A Simple Guide To Learn How To Treat Ear Mites Effectively

By Wendell Ruben

Pets can be afflicted by an array of parasites and pests. There is typically treatment and preventative measures for all kinds. Ear mites are no different. It is important for pet owners to learn how to treat ear mites in order to keep their pets healthy.

Ear mites are a microscopic organism very similar to dust mites. Unlike the name suggests, these critters can live elsewhere on the body of the animal, not just the ear canal. They are not contagious to humans. However, they are highly contagious to other pets. They are transferred between animals through physical contact with an infected animal.

Regular ear cleanings for pets is a important. This can easily be done at home thing to do. A mixture of half hydrogen peroxide and half water is a good cleaning solution. Lightly moisten a cotton swab in this mixture and clean the visible part of the pets ears. Do not use the same swab on both ears. This helps prevent transmission of something that could be in one ear to the other. This will also provide the owner with a regular inspection of the pets ears for unnatural discharge and help prevent ear infections.

The symptoms of an ear mite infection include scratching ears, shaking head, being off balance, and not walking in a straight line. These parasites live in the ear canal and cause itching. This is why the animal will itch or shake its head. Like humans with inner ear problems, mites can cause imbalance and throw off equilibrium in an animal. The amount of itching and head shaking is dependant on the severity of the infestation. A discharge of fresh or dried blood will also be seen in the ears. The dried blood looks like coffee grounds. This is generally a sign of infestation. If the mites are somewhere other than the ear canal, the pet may or may not scratch at the area.

There are serious problems that can arise from no treating an infestation. These include skin disease, ear infection and permanent hearing loss from damage to the ear canal and drum.

There are different types of over the counter medication that is readily available. These take three to four weeks to treat the problem. They do not have an ingredient in them that kills mite eggs. They typically are a liquid solution.

Prescription medication takes anywhere from ten to fourteen days because it does kill mite eggs. These medications come as drops or injections. They have to be obtained by a veterinarian.

Flea and tick medications, like shampoos and drops, will kill mites that are outside the pets ears. A pet on a flea treatment should not have mites on their body.

If there are multiple pets in the house, it is important to treat all of them simultaneously. This will ensure that all mites are killed and repeat infestations do not occur. Since they are so contagious, if one pet is not treated, the cycle will just keep repeating itself.

If an animal does suffer from repeat infestations, the animal should be taken to the veterinarian. The same is true if the pet has severe symptoms or needs prescription treatment.

It is important to treat ear mites at the first signs of infestation. This will prevent the problem from worsening. Learn to treat ear mites and know the symptoms to help keep pets healthy. - 31851

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