Understanding Ear Mites in Dogs: A Guide for Pet Owners in Poltava

vetpixelpoltava
Mar 18
4 min read

Updated: Apr 7

What Are Ear Mites?

The dog suddenly started rubbing or scratching its ears, whining, and shaking its head. This behavior may be a sign of an ear mite infestation. Parasitizing in the ear, the mite can provoke complications such as otitis, nervous disorders, and even deafness. It is important to understand what your pet is signaling and consult a veterinarian promptly.

Ear mites, scientifically known as otodectosis, are a common canine ailment. The name comes from the causative agent, the mite Otodectes cynotis. These tiny parasites live in the dog's ear, feeding on tissue fluid and lymph. They measure between 200-300 microns in width and 300-500 microns in length.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Ear Mites

You can identify if your dog has otodectosis by observing the following symptoms:

Skin irritation and scratches
Intra-auricular wounds caused by claws
Frequent scratching of ears and shaking of the head
Thick, dark discharge from the ear
Unpleasant odour from the affected areas

The first signs of otodectosis are dark ear discharge and itching. However, only a veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis. Self-medication is highly discouraged if you suspect your dog has ear mites.

Importance of Early Treatment

Treating ear mites can yield visible results in the early stages. However, it is crucial not to stop therapy at the first signs of relief. Completing the prescribed treatment plan and following your veterinarian's recommendations is essential. An infested ear mite can lead to complete hearing loss in any breed of dog.

Causes of Ear Mite Infection

Ear mites typically enter dogs from other infected animals. These mites can survive in the environment (not on dogs or other animals) for up to 20 days. Therefore, it is vital to monitor the cleanliness of your pet's resting area and care items.

Can a tick get into a dog's ear? Yes, the tick most often parasitizes in this area. Dogs with weak immunity and pets under one year old are more susceptible to infection.

Expert Advice from Veterinary Doctor Lyudmila Bornukovskaya

If you suspect that your pet may have been infected with ear mites, visit a veterinary clinic for an examination. The veterinarian will accurately identify the cause of the disease and provide recommendations. The diagnosis is based on clinical, laboratory, and instrumental data. The presence of mites in the dog's ear is confirmed using a microscopic method. A sample is taken from the ear and placed on a slide for examination. If parasites are present, they can be seen under a microscope.

How to Treat Otodectosis in Dogs

A variety of specific antiparasitic drugs are usually employed to eliminate mites. It is also important to thoroughly clean the ear canal from dirt during treatment.

Proper Ear Cleaning Techniques

To clean the ear canal effectively, specialized veterinary preparations known as ear lotions are used. These lotions soften discharge, including hardened crusts, allowing them to exit the ear canal naturally. It is highly discouraged to use boric acid and hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the skin.

Dogs usually tolerate ear treatment well. For effective cleaning, follow these steps:

Tilt your pet's head so that the affected ear is on top.
Firmly hold the head to prevent the dog from shaking it.
Pour the lotion into the ear canal (the animal may shake its head at this point).
Fold the base of the ear in half and gently massage for about 20-30 seconds to allow the lotion to soften the discharge.
Lower the dog's head so it can shake its ears.
Use a cotton pad or cotton swab to remove any remaining secretions and lotion from the inner surface of the ear.
If there is heavy discharge, clean again.

The gentle formula of the lotion is safe for dogs, so you don't need to worry about any residue remaining in your dog's ear. It will come out when they shake their ears.

Important Tips for Ear Cleaning

When cleaning the ear canal, keep these points in mind:

Pour a sufficient amount of lotion into the ear canal as per the instructions. A couple of drops are not enough; they will be absorbed into the solidified mass of secretions. For a large dog, the optimal volume is about 5 ml.
Even a calm, friendly animal may react violently to the procedure. Touching the affected ears can be painful, and the dog may start biting or pulling away. To avoid injury and control your pet, you may need to use a muzzle.
Different lotions may have specific instructions for use. Always read the instructions carefully before applying the product.
To ensure your pet is comfortable, the lotion should be at room temperature. Check with your veterinarian if the drug can be heated.
Praise your pet during the cleaning process and offer a treat afterward. This will help create a positive association, making future ear cleanings easier.

Conclusion

Taking care of your dog's ears is crucial for their overall health. If you notice any signs of ear mites, don't hesitate to seek professional help. You can also make an appointment online for a clinical examination with our veterinarian or contact the veterinary centre "VetPixel" in Poltava at 43, Yuliana Matviychuk St.