Spotting An Ear Mite Treatment For Pets

By Wendell Ruben

A pet who continually scratches its ears is signaling that there is something wrong that is causing discomfort. One of the most common cause of this is problem is ear mites. While a veterinarian can treat them, it is also possible to provide some treatment at home. Determining if this is the problem may be made by removing debris from the animal's ear. Cotton swabs should not be used for this purpose as they can cause damage to the ears, cotton balls are suggested intead.

Ear mites can be spread from one animal to another very easily. For this reason, if it is determined that this is the problem, it should be taken care of immediately. Ear mites live in the ear canal and can be identified by dark brown, crumbly, material, similar to coffee grounds. Upon removing some of this material, one can see these tiny mites. They are usually white in color and very small, approximately the size of a typed period.

As with many parasites of this type, mites can multiply very rapidly. When eggs are laid it only takes four days for the mites to emerge. They, in turn, rapidly develop into adults, mate and produce more eggs. Unfortunately, if not properly destroyed they can go outside of the ear to the head and eyes.

Cats are the most common sufferer from ear mites. Dogs can, but rarely, have this problem. Yeast or bacterial infection is a common comparison of this disease. Finding proper medication and treating immediately will avoid further complications such as spreading to the head or eyes and causing more problems.

All medication for ear mites requires removing as much of the ear debris as possible. Medication on the market consists of veterinarian prescriptions or injection and over-the-counter brands. Some applications are one time, take 10 days or 30 days depending on which type used. Whichever is used completing the length of treatment, even if the symptoms seem to be gone, is essential if the problem is to be completely eradicated.

Ingredients such as Acarexx, Melbnite, Tresaderm and others are often used in mite treatment medicines. Medication injected usually contains Ivermectin. Insecticides usually are the main ingredients for over-the-counter medication. Before using any treatment it should be determined if the pet might have adverse reactions to the treatment.

One of the suggestions made is to put drops of warm oil in the ear in order to remove the debris and some mites. This will not kill any mites but can immobilize a few of them for a short period while the ear is being cleaned. When this is done then medication can be given. A word of caution, sometimes the problem is not mites and common treatments are in vain. If, after treatment for the period prescribed, there is no relief then a professional should be consulted.

A pet is like a family member and one wishes them to be comfortable and happy in their surroundings. When a condition such as ear mites occurs, and is made obvious by trying to scratch the ear, it is important that immediate action be taken. Relief needs to be obtained as soon as possible by locating an ear mite treatment for pets. - 31851

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