What should be dropped in a dog's ear for a tick? - briefly
«Mineral oil» or a veterinary‑approved ear drop containing permethrin can be applied to the ear to suffocate the tick. After a few minutes, the tick can be removed with tweezers.
What should be dropped in a dog's ear for a tick? - in detail
Ticks attached to the ear canal require a medication that reaches the parasite while protecting surrounding tissue. The most effective agents are topical acaricides formulated for canine use. Commonly recommended products include:
- Ivermectin‑based ear drops (e.g., « IVOMEC »); concentration 1 % for adult ticks, applied directly into the canal.
- Selamectin solution (e.g., « Revolution »); broad‑spectrum acaricide, 6 mg/kg, a few drops per ear.
- Fipronil ear formulation (e.g., « Frontline »); 0.5 % solution, 0.2 ml per ear.
- Amitraz ear drops (e.g., « Mitaban »); 0.5 % solution, 0.1 ml per ear for short‑term use.
- Pyrethrin‑based preparations (e.g., « K9 Advantix »); 0.5 % concentration, 0.2 ml per ear.
Application procedure:
- Restrain the dog securely; use a calm environment to reduce stress.
- Inspect the ear canal with a light source; locate the tick.
- Clean the ear gently with a veterinarian‑approved ear cleanser; remove excess wax.
- Measure the prescribed volume of the selected acaricide with a calibrated dropper.
- Administer the drops into the ear canal, allowing the solution to coat the walls.
- Massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds to distribute the medication.
- Observe the dog for any adverse reaction for 15‑30 minutes; contact a veterinarian if swelling, excessive salivation, or itching occurs.
Follow‑up care includes re‑examining the ear after 24 hours, repeating the treatment according to the product’s label (typically every 7‑14 days), and maintaining regular ear hygiene to prevent reinfestation. Veterinary consultation is essential before initiating any ear‑drop regimen, especially for puppies, pregnant dogs, or animals with pre‑existing ear conditions.