How to Treat Ear Mites

Despite preventative treatment being widely available, almost all pets will suffer from a parasite infestation at some point during their lifetime. There can be a number of reasons why this happens, but often it is because the preventative treatment provided by their owner is not consistent and there are gaps that leave her vulnerable to parasitic infections.

Ear mites are a common and highly contagious parasite that get their name from their preferred choice of living location – in and around the ears of their hosts.  This is because their primary food source is an animal’s ear tissues and blood. While for many pets, an infestation is annoying, but quite mild, a percentage of animals suffer from an allergic reaction to mite bites, and this can cause intense irritation and further problems affecting their ears.

Thankfully, ear mites are perfectly treatable, meaning that your pet can get back to her usual self in no time.

What causes ear mites?

Ear mites are most often contracted from the environment that your pet comes into contact with, such as park or woodland, your backyard, other animals that she meets or veterinary offices with poor hygiene practises. Ear mites are especially prevalent in unhomed animals.

The good news is that ear mites cannot spread to the human members of your family. They also cannot live long without a host, so you don’t have to worry about treating your home.

How do I know if my pet has ear mites?

Ear mites are very small, which makes them very difficult to spot. If you wipe your pet’s ears with a warm, soft cloth, you may notice small white dots in the residue. These are mites. However, your pet will almost certainly display a number of symptoms that could point to an ear mite infestation. These may include:
 

• Frequently shaking her head

• Persistently scratching her head and ears

• Rubbing her head and ears against walls and carpet

• Visible abrasions around the ears

• Inflammation in the ear

• Crusting and scales on the neck, rump and tail

• Red-brown or black crusts on the outer ear

• Bumps similar to coffee grounds in the ear canal

• Foul odor emanating from the ears

Treating ear mites

If you suspect that your pet has ear mites, you should arrange for her to attend an appointment with our veterinarian, who will be able to give her a thorough examination and an accurate diagnosis. Our vet will also be able to recommend the most suitable type of treatment.

Treatment for ear mites is relatively inexpensive and straightforward. It usually comes in the form of a topical gel, cream or ointment, and this can be prescribed by our veterinarian and applied at home. If you don’t feel confident in applying the medication, our vet will be able to show you the best way to do so at your pet’s appointment.

However, if your pet has scratched so much that she has caused damage to her ears or skin, am infection may have set in. In this instance, our vet will also prescribe a course of antibiotics and may provide a special collar that will prevent your furbaby from scratching herself further. Contact us for more information.