Ear mites are tiny bugs that can live inside a dog’s ears. They are so small you can’t see them without a microscope, but they can cause big problems. These mites feed on wax and skin in the ear, making your dog feel very itchy and uncomfortable. While ear mites are more common in cats, dogs—especially ones that go outside a lot or live with other animals—can also get them.
When dogs have ear mites, they often shake their heads a lot or scratch their ears. You might notice a dark, crumbly substance in their ears that looks like coffee grounds. Their ears may look red and swollen, and they might have a bad smell coming from them. Some dogs may yelp or pull away when you try to touch their ears. If the itching gets really bad, they might scratch so much that they get scabs or lose hair around their ears. If ear mites aren’t treated, they can lead to serious infections and even hearing loss.
To find out if a dog has ear mites, a vet will need to look inside the ear with a special tool or check the ear gunk under a microscope. This helps make sure the problem isn’t something else like an allergy, a yeast infection, or bacteria.
There are good treatments available to help dogs with ear mites. A vet might give ear drops that kill the mites or even medicine that is taken by mouth or as a shot. If the ears are infected, the vet might also prescribe medicine to fight bacteria or fungus. Some of the common vet-recommended treatments include medications like Revolution®, Advocate®, and ivermectin-based drops.
At home, you can help by gently cleaning your dog’s ears with a cleaner your vet recommends. Natural oils like coconut or olive oil might help calm the itching, and some people use diluted apple cider vinegar, but only if the ears are not wounded. Just remember—these home remedies can help, but they won’t get rid of mites completely. You still need the vet’s treatment.
To stop mites from coming back, you’ll need to keep everything clean. Wash your dog’s bedding and toys in hot water, clean their ears regularly, and make sure all your pets are treated—even if only one seems to have mites. Mites spread easily, so everyone in the house needs protection. Flea and tick treatments like Revolution® or Advocate® can also help prevent mites. It’s also a good idea to vacuum often and disinfect grooming tools like brushes and combs.
If your dog is in a lot of pain, has swelling, wounds from scratching, or a bad-smelling discharge, you should take them to the vet right away. The sooner you get help, the easier it is to treat the problem.
Note:
Ear mites can be annoying, but they’re not hard to treat if you catch them early. By watching for the signs and visiting your vet, you can help your dog feel better fast. Clean ears, regular checkups, and keeping your home tidy will help stop mites from coming back.
🐾 If you think your dog might have ear mites or any other ear problem, Reach out to us at Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital today, or click here.