Untreated ear mites can cause serious bacterial infections.
Ear mites are microscopic insects most frequently passed from one dog to another in crowded communal living conditions, such as boarding facilities and shelters. Left untreated, ear mites can infiltrate a dog's auditory canal and speed up the production of bacteria-filled ear wax. Infected dogs will scratch and bite at mites, resulting in scabbing and secondary skin infections. In addition to medically treating ear mites to eradicate the problem, all living spaces must be thoroughly disinfected to prevent a recurrence of infestation.
Identify the Problem
If you have more than one dog living together in close quarters and one is found to have ear mites, chances are good the other dog or dogs will have them too. One sign of ear mites is excessive ear scratching and head shaking. You may also notice what appears to look like soot or dirt inside the animal's ears. Severe cases of ear mites can cause scabbing and a foul odor. All infected animals should be treated simultaneously and all kennels and living spaces should be disinfected simultaneously as well.
Begin Treatment
A vet can make a formal diagnosis of ear mites and prescribe a treatment and kennel disinfecting plan based on the severity of the infestation. A mild case is usually treated with the topical application of mineral oil in the dog's ears, while a severe case will likely be treated with an alcohol-based ear wash followed by daily application of a liquid ear drop medication containing miticide, antibiotics and mineral oil. Most ear mite treatments are given in cycles to ensure both adult mites and mite eggs are killed. Typically, dogs are given ear drops several times a day for a week, take two weeks off medication, and then repeat the ear drop application for another full week.
Disinfect Living Spaces
To completely eradicate ear mites, you will need to disinfect the kennels and bedding three different times in conjunction with the cycle of ear mite medication administration. The first disinfection should take place at the time medical treatment begins. Wash all kennel bedding in hot water using a liquid laundry detergent. Disinfect the kennel by hosing it down and washing it with hot water combined with a disinfecting cleanser, following the product-to-water ratios outlined on the cleanser bottle. Allow the dogs to return to their disinfected kennels and bedding while they undergo the first week of treatment, which will kill off adult mites. At the end of the week, repeat the disinfecting process to kill off eggs and larva still present. At the end of the second round of treatment, complete the disinfecting process for a third time to ensure there are no remaining mite eggs, larva or adults in kennels or bedding materials.
Ear Mite Prevention
If you must board your dog, consider asking a friend or relative to dog-sit at your home or theirs. If you must board at a kennel, check for ear mites as soon as you return. Ask your vet if it's appropriate to apply mineral oil to your dog's ears before and after boarding to help ward off a possible ear mite infestation.
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