Ear mites are parasitic organisms that infest the ears of pets, causing scratching, head shaking, and a foul-smelling discharge. Treatment involves applying a pesticide to the ear several times to kill the mites and their eggs. A vet can confirm the diagnosis and clean the ears to relieve itching and pain. Topical medications must be applied deep into the ear, and pets should be rewarded with a treat after treatment.
Ear mites are parasitic organisms that infest the ears of cats, dogs and other furry pets. Left untreated, an ear mite infestation can have some serious consequences, including ruptured eardrum, so it’s imperative to treat ear mites as soon as you see any signs. Pet owners should also be aware that ear mites are highly infectious, although humans are generally left undisturbed by ear mites.
These microscopic organisms look like tiny crabs and are extremely annoying to your pet. Early signs of ear mite infestation include frequent head shaking and scratching around the ears. Animals may scratch themselves so much that they suck in blood and a foul-smelling discharge may develop. Another ear mite tip is the appearance of a substance that looks like coffee grounds in the ears.
The most common form of ear mite is Otodectes cynotis. The treatment for dog and cat ear mites, regardless of species, is the same: A pesticide is applied to the ear to kill the mites, and the application is repeated several times afterward to ensure that all the mites and their eggs have been killed. Failure to perform a series of canine or feline ear mite treatments can cause a recurrence of the infestation.
If you suspect your dog or cat has ear mites, it’s a good idea to go to the vet. Your vet can confirm that the problem is indeed ear mites and not some other type of infection. He or she can also clean your pet’s ears to remove debris and mites; your vet may also apply a soothing lotion to relieve itching and pain. This will make the pet more comfortable and increase the healing time. Once your pet’s ears have been cleaned, you’ll be given a topical or oral medication to use to treat the ear mites, or your vet may use an injection of medication.
When topical medications are used to treat dog and cat ear mites, it is important to ensure that they are applied deep into the ear. Many pets don’t appreciate it when people play with their ears, so it’s a good idea to work slowly and patiently and wrap your pet in a towel to keep them calm. After an ear mite treatment, it is recommended to offer a treat as a reward, so that the animal associates a positive outcome with the experience.
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