Ear mites in dogs: symptoms and treatment at home, drugs and care

Almost all dog owners know that ticks live on bushes and in tall grass, which can attack a pet and cause a serious infectious disease. Meanwhile, no less dangerous is another representative of arachnid arthropods - Otodectes cynotis, the causative agent of otodectosis. It is important for the pet owner to recognize the symptoms of this disease in time and immediately start treating it.

What is ear mite

Ear mite is a microscopic ectoparasite that lives in the inner ear of a dog. The scientific name for this tick is Otodectes cynotis. The eight-legged spider-like parasite is very small, its size does not reach 1 mm. The environment in the dog's ear is ideal for the growth, development and reproduction of the tick.

Once in the ear, the parasite gnaws at the skin - it feeds on lymphatic (ichor) and tissue fluids. Females of the tick are very fertile, they are able to lay 5 to 10 eggs per day. After a few days, the eggs hatch into larvae, which after three weeks reach adulthood and sexual maturity. If you do not start treatment, this process can continue indefinitely..

Risk group

The infestation of the dog population with ear mites is very high. However, not all infected dogs develop otodectosis. For a colony of parasites to multiply so much that a dog gets sick, certain conditions must exist.

In the risk group for otodectosis:

Young dogs (up to 6 months old).
Long-eared breeds and dogs with furry ears: spaniels, Yorkies, dachshunds.
Hunting dogs. Can be infected from wild animals.
Puppies not treated with antiparasitic drugs.
Immunocompromised dogs, sick animals, convalescent pets, malnourished dogs.
Shared animals in shelters, dog hotels.
Homeless, stray dogs.

Important!
The main source of ear scabies infection is stray dogs. Try to protect your pet from contact with them.

Infection routes

No dog is immune to ear mite infestations, so all owners

must know where these parasites come from.

A dog can become infected with otodectosis:

upon contact with a sick animal (dog, cat, ferret, fox);
puppies with unformed immunity - from a mother infected with a tick;
through a person who has had contact with a carrier animal;
through general grooming items and dog accessories (combs, collars, leashes, bedding, toys);
through external parasites - fleas can be carriers of tick larvae;
through the street shoes and clothing of the person.

Important!
Observe precautions: do not use other people's accessories, do not allow the dog to come into contact with dirty outdoor shoes and clothes.

Can you see an ear mite

It is very difficult to recognize this parasite without special devices - it has microscopic dimensions. But, if the dog is constantly scratching his ear and you see black dirt in his ear, you can try to do this before visiting the clinic.

What you need:

a sheet of black (dark paper);
cotton swabs;
magnifying glass (loupe);
bright light source (flashlight, table lamp).

Algorithm of actions:

take a cotton swab and carefully collect the contents of the auricle;
smear with a cotton swab on a piece of black paper;
direct a bright light source to the stroke area;
try looking at the smear with a magnifying glass.

If you see microscopic white moving dots, the dog is infected with an ear mite.

Important!
Even if you can see the parasites, the diagnosis should be made by a veterinarian after examination of the dog and clinical studies.

Consequences of infection - what is the danger

Don't underestimate the danger of ear mite infestation. The parasite is very small, but the consequences of otodectosis can be serious and dangerous to the health and life of the pet.

Otitis.
Decreased and complete hearing loss.
Accession of a secondary infection, ear suppuration.
Inflammatory process in the eardrum, violation of its integrity.
Meningitis.
In rare cases, death.

Important!
Only timely diagnosis and the correct treatment regimen can protect your pet from these serious consequences of otodectosis.

About the parasite

Otodectosis in dogs is caused by an ear mite, a representative of a subclass of arthropods of the class of arachnids, which reproduces in a warm, humid environment. It is for this reason that the pest lives in the ear canal of dogs, using particles of the epidermis, earwax and even animal blood for food.

The oval-shaped parasite has a light beige color, outwardly resembling a crab. Its body length is about 0.5 mm.

On a note!
Feeding on lymph, it gnaws many passages on the inner side of the ear. In them, the female ear mite lays eggs, from which adults appear after 18-25 days.

