Ear mites are a common annoyance of dogs, cats, and other small and furry animals. They are very small white tick-like insects that live and feed in the ear canal.

It is rare to find a case of ear mites in humans but if you think you have contracted them, visit your doctor for treatment. Fortunately, they do not burrow into the skin, but live in the ear canal instead.

Infection in animals is spread through direct contact with other infected animals. Outdoor pets are therefore the most commonly affected and infection spreads among animals very quickly. The mites, if untreated, will lead to a variety of health issues. These issues include skin diseases and infections in areas other than the ears as well as eventual deafness.

The appearance of dark crumbly material in the ears is a good indication that your pet has become infected. If you look closely, you may even see the mites among the dirt. Other signs that your pets ears are infected includes scratching of the area, shaking of the head, sudden imbalances, and sores around the ears and sometimes the mouth.

It is important to remember that even if these symptoms are present, if your pet has not come in contact with another and lives in doors, then it is likely they have some other type of medical problem. Your vet will be able to help you decipher the cause of the problem. Be sure to tell the vet that mites are very unlikely so that they do not automatically jump to this conclusion and prescribe and unnecessary and ineffective treatment.

Treatment of mites is relatively easy. Anti-parasitic treatments are the most popular. The ears need to be cleaned followed by application of the treatment. Vets can also supply injected treatments as well as oral medications.

The various treatment options vary in the amount of time that it takes to kill the infection. Over-the-counter topical treatments are of an older variety and take at least 21 days of application as they do no kill incubating eggs. Prescription topical treatments generally take only up to ten days and other options take only one treatment. As the infection and treatment can be quite uncomfortable it is recommended that a shorter treatment duration be used.

This infection can be quite uncomfortable for your pet and really requires medical attention. Early treatment will avoid further complications that can be quite serious and expensive to treat.

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