How do ear mites start in dogs? - briefly
Infestation begins when a dog contacts another animal or a surface that harbors ear mites. The female mite deposits eggs in the ear canal, where they hatch and multiply, producing the characteristic irritation.
How do ear mites start in dogs? - in detail
Ear mite infestation in canines begins when female Otodectes cynotis mites lay eggs in the external auditory canal. Eggs hatch within 24–48 hours, releasing larvae that migrate toward the ear canal’s skin surface. Larvae mature into nymphs after 3–4 days, then develop into adult mites in another 3–4 days. The life cycle completes in approximately 2 weeks, allowing a rapid increase in mite numbers.
Key factors that introduce the parasites include:
- Direct contact with an infected animal, especially during grooming, play, or breeding.
- Shared environments such as kennels, shelters, or grooming facilities where contaminated bedding or surfaces exist.
- Maternal transmission to puppies during nursing or close mother‑puppy interaction.
Once established, mites feed on earwax and skin debris, causing irritation that promotes further colonization. The resulting inflammation increases ear secretions, creating a favorable habitat for additional mites and facilitating spread to other dogs in the same household or group.