Photo Credit: Flickr
Ear mites are tiny creatures that feed on wax and oils in your dog’s ears. These parasites can take up residence in your pooch’s ear canal causing itching and discomfort. Ear mites produce a crumbly reddish-brown discharge composed of dried blood.
They are highly contagious and can be transmitted not only to dogs but also to other animals including cats, rodents, and ferrets. If left untreated, ear mites can cause severe damage to the eardrums and ear canals which may result in hearing loss.
Read: Ear Mites in Cats: Prevention and Treatment
Signs of dog ear mites
Photo Credit: Flickr
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. Watch out for the following signs:
- Agitated, restless, irritable
- Ear discharge with an unpleasant smell
- Loss of hair in certain areas around the ears and in other parts of the body
- Noticeable shaking of his head
- Rashes and other skin disorders
Typically, selamectin and moxidectin/imidacloprid are used in the treatment of ear mites. Alternatively, these natural remedies can help eradicate ear mite infestation in dogs.
Natural remedies
1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera has long been used as a home treatment for burns, wounds, and skin irritations. Aloe vera gel contains certain compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It also improves the skin’s ability to repair and regenerate itself. It quickens the healing of lesions caused by ear mites.
Things to prepare:
- Aloe vera
- Cotton ball
How to apply:
- Carefully cut an aloe vera leaf from a living plant.
- Squeeze aloe vera gel into a cotton ball.
- Gently apply the gel to the affected area.
Follow this procedure for one week to achieve the best results.
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 boost health and aids in the healing of wounds.
Things to prepare:
- Half an ounce of almond oil
- 400 IU vitamin E
- Cotton balls
- Eyedropper
- Clean bowl
How to apply:
- Create a mixture of almond oil and vitamin E under low heat.
- Keep it warm for at least a minute.
- Apply drops into the dog’s ear.
- 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 skincare products but not everyone knows that it is also beneficial to your dog’s skin. It can be used as a massage oil to moisturise the skin. It can kill the parasites in dogs’ ears and it can unclog the ear canal blockage.
Things to prepare:
- Mineral oil
- Cotton balls
- Eyedropper
How to apply:
- Fill up eyedropper with mineral oil.
- Use the eyedropper to apply a few drops into your dog’s ears.
- Gently massage each ear for a few seconds.
- Pour some mineral oil on the cotton ball.
- Clean the insides of your dog’s ears.
Follow this procedure twice a week for at least a month for best results.
4. Coconut oil
Coconut is also beneficial to dogs as it soothes skin irritations and swelling 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:
- Mix the coconut and olive oil.
- Mildly heat the oil mixture.
- Apply a few drops into your dog’s ear canal.
- Use the rest of the mixture to massage other affected areas including the earlobes.
Follow the same process for at least two weeks.
Make sure that ear mite infection is treated immediately to prevent being transmitted to other pets in the household. Share these natural remedies with your pet owner friends!
