How can a dog's ears be cleaned of ear mites? - briefly
Use a veterinarian‑approved ear‑mite cleanser to irrigate the canal, then gently remove debris with a soft cotton ball; apply a prescribed topical treatment afterward to eradicate any remaining parasites and prevent recurrence.
How can a dog's ears be cleaned of ear mites? - in detail
Ear mite infestation in canines presents with dark, crumb‑like debris, frequent scratching, and head shaking. Prompt removal reduces irritation and prevents secondary infection.
Required materials
- Veterinary‑approved ear cleanser (e.g., chlorhexidine‑based)
- Soft cotton balls or gauze pads
- Disposable gloves
- Towels to protect surfaces
- Topical acaricide (e.g., selamectin, moxidectin) prescribed by a veterinarian
Preparation
- Secure the dog in a quiet area; one person may hold the animal while another works.
- Wear gloves to avoid contaminating the cleaning solution.
Cleaning procedure
- Apply the recommended volume of ear cleanser into the external auditory canal.
- Gently massage the base of the ear for 30–45 seconds to loosen debris and mites.
- Allow the solution to drain for a few seconds, then use a cotton ball to wipe away visible material.
- Do not insert cotton swabs deep into the canal; this can damage the tympanic membrane.
- Repeat the process on the opposite ear, using a fresh cotton ball each time.
Medication application
- After cleaning, administer the prescribed topical acaricide directly onto the ear canal according to label instructions.
- Ensure the medication contacts the skin, not just the surface debris.
Post‑treatment care
- Re‑clean the ears every 2–3 days for two weeks, then weekly for another month to eliminate residual mites.
- Observe for persistent discharge, foul odor, or inflammation; these signs may indicate secondary bacterial or yeast infection requiring additional therapy.
- Schedule a veterinary follow‑up to confirm eradication and assess ear health.
Consistent hygiene, correct medication, and veterinary supervision together achieve complete removal of ear mites and restore normal ear function.