How to Treat Ear Mites in Your Pet

Ear mites (otodectes cynotis) are common to most pets - especially strays. Symptoms include scratching, shaking of the head and a reddish brown or black waxy buildup in the ears. Here are a few steps to help relieve your pet of ear mites.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Mite Medications For Pets
• Cotton Swabs
• Medicine Droppers
• Mineral Oils
• Flea Shampoos
• Flea shampoos

1. Confirm with your veterinarian that your pet has ear mites.

2. Use a small dropper with lukewarm mineral oil to lightly coat the inside of the ear. After several hours, the waxy buildup should soften so that you can clean out the ear with a cotton ball.

3. Ask your veterinarian about prescription insecticide or use an over-the-counter brand - these are fine for most cases. Use the product as directed.

4. Be patient and thorough. Treatments can take up to four weeks - enough time to eliminate any eggs that might hatch.

5. Give your pet mild flea baths during the treatment period to squelch any wayward mites.

6. Consult with your vet about more aggressive medication for a particularly stubborn case.

7. Treat all the animals in the household at the same time because the mites will relocate to new hosts.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your pet's ears for a strong rancid smell. This could indicate an ear infection. Ask your vet for a medication that will treat the infection and eliminate ear mites.

• If you don't want to use traditional medications, dab mineral oil in your pet's ears (after they have been cleaned) with a cotton swab, twice a week for a month.

• Consider using an anti-yeast medication, since secondary yeast infections are commonly found with ear mite infestations.