Ear mite in a dog: where does it come from? - briefly
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are highly contagious parasites that dogs acquire through direct contact with infested animals or by exposure to contaminated bedding, grooming tools, or environments. The parasites migrate to the ear canal, where they feed on skin debris and ear secretions.
Ear mite in a dog: where does it come from? - in detail
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are obligate ectoparasites that inhabit the external auditory canal and surrounding ear flap of dogs. The adult female lays eggs on the skin surface; after hatching, larvae migrate to the ear canal, where they mature through three nymphal stages before becoming reproductive adults. This life cycle, lasting approximately three weeks, ensures a rapid increase in parasite numbers once an infestation is established.
The primary source of infection is direct contact with another infested animal. Transmission occurs when an uninfected dog brushes its head against the ears, face, or neck of a carrier, allowing motile larvae to transfer. Secondary pathways include:
- Shared bedding, blankets, or grooming tools that retain viable eggs or larvae.
- Contact with contaminated environments such as kennels, grooming salons, or shelters where infestations are common.
- Maternal transmission to puppies during nursing, as mites can move from the dam’s ears to the litter’s skin.
Risk factors that increase exposure include:
- Living in multi‑dog households, especially where at least one animal shows signs of otitis.
- Participation in dog shows, boarding facilities, or daycare centers with high animal turnover.
- Lack of regular veterinary ear examinations and preventive treatments.
Environmental resilience of the eggs contributes to persistence. While eggs can survive off the host for up to 10 days under favorable humidity and temperature, they lose viability quickly when exposed to dry, hot conditions. Consequently, thorough cleaning of the living area, laundering of bedding at high temperatures, and disinfection of grooming equipment are essential components of control.
Effective management requires simultaneous treatment of all animals in the household and thorough environmental decontamination. Systemic acaricides, topical otic solutions, or combination protocols eliminate active mites, while repeated applications over a 2–3 week interval address newly hatched larvae before they reach reproductive maturity.