There are many nasty pests lurking out in the world just waiting to make your canine companion miserable. One in particular, the ear mite, is fairly easy to diagnose and treat, and even easier to prevent.
How do I know if my dog has ear mites?
Symptoms of ear mites in dogs include:
- Excessive scratching of the ears along with head shaking. Non-stop scratching can lead to skin irritation, which can cause breakdown of the skin leading to secondary bacterial skin infections.
- Dark or reddish-brown waxy or crumbly looking material appears on the inside folds of the ear and is accompanied by a strong odor.
- The ear canal may appear red and inflamed.
- Loss of appetite or difficulty eating due to pain or discomfort in the ears.
- Loss of hearing or deafness
Seek diagnosis from your veterinarian as soon as you begin to notice symptoms. Early treatment is key to keeping your dog from experiencing unnecessary discomfort, pain or deafness.
What’s the treatment plan for ear mites?
When a diagnosis of ear mites has been confirmed, topical or oral medications will be prescribed by your veterinarian. These medications may include insecticides which are designed to kill the mites and antiparasitic agents to alleviate the symptoms your dog is experiencing.
The insecticides commonly used to treat ear mites are pyrethrin – a natural derivative of the chrysanthemum flower, pyrethroids – a synthetic compound that works similarly to pyrethrins, and organophosphates that work by disrupting the nervous system of the ear mites. Both pyrethrins and pyrethroids are considered to be safe and effective when used as directed. Organophosphates are considered more toxic and should be used with caution. Selamectin, the active ingredient in Revolt® Topical, is an antiparasitic that works to target the lifecycle of the mites.
Specific instructions for proper ear cleaning are not unusual in addition to recommendations for ear flushing to remove debris, ear mites and their larvae from the ear canals. It’s critical to follow your veterinarian’s instructions and to continue prescribed treatment for the specified timeframe to ensure that all the mites are eliminated.
Is an ear mite infestation preventable?
Absolutely! It’s super important to regularly check and clean your dog’s ears, especially if the breed has long or floppy ears, which can trap debris and wax. Keeping your dog away from other animals that may already have ear mites can help prevent infestation. Also, if your dog’s environment is clean and free of debris, this will reduce the chances of spread. Bedding should be kept clean, in addition to grooming tools you use regularly. Regular veterinary check ups also help to detect and treat ear mite infestations early.
The veterinarian’s choice is prescribing Revolt® Topical to effectively prevent ear mites from affecting your canine friends. The active ingredient in Revolt® is selamectin, which provides 98% effective treatment for and the prevention of ear mites. Additionally, it provides the same level of protection against roundworm, hookworm, ticks and fleas. It’s an affordable, monthly treatment that will keep your dog healthy and happy. Consult your veterinarian about prescribing Revolt to keep your dog ear mite-free.
