What does an ear mite look like on a dog, what are the symptoms and treatment? - briefly
Ear mites appear as tiny, white, sand‑like particles that may accumulate as dark, waxy debris in the ear canal, often causing intense itching, head shaking, and inflammation. Effective treatment involves thorough ear cleaning followed by a veterinarian‑prescribed topical acaricide to eliminate the parasites and prevent recurrence.
What does an ear mite look like on a dog, what are the symptoms and treatment? - in detail
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are microscopic arachnids about 0.2–0.4 mm in length. The body is oval, flattened, and covered with short, translucent setae that give a whitish‑gray appearance. In a dog’s ear the parasite resides in the external canal, clinging to the skin and hair follicles.
Visible signs include a brown‑black, coffee‑ground–like debris that accumulates at the opening of the ear. The debris consists of mite excrement, dead mites, and inflammatory debris. The skin around the canal often appears reddened, swollen, and may develop scabs or crusts. In advanced cases, the ear canal can become narrowed by excessive wax and tissue thickening.
Typical clinical manifestations:
- Frequent scratching of the head or ears
- Head shaking and tilting
- Strong odor emanating from the ear
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal
- Thick, dark discharge resembling dirt
- Hair loss or thinning around the ear base
Effective management follows a three‑step protocol:
- Cleaning – Gently flush the ear with a veterinarian‑approved cleanser to remove debris and reduce mite load. Use a cotton ball or gauze; avoid inserting objects deep into the canal.
- Topical acaricide – Apply a single‑dose medication containing selamectin, milbemycin oxime, or a pyrethrin‑based formulation. Follow the product label for dosage and repeat intervals, typically one to two weeks apart to cover the mite life cycle.
- Systemic therapy – In severe infestations, oral ivermectin or milbemycin may be prescribed. Dosage is weight‑based; monitoring for adverse reactions is essential.
- Environmental control – Wash bedding, toys, and grooming tools in hot water. Vacuum carpets and upholstery to remove shed mites. Treat all animals in the household, even if asymptomatic.
Re‑examination after two weeks confirms eradication. Persistent signs warrant a repeat otoscopic evaluation and possible adjustment of the treatment regimen.