Ear mites can be a source of serious discomfort for a dog of any age. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from an invasion by the microscopic insects, schedule an appointment with the veterinarian immediately.
The old adage, “out of sight, out of mind,” certainly applies to the pesky ear mites, which are referred to scientifically as otodectes cynotis. Because they are not visible to the human eye without the aid of an otoscope, ear mites can go undetected until their invasion causes an ear infection that does get your attention.
Ear mites are external parasites that live on the body and in the ears of dogs of all ages. However, they are most commonly found in the ears. Ear mites, which resemble a tiny tick, are a source of compulsive itching.
How do you know if your dog is harboring any ear mites? One of the most common symptoms is a shaking of the ears and head. Another common sign is the dog’s need to excessively scratch their ears with their paws, against furniture or even by rubbing them along the ground.
Occasionally, dogs do get ear mites without showing any external symptoms. Experts think this may happen because the intense itching can cause a hypersensitivity reaction to the presence of the ear mites.
Dogs infected with ear mites may have scratches and sores in and around their ears. The ears become very red and inflammation can occur.
In addition, an ear mite infection can produce a dark discharge in the ears. The discharge, which consists of earwax, blood and the mites themselves, looks like coffee grinds. There frequently is an unpleasant odor associated with the discharge.
Ear mite problems can be difficult to diagnose yourself because the symptoms are similar to other ear problems. It is best to leave the diagnosis in the hands of the experts.
It is important that ear mites are treated promptly upon discovery because their presence can lead to secondary bacterial or fungal infections. If left untreated, more serious problems can develop. In extreme cases, the infections can lead to the dog’s inability to hear.
Ear mite treatment may include oral medications and topical ointments. Some vets prescribe ear drops that contain pesticides. Homeopathic remedies include the use of mineral oil, which smothers the mites.
If your dog has been diagnosed with ear mites, it can take up to a month to rid him or her of the pests. Follow medication directions and don’t miss treatments.
Mites flourish in dark and moist environments. They feed on body fluids such as earwax and blood. That’s why your dog’s ears are a perfect host for the irritating insects that rarely affect humans.
Ear mite eggs require about four days of incubation after which they will hatch and release a larva. The larval stage lasts four days to a week. It is during this stage that the mites feed on the earwax and oils produced in the ears. Next, ear mites molt into a protonymph and then again into a deutonymph. Before ear mites develop a gender, they mate with an adult male and then proceed to become either male or female adult mites. The entire life span of an ear mite lasts about two months.
It is important to note that ear mites are very contagious. It is best to keep dogs infected with the pests away from other pets.
Related posts:
- Ear Mites – A Closer Look
- Ear Mites Can Drive a Dog Buggy
- Mange Mites
- Otitis Externa
- Selecting a Healthy Puppy From the Litter
