Dog Ear Mites - Symptoms and Treatment

Dog ear mites are an irritating health problem for dogs. There are ways to help prevent ear mites in dogs. Learn about the symptoms of dog ear mites and how to treat ear mites in dogs.

Dog ear mites are mites whose scientific name is Otodectes cynotis. Ear mites in dogs are most commonly found in the dog's ears, of course. But these tiny mites can be found on other areas of the dog.

Left untreated, dog ear mites can cause permanent ear problems. Ear mites in dogs usually live inside the dog's ear canal. The dog ear mites basically live on ear wax. As the dog ear mites continue to stay in the ear canal, their waste starts building up inside the dog's ears. This causes swelling, irritation, and fluid inside the ears.

If untreated long enough, the dog can develop secondary ear infections, causing more pain and health problems for the dog. Rarely, dog ear mites can burst the ear drum. If this occurs, the middle ear can become infected severely.

There are a few symptoms of ear mites in dogs. Dog ear mites will cause dogs to scratch at their ears often. They may scratch enough to cause sores around their ears. Dogs with ear mites will sometimes shake their heads.

If your dog exhibits symptoms of dog ear mites, inspect its ears. Ear mites in dogs will cause ear matter that looks very similar to coffee grounds or rich, black dirt. Sometimes there is a reddish brown or black discharge.

Ear mites in dogs are difficult to see with the naked eye, as they are very small. However, look very closely and you may be able to spot dog ear mites. Ear mites will look like small white specks. They can be seen inside the dog's ear canal, as well as around the outside of the ear. You may also be able to see dog ear mites in the ear wax.

Keep in mind that ear mites in dogs are easily transferred to other dogs simply by being in contact with each other. If one of your dogs has ear mites, chances are your other pets will also have dog ear mites. If one pet is suspected of having dog ear mites, treat all of your dogs at once for the condition. Otherwise, your pets will likely keep transferring the dog ear mites to each other.