Dog Ear Mites: What You Need to Know

Ear mites occur most commonly in young animals and are transmitted by direct physical contact with other infested animals. This could be another dog or cat in the home, from social activities outside the home, or in some cases, from close contact with infested wildlife, like foxes. Since ear mites are highly contagious among dogs and cats, all animals in the home should be treated (at the direction of your vet), even if they are not showing overt symptoms.

Your vet will be able to diagnose ear mites by doing an otoscopic ear exam. This allows them to look deeper inside the ear. They will also typically look at a sample of the ear discharge under a microscope to confirm the reason for your dog's discomfort.

Because signs of ear mites are so similar to other conditions in dogs, it's important to receive an accurate diagnosis from your vet, rather than trying to treat it at home based on signs alone.

There are many treatment options for dog ear mites, including medications that can be applied directly in the ears, as well as others that are injected, taken orally or topically to the skin. Fortunately, many of these prescribed medications can eradicate dog ear mite infestations with just one application. The bonus? These medications are commonly utilized as routine flea and tick control too, so you get the added benefit of prevention from other common parasites.

A thorough ear cleaning is still necessary to remove the wax and debris from the ear at the start of treatment. In some cases, your dog may need an additional ear cleaning about one month after receiving the treatment to remove any remaining debris.

And remember: all animals in the home should be treated under the guidance of your vet, even if they are asymptomatic.

Regularly checking your dog's ears can be a simple and effective way to get ahead of any ear mite infestations. Look for ear debris, discharge or redness, and pay attention to any excessive itching or head shaking that your pup shows.

If you believe your dog may have ear mites, it's best to contact your vet. Early intervention can make a big difference in your dog's comfort, and a professional opinion is essential for getting an accurate diagnosis.

What's the difference between dog ear mites and earwax?

Just like people, dogs naturally have some earwax, which is yellowish and varies in texture. Ear mites are tiny white parasites, and often come with a dark debris.

What do ear mites look like?

Mites are microscopic arachnids that resemble the appearance of ticks. They are barely visible to the naked eye as pin-prick-sized white dots.

How long does it take for ear mites to go away?

There are several medications available that your vet can prescribe to treat ear mites with a single-dose administration. The ears need to be cleaned at the time of treatment and may need to be cleaned about a month after treatment to completely clear the ear debris.

Can humans get ear mites from dogs?

In some rare cases, humans have been reported to develop a transient skin rash following close contact with affected animals. However, it's extremely unlikely for dogs to pass ear mites to humans.

Can ear mites infest your house?

Ear mites are spread via direct contact from one infested animal to another and do not survive well off of the host, so there's no need to be concerned about your home being infested. However, since it is highly contagious with close physical contact, your vet may recommend washing or replacing shared bedding material.

Are ear mites contagious to other dogs?

Yes, dog ear mites are highly contagious among dogs (and cats) and are spread by direct physical contact.

How do you check for ear mites in dogs?

Being aware of the signs that come with ear mites can be helpful in knowing when to visit the vet. Your vet will be able to do a thorough ear exam and evaluate ear debris under a microscope to develop an accurate diagnosis.

Ear mites can be uncomfortable for your dog and stressful for you, but with the right care and attention, they're highly treatable. By recognizing the signs early, following your veterinarian's guidance and keeping up with regular ear checks, you can help your dog stay itch-free and happy.