Dog Mites

Does my dog have ear mites?

Ear mites may not be as deadly as ticks or heartworms, but they can still make life very unpleasant for your furry friend. Read on to find out more about how to spot the signs.

Symptoms of ear mites in dogs

For your beloved dog or puppy, ear mites can cause intense ear irritation and discomfort. These tiny parasites feed on wax and oils in your dog’s ear canals and can result in head shaking or scratching, rubbing of the ears and secondary ear infections.

What do dog ear mites look like?

Ear mites in dogs typically look like tiny, moving dots in the ear canal, but are so tiny that you may not be able to spot them at all. It takes a vet with an otoscope or microscope to properly spot an infestation.

If you want to know how to check your dog for ear mites, it is best to look for signs of ear mites rather than the parasites themselves.

Signs and symptoms of ear mites in dogs

Ear mites live in the ear canal and on the surrounding skin. Signs of ear mites in dogs include scratching around the ears, head and neck, skin irritation, head shaking, the presence of an ear discharge that is dark and waxy (resembling coffee grounds) and an unpleasant odour from the ears. Ear mite infestation may also allow for a secondary bacterial or yeast infection to occur in your dog’s ears, which can increase the severity of these signs.

Puppy ear mites symptoms

The symptoms in puppies and older dogs will be similar (scratching around the ears, head and neck, skin irritation, head shaking, the presence of an ear discharge that is dark and waxy, and an unpleasant odour from the ears).

Remember ear mites are tiny and difficult to see, so it’s best to consult your vet if you suspect your puppy may have ear mites.

Early stage ear mites in dogs

Because ear mites are hard to see without a microscope, mild or early stage ear mites in dogs can be difficult to detect.

The first thing you may notice is itching or irritation of the ears. Ear mites aren’t the only reason your dog might have discomfort in their ears and so it’s best to consult with your vet who can examine your dog and rule out other potential causes.

FAQs

How long does it take to get rid of ear mites?

A single dose of NexGard for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs is highly effective at treating ear mites in puppies and dogs. If the ear irritation persists, or a secondary ear infection requiring additional treatment is present, it’s best to consult with your vet.
Can dogs get ear mites from a cat?

Yes, the same species of mite infests both dogs and cats, so they can be transmitted from dog to cat and vice versa.

How do I prevent ear mites in dogs?

Simple monthly dosing with NexGard for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs helps keep dogs healthy by treating and controlling ear mite infestations.

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