Ear mites are an external parasite, and they can be common in dogs, unfortunately! They’re very easily transmitted from one dog to another, so it’s important to look out for the signs. This means you can treat them in the correct way.

Puppies can be prone to ear mites if one of their parents or other dogs in the home have them. Your vet will check your puppy for parasites when they have their vaccinations. And they’ll be able to help if any are found.

So, what are the signs? 

• Itchy ears
• Scratching and shaking their head
• Dark waxy discharge
• Odour from the ears

These signs can also indicate other problems relating to the ears.

Ear mites are diagnosed by your vet. They’ll take a sample of the discharge within the ear and look at it under a microscope. The discharge is formed because of the ear trying to protect itself from irritation. If mites are the cause of the discharge, they’ll be visible under the microscope.

Ear mite treatment is often combined with veterinary prescribed flea treatment and prevention. So, it’s likely to be a spot on treatment or tablet. Your vet will clean your dog’s ears to remove the discharge. They’ll also probably prescribe this treatment to continue at home for a period of time. This will ensure the ears are clean, free from discharge and soothed.

A follow-up appointment with your vet after the treatment is recommended. They’ll recheck the ears and make sure all the mites have been treated.