Otodectes cynotis is the common ear mite; or external parasite likely to infect dogs, cats and sometimes humans. Taking about 3 weeks to develop from egg to adult mite, the ear mite lives its entire life on your pet. They are very contagious and can be passed from animal to animal.
The most obvious sign of ear mites is head shaking or shaking of the ears. Dogs may scratch, rub faces or even develop bleeding sores. Dark brown or black debris or specks can be found in the ears, or occasionally maybe seen as moving white specs. Ear mite infestation is sometimes connected to a secondary yeast infection in the dog making treatment more difficult.
Natural Treatment for Ear Mites
Most vets will treat ear mites with over the counter or similar medications. Ear cleaning is an important part of the treatment and prevention of ear mites. The grooming will help detect the early presence of mites and can help reduce the symptoms and outbreak of mites.
Massaging the ear will help to loosen any deeply impacted mite dirt. A bit of vegetable or olive oil can help to clean the ears. It is important to not insert anything into the ear canal include cotton tipped swabs.
Home Remedies for Ear Mites
Keeping your pet free from pests starts within, with a healthy diet free from allergens and using a consistent grooming schedule. Use food free from artificial colors, preservatives and as close to a diet as they would experience in the wild as possible given their skin and diet conditions.
A bit of apple cider vinegar in the pet’s drinking water can keep infections and pests at bay.
Launder pet bedding often to keep mites from coming back. Use borax to clean carpets and surrounding areas, reducing the chance of mites returning.
Other recommended home treatments for ear mites, include using a tea of yellow dock. One teaspoon of yellow dock to half cup of boiling water; when cooled strain and use a dropper to add a half drop to the ears twice a day.
Use oregano to flavor olive oil by adding ½ teaspoon of oregano to ½ ounce of olive oil. After sitting for 24-48 hours, strain and add a half an ear dropper to the ears, twice a day.
Homeopathic remedies for ear mites include Apis, Pulsatilla, Sulphur or Silicea.
Vitamin C taken internally can help reduce the outbreak of ear mites as well. Echinacea tablets can be added to your dog’s diet to strengthen their immune system and increase their resistance to infections and parasites.
It is important to treat your dog throughout the life span of the mites, the three week period from egg to adult is a critical time for new outbreak and increased infestation. Be consistent in the treatment, grooming and diet choices to keep your dog healthy and pest free.
