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Dog’s head shaking and ear scratching is strong indications of the presence of ear mites. The good thing is that these parasites in canines do not bite the host. However, if ignored and not taken care of early may basically lead to more serious dog’s health issues. Luckily, there are numbers of DIY ear mite treatment for dogs available to help to address your dog’s ear mite problems.
Although conventional ear mite treatments for dogs are also of great help these may cause some adverse reactions to dogs. And, they may also progress to the next level of negative effects on dogs. Yes, treating dog’s ear mites is highly crucial but it is also important to learn ways on preventing such parasites without taking the risk of developing another dog’s health problems.
Basic Information about Dog’s Ear Mites
Generally, ear mite in canines is also known as the Otodectes cynotis which is the most common type of mange. These parasites belong to the family of ticks, scorpions, and spiders. However, compared to them, these little creatures do not actually bite.
The normal habitat of ear mites in dogs is their ear canal but sometimes, these parasites may also migrate into the canine’s body. Basically, ear mites feed off the dog’s ear wax which will eventually lead to dog’s itchiness. However, if they cannot find a host to live in, they are not able to live. That’s why once these parasites find a dog they really want to take the opportunity to get there.
Aside from dogs, cats and ferrets can also be infested by ear mites. Moreover, dogs with a younger age are more prone to getting ear mites. Yet, all dogs can have it regardless of age. Additionally, ear mites do not affect people but they may get skin rash for some time.
Causes of Dog’s Ear Mites
Basically, dogs get ear mites when they get outside of their home. And most of the time, these parasites come from other animals such as other dogs, cats or ferrets. The most common source of ear mites is the cats that your dog may meet outdoor. Actually, the Companion Animal Parasite Council revealed that cats can cradle about 1000 mites in each ear.
Fortunately, dogs may have fewer numbers of it than the cats. Ear mites spread easily and quickly which makes your dog catch them without hassle. Generally, there will be around 15 to 20 eggs that can come from female mites. In 4 days time, the eggs hatch and the offspring will give off more eggs.
Signs of Dog’s Ear Mites
Here are the signs that indicate the presence of ear mites on your dog.
- Ear drooping
- Scratching of the dog’s ear
- Shaking of head
- Reddish-brown discharge
- Smelly ears
- Skin lesions within the ears
- White spots
If left untreated, these symptoms may lead to more serious dog health problems.
- Ear damage (either external or internal)
- Hematoma of the ear
- Loss of balance
- Loss of hearing
- The sensitivity of the ear
- Secondary infection
How to Diagnose Ear Mites in Dogs
Noticing those symptoms generally needs confirmatory methods to identify that it is really ear mites. The good thing is you do not need to visit the vet to finally confirm ear mite infestation. You may basically consider the following things below in identifying ear mites at home. Moreover, doing so may also help you end up using DIY ear mite treatment for dogs.
- Basically, collect debris on the external ear canal of the dog by using swab or cotton ball.
- Once collected, put it over a dark background.
- Through a magnifying glass, look and check on it.
- Check for any moving specks which are in white color.
In case you see the exact thing under the magnifying glass, definitely, they are ear mites. But, if that’s not what you see, have a try on the ear by doing the steps from the start all over again. Now, you can ask for the help of the veterinarian if you are not able to see any. However, you can already skip those steps by considering giving the DIY ear mite treatment for dogs.
Ear Mite Treatment for Dogs
Actually, the following ear mite treatment for dogs also applies to other canine’s ear infection. Moreover, going to the veterinarian with the proper devices may basically help in diagnosing the ear mite infection easily. For example, the vet may do a visual check up on your dog through an otoscope. Aside from that, they may also use a microscope and inspect the discharge. And confirming the dog’s ear mite infection may lead to the recommendation of using the conventional ear mite dog treatment.
Ear Mite Treatment for Dogs – The Conventional Method
Basically, through a medicated ear solution, the veterinarian may clean the ears of your dog. However, at some point, the medicated ear cleaners will disrupt the good bacteria living inside the dog’s ears. Due to that, the likelihood of getting ear infection in the future is too high.
