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How to Treat Ear Mites

Contributor
By Charlotte Johnson
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Dogs and cats can be infected with an insect known as an ear mite. Several varieties of ear mites can live in pets' ear canals and can cause significant irritation. Symptoms of ear mites include scratching the ears furiously, whining, shaking the head, and the appearance of dried blood which looks like coffee grounds in the ear. Ear mites can exist on other parts of the pet's body as well and cause itching. Left untreated in the ear canal, ear mites can damage the ear drum and lead to hearing loss.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Ear mite medication (as recommended or prescribed by a veterinarian)
  • Cotton balls
  • Mineral oil

    Treatment

  1. Step 1

    Take your pet to a veterinarian. Some ear mite infestations lead to ear infections, which require prescription medication. Your vet will either give your animal an injection of ivermectin or will give you a supply of antibiotic ear drops. Ivermectin should be used with caution, as it has been known to cause side effects in certain animals. You should not use ivermectin with animals that have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug, collies, collie-mixes, or puppies under six weeks of age or a dog with heartworms. Before administering heartworm prevention medications containing ivermectin, a dog should first be tested for heartworms.

  2. Step 2

    Squirt a few drops the antibiotic medication into each ear canal.

  3. Step 3

    Rub the outer portion of the ear near the canal for 20 to 30 seconds to help the medication flow into the canal.

  4. Step 4

    Repeat once daily for 10 to 14 days, or according to medication instructions.

  5. Step 5

    Consult your veterinarian if you still see symptoms of mites.

  6. Prevention and Maintenance

  7. Step 1

    Treat other cats or dogs in the yard or house, as ear mites are very contagious.

  8. Step 2

    Regularly bathe your pet. Use a cotton boil moistened with mineral oil to remove dirt, debris and wax from visible parts of the ear.

  9. Step 3

    Keep ear hair trimmed to reduce irritation.

  10. Step 4

    Use a product that delivers a once-monthly dosage of protection (such as Revolution for cats and dogs) in order to prevent future infestations. Apply the liquid between the animal's shoulder blades to prevent it from licking it off. Revolution can cause side effects such as digestive upset and hair loss (in cats) at the site of application. This medication should not be given to pets that are sickly or underweight.

Tips & Warnings
  • Always check any medication to make sure that it is approved for your pet; consult with your veterinarian for advice. Some medications for dogs can be harmful for cats, and vice versa.
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eHow Article: How to Treat Ear Mites

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