How To Get Rid Of Ear Mites In Dogs in 8 Ways

Dogs are one of the most common animals to get ear mites. Ear mites are parasites that live in the ears of dogs, cats, and other animals. They can cause a lot of pain and inflammation in the ears and can be difficult to get rid of.

There are several ways to get rid of ear mites in dogs, and most of them are easy to do at home. With a little guidance and some patience, you can get rid of ear mites in dogs quickly and easily.

Read on, we will look at 8 ways how to get rid of ear mites in dogs.

But first…

What Are Ear Mites In Dogs And How They Look Like?

As we mentioned, ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ears of dogs and other animals. They are very small, about the size of a pinhead, and are white or yellow in color.

Ear mites feed on the wax and oils in the ear, which can cause a lot of irritation and discomfort for your dog. They can also cause your dog to shake his head a lot, which can lead to ear infections.

If you think your dog has ear mites, it’s important to treat them as soon as possible to relieve your dog’s discomfort and prevent further infections.

Read More: Get the best soft dental chews for dogs for their oral health.

What Are The Symptoms Of Ear Mites In Dogs?

If your dog has ear mites, you may notice some of the following symptoms:

Irritation

This is one of the most common symptoms of ear mites in dogs. Your dog will likely shake his head a lot and scratch his ears frequently. He may also hold his head to one side. Irritation can also lead to inflammation and infection.

Scratching

If your dog is scratching his ears a lot, it could be a sign of ear mites. Excessive scratching can also lead to irritation and infection. They scratch their ears because the mites are causing them a lot of itchiness and discomfort. 

Also, when they scratch their ears, they can make the mites spread to other parts of their body.

Ear Discharge And Odor

Ear mites can cause a dark, waxy discharge in your dog’s ears. This discharge may also be accompanied by a foul odor. This is because the mites feed on the earwax and oils in your dog’s ears. The discharge can also be a sign of an infection.

How To Get Rid Of Ear Mites In Dogs – Step-By-Step Treatment Guide

Now that we know what ear mites are and what symptoms to look for, let’s take a look at how to get rid of them.

There are several methods you can use to get rid of ear mites in dogs. Some of these methods are more effective than others, but all of them will require some patience and perseverance on your part.

person's hands looking at a pug's ear

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of ear mites in dogs:

Step 1: Gather Supplies

The first step is to gather all the supplies you’ll need. You’ll need a cotton ball, some water, and a gentle cleanser or ear mite treatment. Also, make sure you have some gloves to protect your hands from the mites.

Step 2: Put Old Clothes

Next, put on some old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. This is because the mites can spread to your clothes and furniture if you’re not careful. In addition, make sure to wash these clothes as soon as you’re done treating your dog to prevent the mites from spreading.

Step 3: Calm And Rub Your Dog

The next step is to calm your dog and start the treatment. First, rub your dog’s ears gently to relax him. Next, put some of the cleanser or ear mite treatment on the cotton ball. Make sure to saturate the cotton ball so it’s wet but not dripping.

Step 4: Clean The Ear Goop

Now, gently clean the inside of your dog’s ears with the cotton ball. Be sure to get all the nooks and crannies. You may need to use more than one cotton ball if the ear mites are bad.

Step 5: Apply The Liquid Medicine Into The Ear

After you have cleaned your dog’s ear, apply the liquid medicine into the ear. Be sure to get it deep into the ear canal. You may need to use a dropper to do this.

Step 6: Massage The Ear

Massage the ear with your fingers to help the liquid medicine reach the deeper parts of the ear canal. This will also help to kill the ear mites. Massage it gently for about two minutes and then let your dog shake his head.

Step 7: Give Him Treats

After you’re done massaging the ear, give your dog a treat to help him associate the treatment with something positive. This will make it easier for you to treat him next time.

Also, he may feel a little uncomfortable or scared so a favorite treat will calm and relax him. The same goes if you are cutting uncooperative dog nails.

Step 8: Repeat The Procedure For The Other Ear

Be sure to clean and treat both ears to get rid of all the ear mites. Repeat the steps until both ears are clean and free of ear mites.

Causes Of Ear Mites In Dogs – How Do They Get Them?

