How To Get Rid Of Ear Mites
Ear mite infestation can make a dog’s life extremely uncomfortable. The poor pet will be seen constantly scratching and shaking the head. Due to extreme itchiness, the dog will be seen rubbing the face against the carpet or ground. Ear mites are tiny organisms that are hardly seen by the naked eye. These eight legged parasites are found on the dark, warm and moist area of the dog’s inner ear and feed on ear wax. Ear mites will burrow and bite the dog’s skin causing not only pain but discomfort as well especially if the dog shows an allergic reaction to the bites. The violent shaking would break small blood vessels causing the formation of hematomas. Infection that is characterized by coffee ground-like discharge and foul odor will set in.
Dogs are well loved pets thus a pet parent would naturally be concerned. Although ear mite infestation cannot be transmitted to humans, this parasite can be transmitted to other pets. A pet parent should not worry too much as there are ways to eradicate the infestation. There are a number of home remedies and over the counter medications that will eradicate the infestation. The foul odor and the severe itching that is caused by an ear mite infestation can also be associated with a bacterial or fungal ear infection thus it would be necessary to have the pet correctly diagnosed by a vet so that the appropriate medication will be prescribed.
Over the counter medications for ear mite eradication can be used. These products that contain insecticides will kill mature ear mites but not the incubating ear mite eggs. Thus, these products have to be used for at least 21 days which is the life cycle of an ear mite.
Topical medications with antibiotic can be used as well. Because infected ears are painful, the owner may find it hard to apply the topical medication as the pet will resist. Weekly ot twice a week injections will be a better alternative. Injectible medications though must be administered only by a vet as some dogs are sensitive to these medications.
Ear mite eradication can be done at home by using mineral oil. Massage the ear with a generous amount of mineral oil and then remove the softened ear wax and the ear mites. Mineral oil treatment must be repeated until the infestation is controlled.
At Sarah’s Dogs you can learn more about how to get rid of dog ear mites as well as dog first aid and more.
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