In the absence of favorable conditions, the parasite retains its viability for 22 days. In the environment at a temperature of 3-7 degrees and high humidity, it lives up to 25 days. Low temperatures are destructive for a small creature: at temperatures below -3 degrees, the pest dies within 5 days (what the parasite looks like can be seen in the picture below).

Symptoms of ear scabies in dogs

You should know how otodectosis manifests itself. As soon as you notice at least one of these signs in your pet, immediately show your dog to the veterinarian. Ear mites multiply very quickly, so it is important to start treatment right away.

Signs indicating ear scabies:

severe itching;
the dog shakes its head as if it wants to shake something out of its ear;
the animal often tilts its head to the side;
scratched head and ears;
Hard discharge from the ears, dark in color (grains that look like ground coffee);
unpleasant odor from the ear;
baldness around the ears, scabs;
depression of the dog, refusal to eat.

How does otodectosis infection occur?

Ear scabies is one of the most common problems in animals. The ear mite is terrible in that it is easily transmitted when a sick individual comes into contact with a healthy one. If at least one furry is sick in the house, the probability of getting sick to the rest is very high. And it doesn't matter who is sick: a dog or a cat. Any tailed inhabitant of the house can become infected.

It also doesn't matter if it's winter or summer. Ear mites in dogs can appear at any time of the year. After all, the conditions for staying in the auricles of an animal are very suitable for him: warmth, and "food" is always in abundance.

Most of all, young animals under 1 year old and dogs with weak immunity are susceptible to infection with otodecosis. If the danger is not detected in time, then the parasite from the ear can gradually move throughout the body: first to the head, and then to the back, stomach, tail and paws.

Diagnostics

Treatment of otodectosis is started only after confirmation of the diagnosis in a veterinary clinic. An ear mite can only be detected after laboratory tests of the contents of the ear (discharge).

The doctor makes a scraping from the auricle and applies the collected contaminants on a laboratory glass, presses on top with a cover glass. All this is placed under a microscope for examination. If there were parasites in the scraping, they will be visible under a microscope.

The second method of diagnosis involves examining the ears of the animal with the help of an otoscope magnifying device. The otoscope helps to make out the parasites, their eggs and larvae.

Additionally, bacterial culture and cytological examination of earwax may be prescribed. In this way, concomitant diseases (bacterial and fungal infections) can be identified.

Drops for cleaning ears with otodectosis

Cleaning the auditory canal and auricles is the first important stage in the treatment of otodectosis. Plaque, discharge, sulfur, crusts impede the delivery of acaricidal and therapeutic agents to the lesions.

Ear mites pierce the skin and irritate nerve endings. Therefore, for cleaning it is better to use mild preparations with an anti-inflammatory effect, without aggressive components. For cleaning the ears, lotions and emulsions are produced, in this article I will describe the preparations in the form of drops.

Otovedin hygienic

Safe herbal ear remedy. The phyto-complex contains pine essential oil and extracts of 9 medicinal plants with acaricidal and health-improving properties. Otovedin gently removes the contents of the ears, while reducing the risk of infections, inflammation, irritation.

Zohygienic drops in ears Otovedin.

Before processing, the bottle is heated in warm water to body temperature. The solution is moistened with a swab or cotton swab, remove plaque, sulfur. Then they instill 3 drops for small dogs, 4 drops for medium ones, and 5 for large ones. The tool is used until recovery as sulfur is released, plaque and crusts are formed, the course is not limited. Otovedin's price is 60 rubles.

Otoferonol Bio

The tool is used for daily hygiene and ear cleaning for inflammatory diseases and otodectosis. The composition is based on plant extracts with anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, wound healing properties.

The drug is available in 4 versions:

Otoferonol marked BIO contains extracts of juniper berries and sea buckthorn.
Premium BIO - yarrow, eucalyptus, carnation flowers, sage.
Plus BIO - extracts of immortelle, aspen bark, mint.
Gold BIO - thyme, wormwood, mint, lavender, black cumin.

The processing method is the same. In the ears instilled from 3 to 5 drops according to the size of the dog, massage the base of the shell. Then the contents are removed with a napkin. The price of Otoferonol for hygienic processing is from 96 to 150 rubles.

Otodepin

Hygienic drops with essential oil and pine bud extract, extract of mullein flowers. Herbal ingredients are endowed with acaricidal, healing, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties.

