Ear mites are tiny white insects that live in the ear canal. They most commonly find their way into the ears of cats, dogs, and other small and furry animals.
It is not common to find an infection of this type in humans. If it is suspected that you may have mites, visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Luckily if you do, they do not burrow and instead stay in the ear canal and feed off wax and skin oil.
Infection in animals is spread through direct contact with other infected animals. Outdoor pets are therefore the most commonly affected and infection spreads among animals very quickly. The mites, if untreated, will lead to a variety of health issues. These issues include skin diseases and infections in areas other than the ears as well as eventual deafness.
The symptoms are quite recognizable. The most commonly recognized feature is the appearance of dark and crumbly material in the ears. A close look may even result in finding the small white mites themselves amongst the debris. Incessant scratching, head shaking, imbalance, and the appearance of sores are other signs of this infection.
It is important to remember that even if these symptoms are present, if your pet has not come in contact with another and lives in doors, then it is likely they have some other type of medical problem. Your vet will be able to help you decipher the cause of the problem. Be sure to tell the vet that mites are very unlikely so that they do not automatically jump to this conclusion and prescribe and unnecessary and ineffective treatment.
Treatment of mites is relatively easy. Anti-parasitic treatments are the most popular. The ears need to be cleaned followed by application of the treatment. Vets can also supply injected treatments as well as oral medications.
Over-the-counter treatments can be found but they are the longest treatment option. These medications do not kill incubating eggs so the treatment will have to continue at least 21 days. If your pet is averse to medical treatments, this will be a long and uncomfortable time. Luckily prescription topical treatments only take about ten days and there are also several one time use products that are available from the vet that are effective.
This is a very uncomfortable infection to have as an animal and requires medical attention. It is important that it is treated relatively early in the infection so that complications do not manifest themselves as a more serious and more expensive medical problem for your pet.
Darn those nasty ear mites! They will not stop biting. Wait a second, with the right treatment for ear mites, you can put a stop to them. Listen to your pet and get help.
Incoming search terms:
Other articles you might like -
Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia [/caption]Arthritis and hip dysplasia are a common problem in large breed dogs, especially those that have been inbred or the victim of selective breeding. Hip dysplasia is characterized as arthritis in the hip joint and is very painful for your dog. Common breeds that suffer from hip dysplasia: GSDs Akitas...... -
Let's Stop Puppy Mills! Right, Wrong or Indifferent I am not a person who stands up for many causes. I donate money to some charities...mainly St. Jude's as well and the Brain Aneurysm Foundation...but I don't find myself being passionate about it. Recently I have been hearing more and more about the awful living...... -
Practical Advice for the First Time Dog Owner in Cases of Emergency [/caption] Your Dog Is Stung Like humans, some dogs are allergic to bee stings. Thankfully, the majority are not. If Buffy gets stung, watch the infected area. If you notice redness and that’s all, the immune system will eventually work the histamine out of her system. If you notice redness...... -
Hunting Glossary Continued Cable Guard - This holds the cables off to the side so that there is always ample arrow clearance. Cable Slide - This is designed to fit onto the cable guard, its purpose is to help the cables move across the guard smoothly. Buying a new cable slide made from...... -
Pheasant Hunting Lodges Pheasant hunting lodges are the perfect place for the person who loves to hunt pheasant. This can take pheasant hunting from monotonous and almost a competition sport with other hunters who go to the same area, to something much more enjoyable. Take some time to find pheasant hunting lodges near......