Below are some options for the conventional treatment of canine’s ear mites:
Anti-parasitic creams:
- Milbemycin
- Combination of Moxidectin and Imidacloprid
- A mixture of Permethrin, Neomycin, Nystatin, and Triamcinolone
- Selamectin
Pesticide in oral or injectable form:
- Ivermectin
Antibiotics or antifungal medication:
- This kind of conventional treatment for ear mites in dogs is suitable for addressing secondary infections.
Negative Effects of Using Ear Mite Medicines
Generally, this kind of treatment for canine’s ear mites entails a number of risks. As a neurotoxin, these medicines basically work by paralyzing the parasite. Knowing this, the medicine cannot only harm the mites but also your dog. Here are some of the complicated negative effects of the conventional ear mite treatment for dogs:
- Ataxia or muscle incoordination
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Seizures
- Skin irritations
- Tremors
- Vomiting
Basically, dogs suffering from ear mite infection are required to take the medications for a few weeks time. This will generally give way to get rid of the mites. Actually, there is a 3-week average lifecycle of mites and only the mature ones will be killed by the drugs.
DIY Ear Mite Treatment for Dogs
Aside from the conventional treatment of ear mite for dogs, and some of DIY ear mite treatment for dogs that are available in a natural method. Moreover, the following DIY ear mite treatment for dogs is generally gentler that is highly suitable for dog’s delicate skin.
1. Olive Oil
Below is the step-by-step guide on how to come up with the DIY ear mite treatment for dogs containing olive oil.
- Initially, clean the dog’s ear using olive oil.
- Take away any debris present.
- Finally, repeat the process every 3 days on a 2-week’s schedule.
Friendly Tips:
If you want to fasten up the recovery phase of your dog from parasite infestation, you can consider adding around 1 to 3 drops of the following essential oils in every 1 oz of olive oil:
- Calendula – basically heals the skin of the dog’s ear
- Catnip – generally control the multiplication of mites
- Peppermint – usually provides anesthetic effect
- St. John’s Wort or Hypericum – relieves the pain
Generally, the olive oil aids in removing the mites making them effective as DIY ear mite treatment for dogs. Moreover, this treatment session will basically help in getting rid of the mites as the parasites hatch every 4 days time.
2. Garlic Oil
Garlic typically has sulfur content making it an excellent anti-parasitic option. Aside from that, it also has antibacterial and antifungal properties which are basically helpful in addressing the secondary infection. One easy and quick way on having garlic oil is to buy it on health stores. However, to ensure for a more natural DIY ear mite treatment for dogs using garlic oil, try these steps:
- Using few cloves of garlic, crush it over a cup of olive oil.
- Allow it to stand overnight.
- Afterwards, take off the garlic and put the oil a glass jar. Store it!
- Finally, apply the garlic oil to the dog’s ear on a twice a day basis.
Friendly Tips:
It may be a big help if you consider incorporating the following oil in combination with the garlic oil for a much effective approach:
- Mullein oil
- Vitamin E oil – provides a soothing effect
3. Green Tea
Basically, the green tea has a natural antiseptic property that helps in getting rid of the ear mites. Additionally, it also supports taking off the debris from the discharge.
- Initially, put on about a tablespoon of powder green tea or a tea bag of it in a cup of hot water.
- Let it steep for about a couple of minutes and eventually strain it.
- Allow it to cool under room temperature.
- Afterwards, apply it to the dog’s ear by putting around 3 to 4 drops in each ear using a dropper.
- Once done, gently massage the ear of your dog.
- Finally, wipe the inner portion of the dog’s ear using a cotton ball dipped into the tea.
It is actually better to perform this DIY ear mite treatment for dogs once daily for around 4 weeks.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
The apple cider vinegar has an antibacterial property that generally kills bacteria. That’s the reason why this DIY ear mite treatment for dogs is a perfect way to address the ear mite problems in dogs. But, be mindful as the apple cider vinegar is not a good option for dogs having sore ears.
- Initially, mix one part of apple cider vinegar with one part of water.
- Place the mixture into the syringe or you may consider soaking the cotton ball into it.
- Put some drop of it inside the dog’s ear. You can also clean the external ear area through the soaked cotton ball.
5. Coconut Oil
Generally, another excellent DIY ear mite treatment for dogs is coconut oil. It can also a big help in addressing tons of dog’s skin issues.