Warm the bottle to room temperature. The liquid is applied to a cotton swab, the shell and the ear canal are cleaned. Then 2 - 3 drops are instilled into each ear. Otodepin costs 60 rubles.

Espree ear care

The hygiene product contains eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil and salicylic acid. These components soften the skin, remove an unpleasant odor, and inhibit the growth of pathogenic microflora.

A slightly heated solution is instilled into the ears and massaged at the base. Then plaque, scabs, sulfur are removed. The price of a bottle of Asprey is 700 rubles.

When processing by any means, a separate tampon or cotton swab is taken for each ear so as not to spread the ticks.

Treating ear mites in dogs

We want to warn lovers of folk and non-traditional methods of treatment - do not even try, this parasitic disease cannot be treated in such ways... Don't experiment or waste your time. Otodectosis can only be treated with traditional medicine!

Owners of sick pets should be prepared for long-term therapy. Ear scabies takes one to several months to heal.The treatment regimen and drugs are prescribed by the veterinarian, depending on the severity of the disease. He also decides whether the dog needs inpatient treatment or whether therapy can be carried out at home.

Treatment in the clinic

Inpatient treatment may be necessary if the vestibular apparatus of the ear is affected. The doctor will leave the animal at the clinic for further observation and therapy. If necessary, a decision will be made on surgical intervention. All other cases do not require treatment in the clinic, the animal, after examination and appointments, is released home.

How to cure at home

The first thing to do if your pet is diagnosed with otodectosis and is prescribed what to treat is to thoroughly clean the auricle and ear canal. This is an essential and essential part of the treatment. Thoroughly cleaned ears increase the effectiveness of medicines.

How to properly clean your dog's ears

First, try cleaning your ears without fixing the animal. If this does not work out for you, ask someone in the household to help you. Small dogs and puppies can be wrapped in a towel or blanket. If your dog is in an aggressive mood, muzzle it to prevent it from biting you.

drip a few drops of saline into each ear and massage the base of the auricle for 2-5 minutes;
after that, straighten the dog's ear and begin to clean the ear gently with a cotton pad dipped in saline or ear lotion;
change disks as often as possible;
Treat all anatomical indentations to thoroughly clean the ear.

Lotions for hygienic ear cleaning:

Bars (Russia);
BEAPHAR Ear Cleaner (Netherlands);
VEDA (Russia);
Otifree (Poland);
Pchelodar "Ushastik" (Russia);
PROSENSE Ear Cleansing Liquid (USA);
Epi-Otik (France);
8 in 1 EXCEL (USA).

Important!
Do not use hydrogen peroxide or other corrosive products to clean the inner ear surface. These drugs can only be used for spot treatment of abrasions and wounds on the auricle.

What is included in the treatment regimen for otodectosis

The process of treating ear scabies includes several mandatory steps:

Elimination of itching and pain. For this, antihistamines and antiseptics are used.
Thorough cleaning of ear discharge and dirt. Both ear hygiene solutions and saline are used.
Acaricidal preparations. The type, brand and frequency of processing is prescribed by the veterinarian.
Preventive treatment against external parasites (ticks, fleas, lice).
Antibacterial and antifungal therapy - prescribed in case of secondary infection.

When prescribing a treatment regimen, the doctor takes into account the condition of the dog, its age, the degree of invasion and the presence of secondary infections. Each of the stages is important in the treatment regimen for otodectosis.

How to apply medicine or drip drops

For long-haired dogs, the hair is trimmed from the inner surface of the ears during therapy in order to increase the effectiveness of treatment procedures.
The auricle is turned inside out - gently straightened towards the back of the head.
The nose of a bottle with drops or a tube of ointment is inserted into the ear canal so that the medicine can be dispensed.
After applying the medication, the ear is returned to its original position and gently massaged for 1 minute.
If manipulations cause discomfort to the animal, you need to calm it down and distract it with a treat or toy.

Important!
The pathology is highly infectious, therefore, all animals that come into contact with a sick dog should undergo antiparasitic treatment. In addition, the pet's habitats are disinfected.

