How to Prevent Ear Mites in Dogs

Ear mites are eight-legged parasites that live inside the ears of dogs and feed on the oils and wax in the ear canal. Ear mites are tiny, but they can cause a significant amount of itching and irritation. When left untreated, they can cause infections or other serious diseases and may result in hearing loss. Knowing how to prevent ear mites can save your dog from the itching and pain of infection and ensure his ears remain healthy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cotton pads

1. Keep your dog away from any other animals that show signs of being infected with ear mites. According to the ASPCA, ear mites are highly contagious and can be passed from one pet to another with only minimal contact.

2. Clean your dog's ears frequently to reduce ear wax and deter ear mites from making a home in the ear canal. Routine ear cleanings should be done at least once a month, and you should check for any signs of ear mite infection during the cleanings.

3. Dry your dog's ears after bathing or swimming. This can be done with a towel, cotton pad or ball, or by allowing your dog to run around outside in the sun. Do not use a cotton swab in your dog's ear if there is any sign of discharge or infection, as doing so may push the infection deeper into the ear canal.

4. Wash your dog's bedding thoroughly, and disinfect any areas where your dog spends a lot of time if he has recently recovered from an ear mite infection. Regularly clean your dog's bedding to prevent ear mites.

5. Treat your dog for ear mites if any other household pet is infected. You should treat your dog even if he has no symptoms and examination reveals no mites.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevention of ear mites is not always possible, but infections can be treated with a variety of medications to prevent ear damage from occurring.

References

• ASPCA

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