How long should ear mite be treated in a dog? - briefly
Treat the infestation for 7–10 days, applying the medication exactly as the label directs. If live mites remain after this period, extend treatment by an additional 3–5 days.
How long should ear mite be treated in a dog? - in detail
Ear mite infestations in dogs require a defined treatment schedule to eradicate the parasite and prevent reinfestation. Most topical acaricides are applied directly into the ear canal once daily for three consecutive days. After the initial series, a second round is usually administered 7‑10 days later to eliminate any newly hatched mites that escaped the first application.
A typical protocol includes:
- Day 1‑3: Apply the recommended dose of a veterinary‑approved ear mite medication (e.g., selamectin, moxidectin, or a pyrethrin‑based product) into each affected ear.
- Day 7‑10: Repeat the same dose to target emerging larvae.
- Day 14‑21: Perform a follow‑up examination; if ear debris persists, a third application may be necessary.
- Day 30: Conduct a final otoscopic check to confirm the absence of live mites and residual inflammation.
Systemic treatments (oral or injectable) often follow a similar timeline: an initial dose, a second dose after 7‑10 days, and a possible third dose at the 21‑day mark, depending on the product’s label instructions.
Adjunct care—cleaning the ear canal with a veterinarian‑approved solution before each medication, managing secondary bacterial or yeast infections, and keeping the dog’s environment free of contaminated bedding—supports the primary regimen and reduces the risk of relapse.
If symptoms (scratching, head shaking, dark discharge) persist beyond the final check, further diagnostic testing and a revised therapeutic plan are warranted.