Drugs for the treatment of otodectosis in dogs

Stronghold

The best remedy for otodectosis. Highly effective drug manufactured by Zoetis (Pfizer) (USA).Destroys ear mites and serves as a preventive measure against re-infection. The product is characterized by low toxicity. The drug has a complex effect, fights external and internal parasites.

Medications

Medicines designed to combat ear mites come in different forms: in the form of drops, ointments, gels and aerosols. They are used in accordance with the instructions or recommendations of the veterinarian.

Amit Forte

Acaricidal agent for dogs and cats with a broad spectrum of action. It is a colorless or yellowish liquid that is available in vials or dropper pipettes.

The basis of the drug is fipronil, a toxic component that is active against both adult parasites and their larvae. When the composition is applied, the ingredient accumulates in the sebaceous glands of the animal, as well as in the hair follicles and epidermis, affecting the ticks for a long time. The antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and local anesthetic effect provides diphenhydramine, the development of full-fledged nymphs and pupae is prevented by diflubenzuron.

Amit is applied to the affected pre-cleansed areas at the rate of 0.5 ml per 1 kg of the pet's weight. The composition is distributed in an even layer, taking into account the capture of healthy skin (up to 1 cm). Processing is done 2 to 5 times with a break of 5-7 days.

Important!
It is not recommended to use the drug in puppies and kittens up to 2 months old, lactating and pregnant females, as well as weakened or sick animals with infectious diseases.

The cost of the Amit Forte dropper bottle (20 ml) is about 250 rubles.

Deckt

Ear drops with otodectosis
Drops for dogs from ear mites for external use based on amitraz, chloramphenicol and chloramphenicol. The combined preparation has a detrimental effect on various types of ticks, including representatives of Otodectes cynotis. It is produced in the form of a homogeneous oily liquid with a yellow-brown hue.

To remove the ear mite, 3 to 5 drops are dripped into each ear of the dog, distributing the oily composition with massaging movements. The duration of treatment is 2-3 procedures with an interval of 3-5 days. If necessary, the course of treatment is repeated until the pet is completely clinically cured, which is confirmed by two negative results of acarological studies.

Taking the drug is contraindicated in females during lactation and pregnancy, pets up to a month old, as well as weakened animals. A bottle of Dect (10 ml) costs about 130 rubles.

Feedback
Dekta is a unique remedy. Drops were prescribed to my dog by a veterinarian when he diagnosed an ear mite. Two procedures were carried out, and all symptoms of infection disappeared. I advise. Relatively inexpensive and very effective remedy.
Natalia, Tula

Leopard

Drops for the treatment of ear mites in dogs. They have acaricidal, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects. Diazinon acts as an active ingredient. The composition is applied in 3-5 drops to each ear opening. Processing is carried out twice with a five-day interval. Repeat treatment if necessary.

Important!
The drug is contraindicated in case of damage to the tympanic membrane, as well as in animals with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Bars ear drops (20 ml) cost around 130 rubles.

Feedback
Drops Bars have helped my pet more than once: they treated otitis media with them, and got rid of ear mites. A very effective remedy. Recommend.
Polina, Krasnoyarsk

Acaromectin

Remedy for ear mites in dogs in the form of a spray. The composition, the active ingredient of which is ivermectin, blocks the passage of nerve impulses, which causes paralysis, and subsequently the death of parasites. It is enough to spray the inner surface of the auricle twice with an interval of 8-10 days.

Despite the fact that the composition has a low concentration of toxicity, it is not recommended to use it in weakened, exhausted and sick animals with infectious diseases. The price of a 25 ml bottle is about 135 rubles.

Otodectin

Ear drops with otodectosis
Medicine for ear mites in dogs, presented in the form of an injection solution. An antiparasitic drug based on ivermectin has a wide spectrum of action and is intended for the treatment of carnivores. It is also used to treat ear mites in dogs.

The injection solution is injected subcutaneously in the forearm or in the back of the shoulder joint at the rate of 0.2 ml per 1 kg of body weight. The drug is contraindicated in weakened and emaciated animals, puppies under two months of age.

Important!
Due to the increased pedigree sensitivity to avermectin compounds, when using the injection solution, caution should be exercised in dogs of the following breeds: collie, bobtail, sheltie, boxer.

The cost of a bottle of Otodectin (5 ml) is within 60-80 rubles.