- Initially, pour on the coconut oil into a saucepan and melt it there together with fresh garlic around two cloves.
- Let it cool and put it in a syringe.
- Finally, incorporate about 2 to 3 drops of the coconut oil mixture into the dog’s ear. Generally, the amount of oil to be administered will generally vary on the size of the dog.
6. Calendula
Another DIY ear mite treatment for dogs is the calendula. Using it may generally give you an all-natural solution in addressing most of the pet’s ailments. However, the problem is that calendula is very rare and it is difficult to look for it into the wild. But, do not worry as there are health stores that sell it on a pre-made form.
- Basically, allow the calendula leaves to soak in olive oil for around 4 days.
- Take off the leaves by straining the mixture.
- Eventually, administer some drops of the solution into the affected ears of the dog using a syringe. You can also use a cotton ball as it can also do the job.
In case, you cannot find any calendula leaves and try to use the pre-made form, it is actually better for you to skip the first two steps.
7. Mullein Oil
If you are looking for a plant that has anti-bacterial effects, Mullein oil is a good choice and it could also be an effective DIY ear treatment for dogs. Usually, the process of preparing is almost similar to that of the calendula. However, the time to make it is a little bit longer.
- Basically, allow the calendula leaves to soak in olive oil. If you want, you can also incorporate about one to two cloves of garlic.
- Allow this solution to soak for two to three weeks period.
- After that time period, strain the liquid.
- Eventually, apply it on the dog’s ear in the same manner of application with the calendula.
8. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is another DIY ear mite treatment for dogs that generally helps in cleaning out the ears of your dog.
- Initially, get pure aloe vera juice of about half an ounce.
- Put one drop of oregano oil into it.
- Using a syringe, administer some drops of this oil into the dog’s ear. You can also soak cotton wool and clean the affected ear of the dog.
9. Baking Soda
Another effective DIY ear mite treatment for dogs is the use of baking soda. However, do not let your dog ingest it.
- Basically, combine about one cup of warm water and baking soda of around one teaspoon.
- Soak the cotton ball into it and afterwards rub it to ears of the dog.
10. Oregon Grape
The Oregon grape basically comes from the grape root. Moreover, it is also an effective DIY ear mite treatment for dogs in small amounts.
- Basically, put about one to ten drops of the Oregon grape solution into the ears of the dog.
- Continue administering until the ear mites are removed.
How to Prevent Ear Mites in Dogs
Generally, there are numbers of DIY ear mite treatment for dogs available. However, as always, prevention is better than cure. And, the best way of preventing dog’s parasites is to make sure that the dog is really healthy. Needless to say, a strong immune system is a barrier to attract mites and other parasites.
- Basically, give your dog whole food and raw diet as much as possible.
- Less to no vaccines is actually better
- Consider using natural options instead of preventing antibiotics and pesticides
- Reduce the chemicals within the dog’s surrounding by using natural cleaning and home supplies
Moreover, another helpful way to prevent ear mites in dogs is an everyday cleaning of the pooch. But, one drawback of it is that it may lead to over-cleaning which will cause havoc to the healthy balance of bacteria inside the dog’s ear. Keep in mind that the ear crud may clean up itself naturally in time.
The most important thing is to monitor the ears of the dog on a regular basis to prevent the ear mite occurrence in the future. In case you notice something appearing, better to start with applying any of the DIY ear mite treatment for dogs immediately. Actually, the above DIY ear mite treatment may also be helpful with any kind of ear infection.
Final Thoughts
DIY ear mite treatment for dogs may generally help in getting rid of the most common parasites in dogs in a more natural and subtle approach. Actually, the dog’s ear mite occurs due to several factors and determining if your dog has it is typically easy. You just need to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of the ear mite infestation in dogs. However, if you are in doubt, you can ask for the help of the vet in identifying it.
Moreover, the veterinarian may also recommend conventional medicine in treating the dog’s parasite. This may basically help in curing more serious effect of the ear mite infestation. But, it entails some negative reactions to your dogs as well as other health risks. That’s why it is better to be on the safe side and consider some of the natural remedies available to make you and your dog comfortable.