Ear mites live in your pet's ear canals.The ear provides a moist environment that they thrive in.If left unattended, mites can cause ear infections and cause severe itching for the pet.Repeated scratching in and around the ear may cause injury to the pet.
Step 1: You should look for redness and irritation.
While a red irritated ear can be a sign of ear mites, it isn't a definitive symptom.You should see your vet if you don't see any other ear-mite symptoms.Some ear canals are not caused by ear mites.Dogs are more likely to have ear infections involving yeast andbacteria.These ears won't respond to ear mite treatment.If the ear mites are not involved, your vet can prescribe a remedy for your pet.The wrong product may do more harm than good.
Step 2: Take a sample from the pet's ear.
You can see the parasites with your naked eye if you suspect your pet has ear mites.Carefully remove a small sample of the dark brown/black debris from the ear canal with a cotton ball.If you want to get a sample, you need to massage the material in the ear and add a few drops of mineral oil.Your pet may shake its head after you put the mineral oil in its ear.You can look at those samples.Look at the sample material in bright light and see if you can find tiny white dots.It's likely ear mites.If you can't see any mites under the bright light, try to see them in low light.
Step 3: Take your pet to the doctor.
The best way to know if your pet has ear mites is to have your vet do an exam and look at a sample of the ear canal under a microscope.Cats are more prone to ear mites than dogs, but dogs can occasionally get them, particularly if there is a cat in the same household that has mites.The vet can place long-acting ear mite medication in your pet's ears and send you home with something to help with the itching.It is not uncommon for a secondary bacterial or yeast infection to be present with the ear mites, so medication to treat that may be sent home as well.
Step 4: You can get ear mite medication from a store.
A pesticide is used to kill ear mites.Important information about how much medication to apply will be provided by the manufacturer's instructions.If your pet has pupils of different sizes or has a head tilt, don't use ear mite medication in their ears.You don't want to put anything in the ears that will make things worse if this is the case.You should consult your doctor right away.
Step 5: It's a good idea to remove as much of the dark build up in the ear as possible.
It is best to clean the ears before applying medication.Take the time to clean your pet's ears.You can massage the ear canal with a few drops of mineral oil.After your pet shakes its head, use a cotton ball.Your pet may try to scratch the ear after you clean it.If you can, use a towel to block your pet's ability to reach its ears.An Elizabethan collar can be used to protect your pet from self-trauma.
Step 6: The medication should be applied.
Hold the pet's head firmly in your hand to prevent it from shaking as you apply the medication.Attach the tip of the bottle to the ear.When the proper amount of medication is deposited, squeeze the bottle.If you apply the medication deep into the ear canal, it will be more effective.If you want to prevent the medication from getting on your furniture, you should administer the treatment outdoors or in the bathroom.
Step 7: You can massage your pet's ears.
Once you place ear medication in the first ear, begin massaging the second ear.Use your fingers to massage the medicine in the ear.You can massage by using your thumb and forefinger on either side of the canal.You will hear a sound when you open and close your fingers.You can get to the second ear relatively calmly if you massage the first ear.It's always a good idea to have another set of hands at the ready just in case.
Step 8: Remove any excess.
If there is excess medication, wipe it away with a towel.If you're worried about your pet getting medication on carpets or furniture, this step is helpful.
Step 9: The treatment should be repeated.
You won't be able to kill all of the mites in one treatment.Follow the instructions.You will usually treat the mites once a day for seven days.
Step 10: Your pet's bedding should be washed.
Ear mites can be spread to other pets.It is important to wash your pet's bedding in order to keep them out of harms way.You can wash your pet's bedding with hot soapy water.Follow the instructions of the manufacturer.Some bedding can be thrown in the washing machine, while others need to be washed by hand.
Step 11: Your pet can come into contact with bedding and blankets if you don't wash them.
Ear mites don't live long when not in your pet's ear, so make sure your bedding and blankets are clean and ear mite free.They should be washed in hot soapy water.
Step 12: Your pet's bedding can be sprayed.
Fleas, ticks, and mites can be killed on household surfaces.If you are still worried about mites in your pets bedding, spray them with a product that will kill them.