Feedback
My dog also had to deal with ear mites last summer. Only two injections of Otodectin, and there were no parasites. Quickly, effectively, and most importantly, the drug did not cause any "side effects" in the dog. Recommend.
Roman, Arkhangelsk

Oridermil

Having found a tick in a dog's ear, you can also use Oridermil - an ointment that has an antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory agent. The active ingredients in it are: permitrin, nystatin, lidocaine, neomycin sulfate, triamcinolone acetonide.

If the disease is accompanied by a fungal or bacterial infection, the composition is applied once a day for a week, if necessary, the course of treatment is repeated after 7 days. At the initial stage of the disease, the drug is used twice with an interval of 5-7 days, if necessary, the course of treatment is repeated after 1-2 weeks.

Contraindications are a violation of the tympanic membrane, the presence of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, the period of pregnancy and lactation, as well as a weight of less than 1.5 kg.

Important!
When using the ointment, do not drink, eat or smoke. It is necessary to limit contact of the treated pet with young children and other animals.

There is Oridermil ointment in a tube (10 g) in the region of 520-550 rubles.

Prophylaxis

Otodectosis is a highly contagious disease that requires a long course of treatment. To protect your pet from this infection, you need to perform the following prevention methods:

Inspect and clean your pet's ears weekly using hygiene products.
Carry out antiparasitic treatment of the dog on a quarterly basis.
Observe hygiene measures. Keep the animal's habitat clean.
Never use other people's accessories and care items (leashes, collars, toys, combs).
Clean the premises with insecticidal products on a monthly basis.
Avoid direct contact of the dog with stray dogs.

FAQ

Can a dog pass ear mites to other pets?

Yes. At risk are dogs, cats, ferrets, raccoons. All animals in contact should be treated.

Can a person get an ear mite from a dog?

Yes, a tick can move to the human body, but they parasitize only on animals, they quickly die on humans. The risk of infection is minimal, there is no need to be afraid of contact with your pet due to the fact that the tick is transmitted to humans.

However, some people who are prone to allergic reactions may develop a condition called false scabies. The symptoms of this allergic reaction are similar to those of otodectosis. This condition does not require treatment - as soon as the dog is cured, all the symptoms of the person will disappear.

Risk group: which dogs are most susceptible to otodectosis

Quite frankly, dogs become infected with ear mites much less often than cats. But there is a certain risk group in the case of these pets:

Long-haired breeds.
Dogs with long ears are highly susceptible to tick infestation.
In addition, animals with soft and wrinkled skin (Shar Pei, for example) are in a similar situation.

But far from always and not in all cases the breed belonging plays a noticeable role. The combination of the following factors is much more important:

Fatness and general health of the pet (however, this is true for thousands of other diseases). The closer the dog is to its normal physiological form, the less likely it is to develop tick-borne infestation. Accordingly, obese and weakened, emaciated animals are equally convenient targets for parasitic ticks.

The younger or older the animal, the higher the likelihood of the disease. Age factors have a bad effect on the state of immunity of dogs, and therefore the latter get sick much more often and much more heavily (of course, this applies not only to otodectosis, but also to many other pathologies).

Of course, initially sick pets are much easier to "catch" parasites.

Nutrition plays an important role. The better the pet's diet is selected and balanced, the less likely it is that it will develop otodectosis.

Owner stories

Svetlana: “We took a dog from a shelter. She was constantly combing one ear. When she was examined by a veterinarian, it was revealed that she had ear scabies. The doctor prescribed drops "Otoferonol Gold", said that they are effective. Both ears were treated three times. There was a weekly interval between treatments. The dog was cured, it was possible to get rid of the ticks. For prevention, the dog was treated with Prazicide, it helps to remove all external parasites. "

Nikita: “Where my dog picked up this infection, I still do not understand. I admit honestly that I did not look into the ears of my pet, and did not know how to understand that the dog was sick. We went to the vet when he combed his ear until it bleeded. There they took a scraping and found a tick under a microscope. The doctor himself cleaned my Rex's ears, I had no idea how to do it. We were prescribed drops on the Stronghold withers. They must be applied once. A month later, we showed up to the veterinarian, we did not find ticks on the dog. "

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