Otodectic mange is a problem for dogs.Ear mites lay their eggs in the ear canals.They can live on other parts of the canine body, such as the ear flaps, head, neck, paws, and the tail base.Ear mites are easy to transfer between dogs, especially those living in the same household.There are 3 ways to rid your dog of ear mites.
Step 1: Check your dog's ears.
When using a non-prescription medication, it's a good idea to consult your vet to make sure your dog really does have ear mites.Before treatment starts, your vet will check to make sure the eardrum is intact.Which treatment is appropriate will be determined by this.Drugs can enter the middle ear and cause ototoxicity if the tympanum is torn.This causes neurological problems such as a head tilt, horizontal nystagmus, and poor balance.These effects can be difficult to reverse.
Step 2: Pick an over-the-counter product that contains pyrethrin or permethrin.
The ingredients are derived from a group of flowers called pyrethroids.They work by disrupting nerve transmission in insects.Pyrethroids have a good safety margin in dogs despite how they work in insects.The drug doesn't get absorbed through the skin into the blood.Even if some is absorbed, pyrethroids are less toxic to dogs than insects.There are many non-prescription products with these pyrethroids.Eradimite contains pyrethrin 0.15%.10 drops into each ear is the advised dose.
Step 3: An alternative to OTC products could be a prescription treatment.
pyrethrins, thiabendazole and monosulfiram are some of the drugs found in prescription products.Some products have been proven to be effective at killing ear mites, but they do not contain the recognized ecstasies.One advantage of prescription products is that they contain anti-inflammatories, antimicrobials and sometimes a local anesthetic, all of which can be useful to treat and soothe a sore, inflammatory ear.Pesticides for parasites are found on the surface of the body.This class of medication is what most treatments will fall into.
Step 4: As directed, apply your chosen medication.
If you follow the instructions on the package, apply the drops to your dog's ears.Leave for a few minutes to penetrate the wax, and then wipe away any excess with cotton wool.It is recommended that this regime be repeated every other day.It is necessary to apply for a full 3 weeks.The diagnosis should be reexamined if there is no improvement after a week of treatment.Not only do they kill the mite, but they are also anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, meaning they'll soothe irritation and treat other infections as well.
Step 5: Keep your dog away from other dogs after administering medicine.
There is a risk of toxicity if the medication is licked out of the ear by another dog.After receiving the medication, it's best to keep your dog isolated.In extreme cases, the signs of poisoning include excessive salivation, muscle tremors, and seizures.If you notice any of these signs in another pet, keep the animal in a dark, quiet room and seek veterinary advice.
Step 6: It is a good idea to bathe your pup with an insecticidal cleanser.
Ear mites can be transferred to a dog's paw when he scratches his ear.It is important to bathe the dog weekly with an insecticidal shampoo to decrease coatContamination when an active infection is present.You can find more information on the following topics: How to Give a Small Dog a Bath, how to give a large dog a bath, and keeping a dog calm.
Step 7: Selamectin or moxidectin can be used on a spot-on treatment.
ivermectin and moxidectin have been shown to be specifically effective against ear mites.Both prescription products need to be supplied by your vet.Their mode of action is to destroy the parasites.This causes the death of the mite.It is usually effective against ear mites.The drug works by stimulating the release of GABA which paralyzes the mites.In the UK and the US, selamectin is marketed as Stronghold andRevolution.
Step 8: You should get a prescription for the dogs in your house.
Ear mite exposure on another dog can lead to re-infection if you treat the affected dog.There are no licensed medications for use in pregnant or nursing dogs and puppies less than 12 weeks of age.The effect of the active ingredients on this group of animals cannot be verified as safe because they have not been tested.Reinfection can be prevented by washing bedding used by the dogs.
Step 9: Be aware of your dog's weight.
You should always get an accurate weight for any dog you plan to treat.Dosages depend on the dog's weight, and just making an "educated guess" can lead to over- or under-dosing your dog.The packaging will have specifics printed on it.If you've treated your dog for ear mites before, be sure to read these carefully, because proper dosages and usage instructions can vary from product to product.If you apply moxidectin directly to the skin on the back of the neck, you should get 2.5mg per 1 kilogram.See the package insert for more details.For a 3–9 pound dog, the above is equivalent to a small amount of moxidectin product.An appropriate combination of packs should be used for dogs over 88 pounds.To find the best combination, talk to your vet.
Step 10: The recommended amount of medication is applied.
The size of the dog and the amount of product to be applied will affect where the medication is placed.Spot-on treatment can be applied to the back of your dog's neck or between its shoulder blades.Ensure you're using the right amount of the ingredient when applying spot-on treatment to one of these locations.Depending on the size of your dog, different concentrations of the active ingredient are necessary, so you should be absolutely positive that you are using the recommended strength for your pet's weight.Put the tip of the tube on a visible area of skin.When the container has been emptied, squeeze the tube 3 or 4 times.If you want to prevent the product from being spread to your hands, avoid petting the area for a few hours after application.
Step 11: In a month, do it again.
For continued protection, some spot-on treatments can be reapplied once a month.If your dog is affected by ear mites frequently, this might be a good option for you.Determine the best product to use with your vet.
Step 12: Ask your vet if you can use an injection.
There are no licensed veterinary medicines that can be used against ear mites.In extreme circumstances, Ivermectin Cattle Injection can be effective.The ivermectin family of drugs causes paralysis in arthropods and eventually death of the parasites.ivermectin is not approved for this purpose, so it should be reserved as a last resort for difficult-to-handle animals.Ivermectin 1% Injectable is given by injection 2 weeks apart.
Step 13: When this isn't an option, you should know.
Ivermectin shouldn't be used in Collies, Australian Shepherds, Long-haired Whippets and Shelties.The drug can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, cause central nervous system toxicity, and lead to coma and death in these breeds.Some dogs have the same sensitivities.If possible, avoid this drug if you can because it is not predictable by breed.It is not recommended for use in small animals.This is not an option if your pup is small.Only owners of large dogs can entertain this option.
Step 14: Your dog has ears.
Ear cleaning with a ceruminolytic agent will help reduce the levels of wax the ear mites feed on.The ear canal is less attractive to mites because of this.How waxy your dog's ears are will affect the amount of cleaning you have to do.It is a general rule to clean the ear and the cotton wool if it comes away dirty.If necessary, clean weekly or more frequently.
Step 15: Know the symptoms of ear mites.
If you notice symptoms, you can catch a re-emergence early.There are signs of irritation around the head and neck, such as shaking and scratching his ears, a thick, dark brown waxy discharge in one or both ear canals, and the dog holding its head to one side.Go to your vet if you see any of these symptoms.They will be able to determine if the symptoms are caused by ear mites.
Step 16: Know how hard it is to spot the mites.
Ear mites are small parasites and only visible to the naked eye.You need a special instrument, called an auroscope, to see mites because they are afraid of light and live deep within the ear canal.Your vet can examine a sample of wax from the affected ear with a microscope to look for adult mites or eggs.
Step 17: It is possible that all dogs in the house need to be treated.
Ear mites can easily be transferred between animals.All animals that come in contact with your pet should be treated or they may re-infect the clean animal.Dogs share bedding in your house.Use detergent and hot water.