Free consultation and order
warencorb My Cart 0 item(s) - £0.00
Your shopping cart is empty!

Detecting, treating and preventing ear mites in dogs

Dogs can be attacked by different types of mites. One of them are so-called ear mites. Compared to other species, these are quite rare in dogs, but can have serious consequences for affected animals.


In the following we will explain how you can recognize an infestation with ear mites in your dog, what causes it and how the parasites can be treated.

What are ear mites?

Ear mites in dogs

Ear mites are mite species that almost exclusively affect the ears of their host animals. There they feed on blood, skin cells and tissue fluid and damage the dog's skin with their mouth parts.


There are several ear mite species, of which the genus Otodectes Cynotis is the most common. An ear mite infestation in dogs is also known as ear herb and occurs mainly in young animals.


In a very severe infestation, the ear mites can also spread to the head and the rest of the body of the dog.

Causes of an ear mite infestation in dogs

Ear mites are highly contagious. They are very easily transferred to dogs through contact with other ear mites or cats. A transmission through incrustations infected with mite eggs, which have fallen out of the ears of another animal, is however rather rare.

Detecting ear mites in dogs

If a dog suffers from ear mites, there are a number of symptoms that make this noticeable. Depending on how long the ear mite infestation remains unnoticed and untreated, the severity of the symptoms can vary.

The following symptoms indicate ear mites in dogs:

  • Frequent scratching of the ears
  • Constant shaking and tilting of the head
  • Increased production of earwax
  • Striking restlessness
  • Rubbing the head to the ground
  • Bald spots on the ears
  • Crusts in the auricle and in the auditory canal
  • Hanging or bent ears
  • Lassitude
  • Balance disorders

Possible consequences of ear mites in dogs

Failure to treat the infestation with ear mites can have serious consequences for affected dogs. Over time, it can lead to severe middle ear infections, eardrum damage, blood ears or even deafness.


If the eardrum is breached, the symptoms can spread to the middle and inner ear and, in the worst case, even to the brain and meninges.

Ear mites in dogs: Diagnosis by the veterinarian

Ear mite diagnosis

If you suspect that your dog suffers from ear mites, you should plan a visit to the vet as soon as possible. The earlier the treatment starts, the better the chances are that the ear mite infestation will soon be overcome.


In addition to a general examination, the veterinarian will focus on your dog's ears. Among other things, he will pay attention to inflammations and an increased formation of earwax.


With the help of an otoscope, the veterinarian can normally easily identify the ear mites in the dog. Nevertheless, he will take a smear from the ear and examine it under the microscope to determine the exact type of mite.

Treating ear mites in dogs

The treatment of an ear mite infestation in dogs starts with a thorough cleaning of the ears. Then the dog will usually receive a mite-killing agent and a preparation against itching.


If necessary, the veterinary prescribes antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ear drops.


If there are other animals living in your household, it makes sense to treat them as well. Otherwise there is a high probability of recurrent infection.

Drugs against ear mites have risks

With regard to the drugs used in the treatment of ear mite infestation, you should be aware that they are not without risk.


The active ingredients are often acaricides. Although these kill the mites in your dog's ears, they are also a strain on the four-legged organism.

Ear mites drops from Bellfor

With our ear mite drops we have developed a well-tolerated alternative with which you can counteract ear mites in your dog. The preparation consists exclusively of natural ingredients such as neem oil, insect fat and incense oil.


The application does not represent an unnecessary burden for your dog. Nevertheless Bellfor ear mites drops effectively contribute to the fact that your quadruped survives the ear mite infestation fast and well.

Preventing an ear mite infestation in dogs

In the best case, make sure that your dog is not affected by ear mites in the first place. In this context, regular ear care is particularly important.


Regular cleaning of the ears with our ear care drops does not completely rule out mite infestation. However, the risk can be significantly reduced and any ear mites that may be present can be detected at an early stage.

Ear mites in dogs - the most important things at a glance

Ear mites are less common in dogs than other mite species. However, the risk and consequences of parasites should not be underestimated.


In the worst case an infestation with ear mites can lead to permanent damage to the hearing up to deafness. For this reason, it is important that you pay attention to the occurrence of symptoms and act immediately in the event of suspicion.


For the treatment of the ear mites with the dog different medicines are used, which represent at least partly also a load for the body of the four-legged friend. Bellfor ear mites drops are a good alternative here. In order to prevent an ear mite infestation with the dog, owners should pay attention to a regular care of the ears.

Was this page helpful?

Write a review

Bad
Good

Suggested Products

watsapp-button-icon
bellfore motive