severe Ear Mites in Dogs: Dealing with Smelly Ears Urge

What is Ear Mite?

Ear mites, also known as ear mange, are a type of ear canal parasite that particularly loves to infest cats and dogs as their preferred hosts.

These parasites reside within the outer ear canal of their hosts, surviving by piercing the skin to suck lymph and exudate fluids.

The female mites measure between 0.35 to 0.45 millimeters in length, while the males are slightly smaller at 0.275 to 0.36 millimeters. To the naked eye, they appear as tiny white dots.

What are the Dangers of Ear Mites?

When a dog becomes infected with ear mites, there is a significant increase in mast cells and macrophages within the ear canal.

About two weeks after infection, these parasites can cause irritation, inflammation, and scab formation.

If left untreated, the infection can escalate to middle or inner ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss and balance issues in severe cases.

Therefore, if you notice any symptoms of ear mites in your dog, it's crucial to address the issue promptly.

How to Identify Ear Mites in Dogs?

1. Dirty Ears with an Unpleasant Odor

Especially for breeds with thick ear hair, like Poodles, an ear canal infested with ear mites becomes a breeding ground for accumulated dirt and moisture.

Without timely treatment, this can lead to reddishbrown or black ear canal discharge, accompanied by a strong, unpleasant smell.

2. Constant Head Shaking and Ear Scratching

The primary symptom of ear mites is itching, prompting dogs to scratch their ears and shake their heads to alleviate discomfort.

This scratching can lead to scratches around the ears and hair loss on the ear flaps, as well as resistance to being touched or examined by their owners due to ear pain.

3. Increased Tear Stains

Since the dog's ear canal is interconnected with facial nerves, severe ear mite infections can spread to the eyes, causing inflammation, redness, and an increase in tear production.

How to Treat and Prevent Ear Mites?

1. Isolation

The reproductive and contagious nature of ear mites demands serious attention.

If your dog has ear mites, it is essential to isolate the affected dog and disinfect toys and bedding to prevent reinfection.

Other dogs in the household should also receive preventive treatment. Rest assured, the risk of ear mites infecting humans is very low.

2. Ear Canal Cleaning

Before treating ear mites, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the dog's ear canal to prepare for the next steps.

This can be done by using ear powder to remove ear hair and then gently cleaning the reddishbrown discharge with a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of baby oil.

3. Ear Mite Treatment Drops

Buy ear mitespecific treatment drops and follow the instructions to apply them. After applying, gently massage the base of the ear for 10 to 15 seconds to ensure the medication is wellmixed and absorbed.

Remember to continue the treatment consistently until the mites are completely gone, as stopping prematurely can lead to recurrence.

4. Daily Prevention

To keep your dog free from ear mites, maintain good hygiene and regularly use ear drops as a preventive measure.

Especially after playing with other dogs, make sure to clean your dog's ear canal upon returning home.

Note: If ear mites are not treated promptly, it is advisable to take your dog to a professional veterinary clinic for treatment.