What are ear mites in dogs?
Ear mites in dogs are caused by the parasite Otodectes cynotis. This microscopic mite lives in the ear canal and is highly contagious between dogs. Ear mites are especially common in puppies and dogs that spend time outdoors. The mites feed on ear wax and oils in the ear canal, causing irritation, itching, and inflammation. Dogs with ear mites will shake their heads and scratch their ears attempting to get relief from the itching sensation caused by the mites.
Signs that a dog has ear mites include redness, swelling, discharge, and dark crumbly material in the ears. Severe infestations can lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections. Ear mites spread rapidly between dogs through direct contact. Dogs with ear mites will often scratch their ears and shake their head, spreading the parasites to surrounding bedding, carpets, furniture, and other pets in the household.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, ear mites can survive for several weeks in the environment, making reinfestation common if the environment is not properly cleaned. Ear mites in dogs require veterinary treatment including thorough ear cleaning, medication, and follow up care.
Symptoms of ear mites
Ear mites can cause several symptoms in dogs. The most common signs of an ear mite infestation include:
- Black debris resembling coffee grounds in the ears – This is often the first sign of ear mites as it is dried blood, ear wax, and mite excrement.
- Frequent head shaking and scratching – The mites and debris cause irritation and itchiness, leading dogs to shake and scratch at their ears and head.
- Redness and inflammation in the ears – The mites and constant scratching cause inflammation, which can be seen as redness inside the ear.
- Crusty buildup in the ears – The mixture of blood, wax, and mite excrement dries into a crusty residue inside the ear canal.
Some dogs with ear mites may also have skin irritation and hair loss around the ears and neck. Severe infections can cause pain, odor, and discharge. Puppies with ear mites often scratch so aggressively they cause wounds.
According to Nexgard, ear mites can be very irritating and uncomfortable for dogs [1]. If ear mites are suspected, it’s important to get treatment right away to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
Dangers of ear mites
Ear mites can lead to dangerous complications if left untreated. According to Nexgard, some of the most concerning dangers include:
Can lead to ear infections – An ear mite infestation irritates the skin inside the ear canal. This makes dogs scratch excessively, creating wounds vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections. Severe infections may require antibiotics and antifungal medication.
Cause hearing loss if left untreated – The inflammation and debris caused by ear mites can damage the ear canal and eardrum. Prolonged infections can cause permanent hearing loss.
Spread to other pets – Ear mites easily spread between dogs and cats sharing close quarters. All pets in the household should be checked and treated to prevent reinfestation.
Treatment options
There are a few common treatment options for ear mites in dogs prescribed by veterinarians, according to one source:
Medicated ear drops are often the first line of treatment. These contain ingredients like pyrethrins, which kill the mites. For severe infestations, ear drops may need to be given daily for a week or more.
Oral medications like ivermectin, milbemycin, or selamectin may also be prescribed. These kill mites systemically when absorbed into the bloodstream. They are often used in combination with medicated ear drops.
Veterinarians may also recommend cleaning and flushing the ears to remove debris and discharge. This allows the medication to reach the mites more effectively. Proper ear cleaning technique is important to avoid injury.
Does rubbing alcohol kill ear mites?
Rubbing alcohol can help dry out and kill ear mites, but it should not be used as a standalone treatment. According to the Ossvh veterinary hospital, a few drops of rubbing alcohol in the ear canal can dry out water and kill bacteria, yeast, and mites1. However, rubbing alcohol does not kill all stages of the ear mite life cycle, so repeat applications would be needed. The Village Center Veterinary Clinic also notes that many home ear cleaning remedies involve rubbing alcohol2.
While rubbing alcohol can help, it should be diluted and used carefully, as high concentrations can irritate the sensitive skin in the ear canal. My Community Pet Clinic cautions that hydrogen peroxide or alcohol can cause irritation if used directly in the ear3. For safe use, veterinarians typically recommend mixing a dilution of half rubbing alcohol with half vinegar or water. Never use full-strength rubbing alcohol directly in the ear.
Safe Use of Rubbing Alcohol
While rubbing alcohol can kill ear mites, it does carry risks and must be used carefully. Here are some tips for safe use of rubbing alcohol on dog ears:
Rubbing alcohol should always be diluted before applying it to a dog’s ears. A 70% isopropyl alcohol solution should be diluted to 50% or less before use.plain water works well as a dilutant. Mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with 1 part water.
