Ear mites must be one of the most annoying health concerns your pet may acquire. Ear mites are parasites dwelling on your pet's ear.
Once they're there, they would thrive on the wax and dirt found in the ears. The moment they reach a certain number, infection would show. And that's when you observe the abnormal discharges and smell foul odor on your pet's ear.
Actually, it is almost impossible to tell ear mites apart from all other types of ear infections and parasites. Ear mites are microscopic organisms. Without the right equipment, it is hard to know for sure. The best and surest way to go about the problem is to bring your pet to the vet. However, there are certain things that may indicate that your dog indeed has ear mites and that you could would help alleviate the condition if you use some anti-parasite medications on its ears.
First, check the discharge. Ear mites create a dirty, usually reddish-brown or dark brown discharges or debris on the ears. Try to inspect it closer with a swab of cotton. Be careful though. The discharge is going to have a foul odor. Make sure that you don't go deep inside the ear as you take a swab.
There will also be black crusts forming on your dog's ear. Try to see whether the crusts are already clogging the passages to your dog's ear. If it already does, you really have to take your pet to the vet for proper medication. Your dog's ear need proper air circulation or else the problem would only aggravate.
The ears of your dog will generally be moist, dark, and warm. Needless to say, it would look far from normal. And your dog would exhibit pain and irritation by scratching its ears a lot or by shaking its head too much. When all of these symptoms appear, you have to do something to eliminate the mites or else they may proceed to damage your dog's eardrums, which would lead to total loss of hearing.
The usual treatment for ear mites involves flushing the ear with an anti-parasite solution. Normally, vets do this as the procedure inside their clinics as it is a little too tricky for the untrained. Improper flushing may push the mites deeper into the ears. The liquid may also clog the ear canal, causing further damage to the middle ear.
Other form of treatment for ear mites in dogs involves the use of oral antibiotics. Don't attempt to give your dog any of these without consulting a vet first. Antibiotics are helpful if given correctly. Otherwise, it can do more harm than good to your dog's health.
You also have to know that ear mites are not necessary concentrated on the ears of your pet. During medication, they may find solace on other parts of the dog's body like the neck and head. Be sure to treat your pet thoroughly. You don't want these parasites coming back after some time. You also have to clean your pet's bedding at all times. Keep it fresh and clean because the mites could be lurking inside them.
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