“There are many topical, oral, and systemic agents,” Dr. Miller notes, “and most—such as ivermectin—are highly effective. Even one old-time remedy—baby oil—can do the job. A few drops put into an affected ear several times a day for a month or so will usually smother the mites.”
Home Remedies for Ear Mites in Dogs
An antiseptic tea rinse is a natural solution to ear mites in dogs that can be done with ingredients you'll likely have around the house: Soak green tea leaves in hot water for a few minutes. It only needs to soak for as long as it normally takes to make a cup of tea. Let it get to room temperature.
Keeping your dog's ears clean and dry is the most important thing you can do at home to prevent ear infections. Grant recommends cleaning your dog's ears at least once a month. You can purchase a dog ear wash at the store or mix half water and half hydrogen peroxide to make your own cleaning solution at home.
One of the most common home remedies for ear mites in dogs is olive oil. That's right, olive oil can help get debris out of your dog's ear, reducing any irritation from the spread of ear mites.
Ear medications typically used to treat bacterial and yeast infections can be used to treat ear mites by smothering them, despite their lack of anti-parasitic medication (Mometamax®, Otomax®, Posatex®, etc.).
Vectra 3D Comparison | PetMeds®Compare products.
Revolution Learn More | Vectra 3D Learn More | |
---|---|---|
Repels Ticks | ||
Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes | ||
Prevents Heartworm | ||
Other Parasites Information | Controls ear mites, roundworms and hookworms. | Also kills biting and sand flies, live and mites for one month |
Ear drops are commonly prescribed, and sometimes recommended in addition to topical medications and gentle cleaning. There are ear cleansers, such as Epi Otic that can be used to remove debris from the canal.
Mometamax is not effective against infections caused by viruses or parasites (such as worms or mites). Identification of the cause of an ear infection should be undertaken by your veterinarian. For more information on ear infections, please read Otitis Externa in Dogs or Otitis Externa in Cats.
Even though ear mites are hard to see, it's not impossible. They are small and very light in colour, and can resemble coffee ground so you might see small white specks wiggling around, but more likely you will see the debris they leave behind. Ear mite poop is usually the easiest way to identify ear mite activity.
There aren't any home treatment options for ear hematomas in dogs because they're usually due to an ear infection, which requires a vet visit, Dr. McCullough says. You should never take matters into your own hands — ever. "Pet parents should not try to release the trapped fluid themselves," she says.
While firmly holding pet, fill ear canal with labeled number of drops in each ear. Massage base of ear to insure insecticidal action penetrates ear wax. Gently dry ear with a cotton ball, soft cloth, or cotton swab. This product may be applied daily for 7 to 10 days.