Natural Treatments for Dog Ear Mites

Dog ear mites are barely visible to the naked eye and they make your pet’s ear canal skin as its home. Whilst at times fleas, lice or ticks can find their way into the ear, ear mite infestation is different. It produces brownish ear wax that is contagious to other dogs in contact. This is common to adult dogs as well as puppies. Mites appear as brown clumps mainly seen in the ears which then lead to ear infections. Longhaired breeds such as Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus along with other breeds are more predisposed to dog ear problems. Luckily, there are ear mite treatments and other options.

Signs of dog ear mites

How do you know if your dog has ear mites? The most obvious sign that your pooch is infected with ear mites is when you see him excessively scratching his ears. Know that mites may also travel throughout the dog’s body not just in the ears. Watch out for the following signs:

• Agitated and restless
• The discharge brought an unpleasant smell
• Ear discharge of thick brown/black material
• Loss of hair in certain areas at the ears and other parts of the body
• Noticeable shaking of his head
• Rashes and other skin disorders
• Scratching in and around the ears
• Scratching around the neck and chest and at the base of the tail
• Snappy actions due to the extreme irritation

What causes ear mites in dogs? Infection can be transmitted through social contact with other infected dogs at dog parks or any other places. That being said, it is very important to keep a regular checking for any signs of infection especially after being outdoors. Read further to this list of natural solutions to help you eradicate ear mites in your furry friend.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has long been used as a home treatment for several medical problems such as burns, wounds, and skin irritations. The gel of the Aloe Vera contains certain compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Additionally, it gives an improvement effect on the skin’s ability to repair and regenerate itself. This is one of the best treatments as it quickens healing lesions and crust caused by ear mites.

Things to prepare:

• Aloe Vera
• Cotton Ball

How to apply:

1. Carefully break a leaf of an Aloe Vera plant.
2. Swipe off the gel from the leaf with a cotton ball.
3. With the gel on the cotton ball, gently apply it on the affected area and the dog’s ear.

Follow this procedure straight for one week to see achieve effectivity. If you have no access to an aloe vera plant, you may purchase one from a vet clinic or ask your vet for recommendations.

2. Almond Oil

Almond oil is popularly used as a moisturiser. In addition to its moisturising benefits, it also contains antioxidants and vital nutrients that aid in boosting health as well as the healing of wounds. That means it functions as a shield to parasites and aids in soothing pain.

Things to prepare:

• Half an ounce of almond oil
• 400 IU Vitamin E
• Cotton balls
• Eyedropper
• Clean bowl

How to apply:

1. Create a mixture of almond oil and Vitamin E under low heat.
2. Keep it warm for at least a minute.
3. Use the eyedropper to apply drops into the dog’s ear.
4. Gently massage the area.

Follow this procedure for at least a week for best results.

3. Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is often used in human skin care products but not everyone knows that it is also beneficial to your dog’s skin. It can be used as a massage oil that moisturises skin keeping it soft and supple. For dogs, it can kill the parasites in your dog’s ears and unclogs the ear canal blockage when applied.

Things to prepare:

• Mineral oil
• Cotton balls
• Eyedropper

How to apply:

1. Fill up eyedropper with mineral oil.
2. Use the eyedropper to make a few drops into his ear.
3. Gently massage each ear for a few seconds.
4. Pour some mineral oil on the cotton ball.
5. Clean the insides and around the area of your dog’s ear.

Follow this procedure twice a week for at least one month for best results.

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is found in multiple healthcare products in humans. However, coconut is also beneficial to dogs. Coconut oil soothes skin irritations, swellings, and helps heal ear mite wounds. It is replete with low chain fatty acids with anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.

Things to prepare:

• Coconut oil
• Olive oil
• Eyedropper

How to apply:

1. Create a mixture of both oils.
2. Mildly heat the oil mixture.
3. Use the dropper to pour some into your dog’s ear canal.
4. The rest of the content can be applied whilst massaging other affected areas including the earlobes.

Follow the same process for over two weeks to get the best results.

Can humans get ear mites? They are generally not considered a risk to humans but it can surely be transmitted to other pets including other dogs, cats, rodents, and ferrets. Take these tips to heart and share it with your pet owner friends!