Monday, April 8, 2019

#5 Parasites - Ear Mites

Ear mites are a parasite that many dogs owners have probably already dealt with.  They are very common and quite contagious. Ear mites are a fairly simple parasite and there isn't a great deal to say about them.

Ear mites spend their entire life cycle on their host. They irritate the linings of the ear, down in the ear canal and can cause some pretty intense itching.  The most common signs of an ear mite infection are a black, waxy build up in the ear and an animal that pays more than normal attention to it's ears, such as scratching at the ears or shaking it's head more than normal. 

Treatment of ear mites usually involves a pyrethrin and mineral oil solution that is massaged into the ear.  Treatments may not be effective if the ears are not cleaned thoroughly before treatment, or if the treatment is discontinued too early.  Treatment is often recommend in 3 cycles, one week apart, with a cleaning of the ear prior to each cycle.

Because pyrethrin can be toxic if administered incorrectly, it is best to ask your vet if you see signs of ear mites. 

For more information on ear mites, visit the link below.  

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ear-mites-otodectes-in-cats-and-dogs

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