Ear Mites

Otodectes cynotis is the most common ear mite of cats but can be a problem for dogs. It usually lives in the ears and on the head of affected dogs but it can sometimes live on the body of the dog. It is contagious and the presence of the mites can cause severe inflammation in the affected dog's ears.

Ear mites are not the only cause of ear disease in dogs. Your pet should be examined to determine if ear mites are present prior to treatment. Whenever treatment for this condition is not working well other causes of ear disease should be considered.

In the past it was felt that ear mites did not live well off the pet but they may be better at surviving in the environment than we thought. In order to eliminate ear mites it is important to treat your dog's ears, the hair coat, and the dog's environment for the mites. There are a number of approved medications for ear mites. Flea control products that kill adult fleas will kill mites. These may be used to treat the haircoat and the house, according to the product directions. In particularly stubborn cases, the use of ivermectin, may be justified.  If the ear mites are not treated your dog can develop an ear hematoma.

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