Ear mites are parasites that infect the ears of both dogs and cats. Seen more often in cats than in dogs, ear mites are the number one cause of ear disease in cats.
What Are Ear Mites and How Do Cats and Dogs Get Them?
Ear mites are tiny “bugs” known as Otodectes cynotis. They live inside of the ear and can also sometimes crawl outside onto the skin and hair on the face and neck. They are classified as arachnids and are in the same group of organisms as spiders.
Ear mites are contagious. They are easily passed from one pet to another. Other pets that your pet has been socializing with can easily pass ear mites to your pet if infected.
What Types of Symptoms Are Seen with Ear Mites?
Ear mites normally infect both ears and cause the ears to become itchy. Symptoms usually are a result of the itchiness and may include:
- rubbing or scratching at the ears
- reddened skin and sores around the ears, caused by the trauma of scratching the ear
- inflammation inside the ear
- a characteristic discharge in the ear that is dark-brown to black and resembles coffee grounds
How Are Ear Mites Diagnosed in Dogs and Cats?
Because other types of ear disease can cause similar symptoms, it is best to seek an accurate diagnosis before beginning treatment. Your veterinarian will use an otoscope (a specialized instrument for examining the ear) to help diagnose your pet’s ear disease.
Although often the characteristic discharge seen in the ears is enough to diagnose ear mites, your veterinarian may need to confirm the diagnosis by performing a microscopic examination of a swab of debris collected from inside your pet’s ears. Ear mites are small and not easily visible to the naked eye but can be easily seen microscopically.
How Are Ear Mites Treated?
There are various remedies available for treating ear mites. However, many of the over-the-counter remedies have been replaced by newer, more effective medications.
- Several of the monthly topical products available for flea and tick control effectively control ear mites as well. Examples include Revolution® (for dogs and cats) and Advantage Multi® (for cats).
- Acarexx® is an example of a topical product which contains ivermectin that can be used in the ears to kill ear mites in cats.
Though these products are very effective in killing ear mites, it may be necessary to clean your pet’s ears to remove the debris. It may also be necessary to use soothing ointments or lotions if your pet’s ears are severely inflamed and painful. Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions when using these products in your dog or cat’s ears.
Photo Courtesy of pete berardi/Flickr.com
