What are ear mites?
Ear mites, also known as ear scabies, are parasites in the ear canal, and cats and dogs are their favorite hosts.
It lives in the external auditory canal of its host and survives by piercing the skin to suck lymph and exudate.
The females are 0.35~0.45 mm long, and the males are 0.275~0.36 mm long. We can only see a small white spot with the naked eye.
What are the dangers of ear mites?
When dogs are infected with ear mites, mast cells and macrophages in the ear canal increase in abundance.
About two weeks after infection, causing irritation, inflammation, and crusting.
If left unchecked, it can lead to otitis media or otitis interna. In severe cases, it may cause hearing loss and loss of balance.
So once the owner finds that the dog has symptoms of ear mites, he must help him deal with it in time.
How to tell if a dog has ear mites?
1. The ears are dirty and smelly
Especially for dogs with hairy ears like Teddy, once infected Ear mites, the dirt and damp ear canal is a paradise for ear mites.
If left untreated, it will produce reddish-brown or black ear canal discharge. And will noticeably smell the foul odor.
2. Keep shaking your head and scratching your ears
The main symptom of ear mites is itching. The actions of scratching the ears with the legs and shaking the head are to relieve the discomfort in the ears.
Due to itching and scratching, there will be scratches near the ears of the dog, and there will be hair loss on the outside of the auricle, and due to ear pain, it will resist the owner’s touch and inspection of its ears.
3. Sudden increase in tear stains
dog’s ear canal and face Some of the nerves are intertwined together, and dog ear mites with severe symptoms will infect the eyes, causing inflammation, redness, and redness of the eyes, often resulting in increased tears.
How can it be treated and prevented?
1. Isolation
The reproduction and infectivity of ear mites need to be paid great attention.
If a dog at home is infected with ear mites, the dog with ear mites must be isolated, and its toys and kennels must be disinfected to avoid repeated infection.
If There are other dogs that also require preventive treatment for them. (Please rest assured here, the chance of ear mites infecting people is very low.)
2. Ear canal cleaning
To cure ear mites, the dog’s ear canal must be cleaned before the next treatment.
You can first pluck the dog’s ear hairs with ear wash, and then use a cotton swab to dip an appropriate amount of baby oil to gently clean up the reddish-brown secretions in the dog’s ear canal.
3. Ear Drops Treatment
Buy specifically for dog ear mites Do not let go immediately after dripping to prevent the liquid from flowing out.
Gently massage the root of the dog’s ear for 10~15 seconds to allow it to fully fuse in the ear canal , and then thrown out by the dog itself.
(Reminder: The owner should insist on giving the dog ear drops until it is completely removed, and the period cannot be interrupted, otherwise it will be difficult to cure)
4. Daily prevention
If you want your dog to stay away from ear mites, the owner must keep the dog clean and hygienic at all times. It is a good idea to use ear drops for the dog regularly. method.
Especially after playing outside with other dogs, don’t forget that your dog’s ear canal also needs cleaning when you get home.
Note: If ear mites are not cured for a long time, it is recommended that the owner take the dog to a regular pet hospital for treatment.