Apply diluted rubbing alcohol to the outer ear only using a cotton ball. Take care not to let it run into the ear canal. The outer ear can tolerate diluted alcohol, but the sensitive inner ear cannot.
Limit use of diluted alcohol to no more than once or twice a week at most. Frequent use can lead to inflammation and irritation. It’s best to rely on veterinarian-recommended commercial ear cleaners for regular ear cleaning.
If using rubbing alcohol on your dog’s ears, stick to short-term use and monitor closely for redness or swelling. Discontinue use if any negative reaction occurs.
Never use full-strength, undiluted rubbing alcohol in a dog’s ears – this can cause burns and serious medical issues. Always dilute with water first for safety.
Consult your veterinarian before attempting to use rubbing alcohol as an at-home remedy. Follow your vet’s dosage and application instructions carefully.
Source: https://www.lombardvet.com/services/dogs/blog/how-clean-your-dogs-ears-3-easy-steps
When to see a vet
If your dog’s ear mite infestation persists after a few weeks of over-the-counter treatments, it’s time to see the vet. As per Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer at the American Kennel Club, ear mites that don’t respond to OTC treatments often indicate a secondary infection that requires prescription medication.
Signs that warrant an immediate vet visit include severe inflammation, redness, swelling or discharge in the ears. These can suggest a bacterial or fungal infection that needs medical intervention (https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/ear-mites-dogs). The vet will examine the ear under a microscope to check for mites as well as inspect for any damage or infection.
You should also see the vet right away if your dog seems to be in pain, is scratching excessively at their ears, or shows signs of hearing loss, which might indicate a severe infection. Proper medication and cleaning under sedation may be required. Left untreated, ear mites can lead to permanent ear canal damage and hearing loss (https://www.goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/ear-mites-in-dogs).
In summary, it’s time to call the vet if OTC treatments fail, if there are signs of severe inflammation or infection, or if your dog seems to be in discomfort or exhibits hearing issues. Proper diagnosis and prescription treatment can help resolve persistent ear mite infestations and prevent lasting damage.
Prevention tips
There are several ways to help prevent your dog from getting ear mites:
- Regular ear cleaning – Clean your dog’s ears weekly with a vet-approved ear cleanser. Gently wipe out debris and excess wax. This helps remove eggs and mites.
- Monthly flea/tick prevention – Use monthly spot-on or oral flea and tick prevention medication. Mites can spread from fleas and other animals.
- Check new pets for mites – If introducing a new pet, have them examined by a vet first. Make sure they are mite-free before contact with your dog.
Regular cleaning is one of the best ways to catch an infestation early and prevent spreading. Gently wipe the inner ear once a week with a cotton ball soaked in a vet-approved cleaner. Never use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh cleaners in your dog’s ears.
Monthly oral or topical flea and tick prevention like Nexgard kills fleas and also repels ear mites. Keeping your dog flea-free prevents mites from jumping on. Examine any new dogs carefully before introducing them to make sure they are mite-free.
Home remedies
There are some home remedies that can help get rid of ear mites in dogs. One common home treatment is using a few drops of mineral oil or olive oil in the infected ears.[1] The oil helps smother the mites and can also soften built-up wax and debris. Allow the dog to shake its head gently after applying the oil to spread it around the ear canal. Repeat twice daily for about 2 weeks.[2]
Apple cider vinegar is another home remedy sometimes used due to its acidic properties. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, then clean the dog’s ears with a cotton ball soaked in the solution. This can help change the pH in the ears to make them less hospitable for mites. However, vinegar can be irritating so discontinue use if the dog seems uncomfortable.[2]
Gently flushing the ears with a mild dog ear cleanser or gentle dish soap diluted in warm water can help remove built-up wax and debris. This allows any medication to penetrate deeper into the ear canal. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Only clean when treatment has begun, not before, to avoid pushing debris deeper inside.[1]
The takeaway
Rubbing alcohol can provide some relief for mild ear mite infestations by helping to dry out and kill some of the mites and eggs. However, it does not cure ear mites and can potentially cause irritation if used improperly.
For severe ear mite cases or if the infestation persists, it’s important to see a veterinarian. They can prescribe medication specifically meant to eliminate the mites.
The best prevention is routine ear cleaning using a proper dog ear wash and applying parasite prevention medication recommended by your vet. With prompt treatment and preventative care, ear mites can be effectively managed.