How to treat a dog's ears for mites? - briefly
Clean the ear canal with a veterinarian‑approved acaricide solution and administer the prescribed ear medication. Schedule a follow‑up exam to confirm eradication and prevent recurrence.
How to treat a dog's ears for mites? - in detail
Ear mite infestations in canines require a systematic approach that begins with accurate identification. Typical signs include intense scratching, head shaking, dark brown or black debris resembling coffee grounds, and inflammation of the ear canal. Veterinary examination confirms the presence of Otodectes cynotis through otoscopic inspection and microscopic evaluation of ear swabs.
The treatment protocol consists of three phases: cleaning, medication, and monitoring.
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Cleaning
- Dilute a veterinarian‑approved ear cleanser with warm water according to label instructions.
- Apply the solution into the ear canal, massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds to loosen debris.
- Allow the dog to shake its head, then use sterile gauze or cotton balls to wipe out visible wax and mite debris.
- Repeat the process in both ears, ensuring the canal is free of excess moisture before applying medication.
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Medication
Topical acaricides: Apply a single dose of a product containing either selamectin, ivermectin, or milbemycin oxime directly into the ear canal. Follow the manufacturer’s dosage based on the dog’s weight.
Systemic therapy: In cases of severe infestation, administer an oral or injectable macrocyclic lactone as prescribed by a veterinarian.
Anti‑inflammatory agents: Use a short course of corticosteroid ear drops if pronounced swelling interferes with drug penetration. -
Monitoring
- Re‑examine the ears after 7 days. If debris persists, repeat the cleaning step and administer a second dose of the topical acaricide.
- Conduct a follow‑up visit at 14 days to confirm eradication; a clean ear canal with no visible mites indicates success.
- Schedule a final check at 30 days to ensure no recurrence.
Prevention hinges on maintaining ear hygiene and limiting exposure to other infested animals. Regular cleaning with a mild, pH‑balanced ear solution, routine veterinary health checks, and prompt treatment of any new cases in the household reduce the risk of re‑infestation.