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Dog Ear Mites

Dog ear mites are the most common form of dog mite. Ear mites are very contagious and can spread to most dogs in the household.

Dog Ear Mites

Ear mites are more common in cats than in dogs, but some dogs, especially those with a weakened immune system, do get them.

Mites are very tiny parasites and, for your dog to have them, he must have had direct contact with another pet infested with the parasites.

Ear mites usually live in the ear canals and head of dogs. Specially, they live on the skin surface in the ear canals and feed on debris from ear secretion. Mite infestation can cause outer ear infection in dogs, and can even cause permanent damage to the ear canal or ear drum, resulting in hearing loss.

Besides living in the ear canals of dogs, sometimes the mites may also migrate to the dogs' bodies. When this happens, the dog infested with mites will develop itchy spots on his back, neck and tail areas.

Canine ear mites have a three-week cycle and can survive off the host for several weeks.

Dog ear mites are more common in puppies, although they can be present in dogs of all ages.

As in many other dog illnesses, mite infestation is largely due to low immunities in the dogs. Dogs with a properly functioning immune system are less likely to be bothered by mites.

It follows that, to take care of the root problem of mite infestation, we should:

  • get rid of the mites by cleaning out the ears; and more importantly,
  • strengthen the dog's immune system.

Common Symptoms of Dog Ear Mites

A dog with ear mites may show the following symptoms:

  • Excessive scratching of the affected ear
  • Dark brown crumbly wax in the affected ear
  • Head shaking
  • Pain, sensitive, sometimes swollen ear
  • Hair loss around the affected ear

It is rather difficult for dog parents to identify ear mites because the symptoms resemble other ear problems such as yeast infection. If your dog shows the above symptoms, therefore, it is important to take him to the vet for a proper diagnosis.

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Herbal Remedies for Dog Ear Mites

Herbs are effective in cleaning the ears and getting rid of the mites. Here are some useful herbs that you can try to use:

Yellow Dock

A tea of yellow dock is effective in treating this dog ear problem. Add one teaspoon of the dry herb of yellow dock to half a cup of boiling water. After the tea has cooled down, strain it and pour the liquid into a bottle and place about half a dropperful of the tea into the ears, twice a day.

Oregano

Make an oregano oil by adding 1/2 teaspoon of oregano to 1/2 oz. of olive oil. Let it sit for 24 to 48 hours. Strain the oil through a cheesecloth. Apply about half a dropperful of the strained oil into the ears, twice daily.

Mullein and Garlic

The antimicrobial and antiviral properties of mullein make it an excellent herb for treating ear infections caused by mites in dogs. Garlic is antibiotic; when used in combination with mullein, it is also effective for treating ear problems.

Here is a simple way of making a mullein and garlic herbal remedy for ear mites:

  • Combine equal parts of mullein oil and garlic oil
  • Add 10-20 drops of olive oil or vitamin E to every one oz. of the mullein/garlic oil mixture.

Apply this remedy to the ear canal of your dog and gently massage the dog ear.

Oregon Grape

The strong antibiotic and antibacterial properties of Oregon grape makes it an effective herb for treating ear infections or mites. Use an oil infusion of the herb. Apply 1-10 drops at a time in each ear one to two times a day until the infection is gone.

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Homeopathy for Ear Mites

Homeopathic remedies can also be used effectively to treat mites. If you want to use homeopathic treatment, ask a holistic vet about the use of Apis, Pulsatilla, Sulphur or Silicea.

An Effective Homeopathic Product for Ear Mites

Newton Homeopathics Ear Relief for Dogs and Cats

Newton Homeopathics Ear Relief

This homeopathic remedy contains Apis, Pulsatilla, Echinacea, etc. and is effective in relieving symptoms of mites, minor ear infection, redness, swelling, and pain.

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Home Remedies to Strengthen the Immune System

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can be given internally to help the immune system clear up ear infections caused by mites.

  • For small dogs, 125 mg twice daily
  • For medium dogs, 250 mg twice daily
  • For large dogs, up to 1,000 mg twice daily - decrease dosage if dog has diarrhea

Apple Cidar Vinegar

Alternatively, you can add a splash of organic apple cidar vinegar in the dog's drinking water.

Echinacea

Echinacea tablets, tea, or tincture can be given to your dog to strengthen her immune system.

See also our page on Remedies for Dog Ear Infections for other herbal ear wash remedies for dog ear infections.

Important Points to Remember When Treating Dog Ear Mites

  • Before ear mite treatment can be effective, you need to clean out all the debris in your dog's ear canal. Visit our page on Cleaning Dog Ears to see how to clean your dog's ears properly.
  • When treating dog ear mites, bear in mind the life-cycle of ear mites. Treatment may have to be repeated at intervals for approximately three weeks to completely get rid of the mites.
  • As ear mites are highly contagious, you need to treat all the pets in your family even if they show no symptoms of infestation. Ear mites can quickly re-infect all the pets in the house if one is left untreated.
  • As mentioned above, dog ear mites can cause ear infections. Therefore, after treating your dog's ear mites, you may still find that your dog is troubled with an uncomfortable and sore ear, in which case be sure to consult your vet to determine if your dog is indeed suffering from an ear infection. If so, the ear infection will of course need to be treated accordingly.





Related Topics

Dog Ear Infections
Remedies for Dog Ear Infections
Cleaning Dog Ears

References

D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).

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