Ear Mites in Puppies

Ear mites are one of the most common puppy mites and can cause a great deal of irritation and discomfort. Find out more about ear mites in puppies, including what ear mites look like, symptoms and how to treat them.

What causes ear mites in puppies?

Ear mites, also known as Otodectes cynotis, are tiny parasites that live in the ears of dogs and cats. While they can affect dogs of all ages, puppies are particularly susceptible. Ear mites are highly contagious and can easily spread from one animal to another through direct contact. They can also be transmitted indirectly through shared bedding, toys, or grooming tools.

Ear mites in puppies symptoms

Ear mite symptoms in puppies may include:

Irritation of the skin in and around the ears
Scratching around the ears, head, and neck
Head shaking
Dark and waxy ear discharge
An unpleasant odour from the ears

Puppy ear mites pictures

Ear mites are too small to be seen clearly with the naked eye. Veterinarians will use specialist equipment to examine a puppy’s ears to confirm if there are ear mites present, or if there is another cause of the ear irritation (e.g., a bacterial or yeast infection). These pictures show what ear mites look like under magnification.

Female & Male Ear Mite

Magnified image of a female ear mite (left) and male ear mite (right).

Puppy ear mites treatment

It is important to consult with a vet if you suspect that your puppy has ear mites, as they will need to examine the ears and look at a sample under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. A single dose of NexGard^® for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA^® for Dogs is highly effective at treating ear mites in puppies. NexGard can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and from 2 kg bodyweight. NexGard SPECTRA can be used from 8 weeks of age and from 1.35 kg bodyweight. If the ear irritation persists, it’s best to consult with your vet.

How to prevent ear mites in puppies

As with other parasites, when it comes to ear mites, prevention is better than cure. Simple monthly dosing with NexGard^® for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA^® for Dogs will protect puppies and dogs from mites. NexGard SPECTRA^® for Dogs provides the most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and intestinal worms, all in one tasty chew.

FAQs

How long do ear mites last in puppies?
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, it’s best to consult with your vet.
Can I get ear mites from my puppy?
Although some parasites of pets can affect people, the good news is that it is very unlikely canine ear mites would transfer to humans.

Can an 8 week old puppy get ear mites?
Yes, puppies are particularly susceptible to ear mites, but there are many other causes of ear problems in puppies. You should consult with your vet to confirm the diagnosis.