How to treat a dog's ears for ear ticks? - briefly
Gently clean the ear canal with a veterinarian‑approved cleanser, then apply the prescribed acaricidal ear drops according to the label schedule; re‑examine the ear regularly and consult a vet if irritation or infestation persists.
How to treat a dog's ears for ear ticks? - in detail
Ear tick infestations require immediate removal, thorough cleaning, and ongoing prevention.
First, isolate the dog in a calm environment to reduce stress. Use a pair of fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid twisting. After extraction, disinfect the puncture site with a veterinary‑approved antiseptic such as chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine.
Second, cleanse the ear canal. Dilute a veterinary‑safe ear cleanser (e.g., a solution containing salicylic acid or a mild surfactant) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the solution into the ear canal, massage the base of the ear for 20‑30 seconds, and allow the dog to shake its head. Use a soft gauze pad to wipe excess fluid and debris from the outer ear and canal entrance. Repeat the process on the opposite ear if necessary.
Third, administer a topical acaricide or systemic medication prescribed by a veterinarian. Options include:
- Spot‑on products containing fipronil, selamectin, or imidacloprid.
- Oral chewables with afoxolaner, fluralaner, or sarolaner.
- Prescription ear drops formulated with ivermectin or milbemycin.
Follow the dosage schedule precisely; most products require re‑application every 4–8 weeks to interrupt the tick life cycle.
Fourth, monitor for secondary infection. Look for redness, swelling, discharge, or foul odor. If any of these signs appear, seek veterinary evaluation for possible antibiotic or anti‑inflammatory therapy.
Fifth, implement preventive measures:
- Maintain regular ear inspections, especially after walks in wooded or grassy areas.
- Keep the ear hair trimmed to improve ventilation and reduce moisture buildup.
- Use a routine ear cleaning regimen (once weekly) with a non‑irritating cleanser.
- Apply a monthly tick‑preventive collar or topical treatment to the whole body.
Finally, record all treatments, dates, and observations in a health log. This documentation assists in assessing the effectiveness of the protocol and provides valuable information for future veterinary consultations.