Ear Mites in Dogs
Ear mites in dogs are insects that live inside the ear canal. Canine ear mites are tiny. Ear mites in dogs can sometimes live on other parts of a dog's body, but are referred to as canine ear mites because they usually live inside the ears. Ear mites in dogs are very contagious. Canine ear mites can spread to other animals including cats and rodents. Your dog's ear mites could cause him to scratch compulsively around his ears and shake his head frequently. Your dog may scratch and shake more as the infestation worsens. Your dog's scratching may be so vigorous that she could cause herself injury. Though you can't see the canine ear mites very well with the naked eye, you can investigate your dog's ear canals for a substance that looks like ground coffee. This substance is dried blood and is a telltale sign of ear mites in dogs. If not treated, your dog's ear mites may cause damages to your dog's ears resulting in permanent hearing loss. Symptoms of canine ear mites can be similar to the symptoms of other diseases of the ear. If you can't find any evidence of canine ear mites, consult your vet. He or she will be able to make an accurate diagnosis of your dog's ear ailment and provide suitable treatment. Ear mites in dogs can be treated easily with insecticidal ear preparations. Your vet can prescribe an appropriate, effective preparation for your dog's ear mites. If canine ear mites are living on other parts of your dog's body besides the ears, you may need to give him a bath in medicated shampoo. Canine ear mites can't survive for long without a host, so you won't need to worry about the upholstery and carpets. Ear mites in dogs are not contagious to humans, but may be contagious to other pets. You can help prevent ear mites in dogs by practicing good dog ear care. Check your dog regularly for signs of ear mites and be on the lookout for the head-shaking and scratching behavior that is the most obvious symptom of ear mites in dogs.