How To Detect Ear Mites

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By Nicole Hoelscher
eHow Contributing Writer

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Ear mites are tiny organisms called otodectes cynotis that can live in a cat or dog's ear canal. The mites feed off of the tissue debris found in the ear canal, and in doing so cause irritation in the ear. Pet Center and the National Pet Pharmacy indicate ear mites are one of the most common veterinary conditions in cats, and they can occur in dogs as well. Since mites can cause serious damage to the ears, pet owners need to know how to check for potential ear mite infestations, so they can seek treatment for their animal companions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Flashlight

How to Detect Ear Mites

Step 1

Watch your pet for excess scratching at its ears. Scratching can indicate other problems, but is the primary symptom of ear mites.
Step 2

Smell the ear. Ear mites cause an unpleasant odor.
Step 3

Check cats by briskly rubbing the ear canal. Infected cats will make scratching movements with their back legs when, whereas cats without mites will not.
Step 4

Notice if your cat or dog is shaking its head frequently, particularly when it is trying to sleep.
Step 5

Look at any other pets in the home for signs of ear mites, which are highly contagious. Other ear problems are less contagious.
Step 6

Use the flashlight to check the ear for discharge or increased earwax production. The discharge from dog and cat ear mites is thick, red or black, and crusted.
Step 7

Take your pet to the vet to have the ear discharge examined under the microscope to detect the presence of ear mites and rule out another type of ear infection.

Tips & Warnings

Some animal owners are surprised to learn their pet has ear mites, because they may cause no noticeable symptoms, especially in cats.
Ear mites are treated with prescription ear medications containing insecticides.
Many veterinarians will recommend that all pets in the house are treated for mites, even if some are not showing signs of an infestation, because of the highly contagious nature of the parasite.
Ear mites in cats and dogs can be prevented with some medications, like Frontline, that have are designed to kill mites, fleas, ticks and other parasitic pests.
Do not attempt to diagnose ear mites in your pet on your own. If you notice symptoms, seek medical attention.
If left untreated, ear mites can cause lasting ear problems, such as the thickening of the ear canal, damage to the eardrum and permanent hearing loss.