Source: The Natural Dog Store
Ear mites in dogs can be a real pain! These little pests can make your pup scratch their ears and shake their head like crazy. They’re pretty common, but the good news is they’re treatable if you catch them early.
The sooner you spot and deal with ear mites, the better. If you let them go unchecked, they can cause bigger issues. Luckily, there are some natural ways to get rid of them and help your furry friend feel better again!
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What Are Ear Mites In Dogs?
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are tiny parasites that like to hang out in your dog's ear canal. They don't bite or burrow like some other pests, but they do munch on the oils and wax in your dog's ears, which causes a lot of itching and irritation. That’s why you see your pup scratching and shaking their head so much. Even though they're small, they can cause big problems if you don’t take care of them.
Ear mites can spread quickly between pets, so if your dog has them, there's a good chance your cat or other pets could get them too. Fortunately, ear mites don’t usually affect humans, but it's still important to act fast to prevent them from spreading among your furry friends!
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How Do Dogs Get Ear Mites?
Dogs can easily pick up ear mites outside, especially from contact with outdoor cats, which are common carriers. Whether your dog loves exploring the yard or interacting with strays, ear mites can hitch a ride and settle into your pup’s ears.
These little pests are highly contagious among animals, so if one of your pets gets ear mites, it’s likely the others will too. If you notice ear mites in your dog, be sure to check your other pets as well since they can spread quickly.
You might be wondering: can humans catch ear mites from dogs? Technically, yes, but it’s very rare. That said, humans can still get ear mite infections or infestations even without a pet, so it’s good to know about ear mite treatment and symptoms for your own peace of mind!
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Diagnosing Ear Mites In Dogs
You can often check for ear mites at home before going to the vet. Use a cotton swab or ball to collect debris from the outer part of your dog’s ear canal. Place the debris on a dark surface and look for tiny white specks moving around—those are the mites. If you don’t see anything, check the other ear.
If you can’t find anything or your dog has severe symptoms, it’s best to visit the vet. They may use an otoscope to look deeper or check the ear discharge under a microscope for mites.
If your dog is fidgety, some vets might suggest sedation, but that should be a last resort. Try calming methods like CBD oil or Rescue Remedy to help keep your pup relaxed during the exam.
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Natural Remedies For Ear Mites
If you suspect your dog has ear mites, it's time to get them treated. The good news is that you can use gentle options for treatment. Start with the natural home remedies below and consult your holistic vet for guidance.
Conventional Treatment For Ear Mites
Pharmaceutical treatments for ear mites are often a go-to option, typically available as topical anti-parasitics or oral medications like ivermectin. While these drugs can effectively kill or paralyze the mites, they come with potential risks.
Side effects may include skin irritations or more serious reactions, such as neurotoxicity. Some dogs could experience seizures, vomiting, or loss of coordination due to the neurotoxic effects of these medications.
Additionally, prolonged use (as mites have a long lifecycle) can lead to cumulative side effects. It’s always worth considering if gentler, natural approaches might be just as effective.
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Preventing Ear Mites In Dogs
To prevent ear mites, keep your dog’s immune system strong, making him less appealing to parasites. Feeding a raw, whole-food diet packed with natural nutrients is a great way to support overall health.
Also, reducing exposure to harsh chemicals can help. Use natural cleaning products at home and steer clear of chemical-based flea and tick preventatives. These chemicals can harm your dog’s skin health, leaving him more vulnerable to parasites. A natural approach is often a safer choice for the long run.
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FAQ
How do you get rid of ear mites in dogs? To get rid of dogs' ear mites naturally, you can use remedies like olive oil or garlic oil, which help suffocate and treat the mites. Regularly cleaning the ears and using natural treatments for several weeks can effectively clear up the ear mite infestation without harsh medications.
How can you tell if your dog has ear mites? You can diagnose ear mites in your dog by looking for signs like excessive ear scratching, head shaking, and dark, crumbly ear wax that resembles coffee grounds. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to further ear irritation or an ear infection.
How contagious are ear mites in dogs? Dog ear mites are highly contagious and can easily spread between pets, including cats and ferrets, through close contact. While humans rarely catch ear mites, it’s important to treat all animals in the household to prevent the infestation from spreading.
How do you get rid of ear mites without going to the vet? You can get rid of ear mites without visiting the vet by using natural remedies like green tea or garlic oil to clean your dog's ears and soothe ear irritation. These treatments are effective in treating ear mites and can also help prevent secondary ear infections.
If you suspect your pet may be dealing with ear mites, here are some RAW101-approved products to help them find relief! Delivery options available.
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