How To Treat Ear Mites In A Dog

Introduction

Canine ear mites are a common ailment you may run into as an owner of a dog. But don’t fret! The good news is that these pesky pests — which live in the ear canal and feed off the wax and oils within — can be treated at home using medicated ear drops. Before treatment, however, it would be wise to start with a visit to your veterinarian to confirm an infestation. Ear mites can closely resemble other infections, so ensuring that it’s an infestation of mites will help you take appropriate action. From there, follow these steps to treat the issue:

See a Veterinarian

See a veterinarian. If you suspect your dog has ear mites and would like to confirm this diagnosis, it’s important to consult with a professional. A veterinarian can perform an examination and determine whether or not your pet has mites by looking at the dogs’ ears. Some vets are able to diagnose ear mites simply by examining the exterior of the ear; others will need to use special equipment such as an otoscope (a lighted instrument that allows them to see inside) or take skin scrapings from within your pet’s ear canal, which they may then send off for testing at another facility.
Find a vet near you. Many cities have animal hospitals available for consultation—these are typically staffed with veterinarians who specialize in treating animals (rather than human doctors who treat both people and pets). You can find these facilities by asking friends or neighbors who own pets where they go when their animals need medical care, googling “veterinarian” + city name, or calling up local animal shelters/humane societies/animal control departments—they usually know where all of the area vets are located!

Clean the Ear Canal

To clean the ear canal, use a damp cotton ball to wipe away any excess wax that may have built up over time. If you have a dog with long hair, you can use a grooming brush to gently remove any excess hair so that it doesn’t get stuck inside their ears.

After cleaning the ear canals, disinfect them by applying some dog-safe cleaning solution and massaging it into their skin using your fingers or an applicator bottle. Then let them air dry for 10–15 minutes before putting on their favorite bandana!

If you’re having trouble reaching deep into your dog’s ear canal—or if they’re not cooperative when trying to clean their ears—try using a cotton swab instead of a cotton ball: just dip one end in some disinfectant solution first before gently inserting it into their ear canal (you’ll want about 3/4 of an inch). Gently move the swab around within this area until all debris has been removed from within; then repeat on opposite side before moving onto next step below!

Apply a Medicated Ear Drop

Apply Medicated Ear Drops

Ear mites are a common problem in dogs, but they can be quickly and effectively treated with the right medication. A veterinarian will prescribe a medicated ear drop that you’ll need to apply twice daily for up to 14 days. Follow these steps:

Cleanse the ear canal carefully before applying each dose of medication. This will help keep the medication from being washed out of your dog’s ears by normal cleaning habits or water exposure.
Drop the prescribed dose into each ear canal, using an applicator provided by your vet if possible (otherwise simply use a clean dropper bulb). Do not touch your dog’s face after applying medicated drops as they can be irritating to some dogs’ sensitive skin.

Be Diligent about Treatment

You must be diligent about treatment. If you think your dog has ear mites, it’s important to get him to the vet as soon as possible so they can determine if he does indeed have them. If your dog has been treated for ear mites and the problem persists, you might need to find a new veterinarian or another option altogether.

If you don’t see improvement quickly enough, ask your vet how long it generally takes for antibiotics and antihistamines (if prescribed) to work on each of their patients in order to figure out why your pup isn’t improving faster. They may recommend adding another medication into his regimen or changing up his diet a bit by adding supplements that are helpful in healing wounds and boosting immunity.

Ear mite treatment calls for consistency in cleaning, medicating and observation.

Ear mite treatment calls for consistency in cleaning, medicating and observation. It’s important to be consistent with all three aspects of treatment.

In order to properly treat ear mites in your dog, you must:

Clean your pet’s ears daily with a mild ear cleaner available at pet stores or pharmacies.
Use an over-the-counter medication once or twice a day for two weeks (or longer if prescribed by your veterinarian). This will help kill any remaining mites or eggs that may reside in your pet’s ears.
Observe for signs of ear irritation or scratching during this period. If any irritation occurs, stop using the medication immediately and consult with your vet about alternative options.

Conclusion

The best way to treat a dog with ear mites is threefold: consistent cleaning, diligent application of medication, and regular observation. Cleaning the ear canal helps ensure that untreated areas are not missed, while being vigilant about treatment prevents re-infestation. When in doubt, always seek the guidance of a veterinarian because they know best how to handle these irritating little parasites.