Now that we know how to get rid of ear mites in dogs, let’s take a look at some of the causes.

Several things can cause your dog to get ear mites. Here are some of the most common causes:

Your Dog Comes Into Contact With Other Animals Who Have Ear Mites

If you have other pets in the house who have ear mites, there’s a good chance your dog will get them too. It’s important to treat all the animals in the household to prevent the mites from spreading.

Your Dog Spends Time Outside

Ear mites are more common in dogs who spend a lot of time outside. This is because they can come into contact with other animals who have ear mites. If you don’t treat all the animals in your household, the mites will continue to spread.

Your Dog Has A Weakened Immune System

A weakened immune system can make it easy for ear mites to take hold. If your dog is sick or has allergies, he may be more likely to get ear mites.

How To Prevent Ear Mites In Dogs?

There are several things you can do to prevent ear mites in dogs. Here are some tips:

#1 – Keep Your Dog’s Ears Clean

One of the best ways to prevent ear mites is to keep your dog’s ears clean. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that the mites could use to take hold. Be sure to clean your dog’s ears regularly.

#2 – Don’t Let Your Dog Share His Bedding With Other Animals

Another way to prevent ear mites is to not let your dog share his bedding with other animals. This includes blankets, towels, and anything else he may sleep on. If you have other pets, be sure to wash their bedding regularly.

#3 – Keep Your Dog Away From Other Animals Who Have Ear Mites

If you know other animals who have ear mites, it’s best to keep your dog away from them. This will help to prevent the mites from spreading.

Home Made Ear Mites Medications

While it’s probably best to use effective ones as prescribed by the vet, there are a few different homemade ear mites medications people have been known to use.

gloved hand giving ear drop medication to a dog

Here are two of the most popular ones:

Green Tea

Green tea is known as an effective remedy for getting rid of ear mites in dogs. The tea contains antioxidants that help to kill the mites. You can make a green tea rinse to treat your dog’s ears. Here’s how:

  • Brew a cup of green tea and wait for it to cool.
  • Soak a cotton ball in the tea and then apply it to your dog’s ear.
  • Be sure to get the cotton ball deep into the ear canal.
  • Leave the cotton ball in for five minutes and then remove it.
  • Repeat this process once a day for three days

Oils (Almond Or Olive)

Almond oil and olive oil are both known for their ability to kill ear mites. The oils help to break down the mites’ exoskeletons, which eventually kills them. You can use either oil to treat your dog’s ear mites. Here’s how:

  • Soak a cotton ball in almond oil or olive oil.
  • Apply the soaked cotton ball to your dog’s ear.
  • Apply the cotton ball deep into the ear canal for effective use.
  • Again, leave the cotton ball in for 4 or 5 minutes and then remove it.
  • Repeat this process once a day for three days.

You can also use a combination of equal parts almond oil and olive oil.

People Also Ask

What Kills Ear Mites In Dogs?

Several things can kill ear mites in dogs, including green tea, oils, and medicated treatments. If unsure, it’s best to ask a vet before using any treatments.

What Is A Home Remedy For Dog Ear Mites?

Home remedies for dog ear mites include green tea and oils like almond oil or olive oil. These remedies help to kill the mites by breaking down their exoskeletons.

Do Dog Ear Mites Go Away On Their Own?

Dog ear mites can sometimes go away on their own. However, it may take 3 to 4 weeks. They will also likely come back if not treated properly. It’s best to consult a vet for the best course of action and treat them straight away.

Can Humans Get Ear Mites From Dogs?

Yes, it is possible for humans to get ear mites from dogs. However, it is not common. Ear mites usually only affect animals, particularly pets. If you think you may have ear mites, it’s best to consult a doctor.

Conclusion

Ear mites in dogs are a nuisance but luckily, they’re easy to get rid of. Also, thankfully, how to get rid of ear mites in dogs is not that difficult.

You can use any of the methods mentioned above to get rid of ear mites in dogs.

Be sure to clean your dog’s ears regularly and consult a vet if the problem persists. With proper care, your dog’s ear mites will be gone in no time!

Have you ever faced ear mites in your dogs? What did you do to get rid of them?

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Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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