Ear Mites and Scabies in Dogs: Signs, Treatments, and Expert Care Tips

Understanding Ear Mites and Scabies in Dogs

What Are Ear Mites in Dogs?

Ear mites are mainly spread by close contact with another animal that already has ear mites. These are highly contagious. Dogs can also pick up ear mites from the environment or contaminated bedding or toys. Dogs of all ages can be affected by ear mites. They live on the skin of the ear canal and feed off ear wax and skin oil. Mites damage the ear canal if left untreated causing loss of hearing and vestibular diseases. The most common ear mite that affects dogs is Otodectes Cynotis. 

What is Canine Scabies?

Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var cani. Canine scabies is also known as sarcoptic mange. These mites are located at the hair follicles and can be transmitted from animals to humans. Mites feed on host skin this condition can be extremely debilitating and sometimes fatal if left untreated

Recognizing the Symptoms of Ear Mites and Scabies

Symptoms of Ear Mites in Dogs

• Excessive Ear Wax 
• Head shaking
• Itchy and inflamed red ears
• Thick black or brown discharge 
• Ear odor
• Ears become painful and sensitive 
• Loss of hair around the ears and eyes
• Loss of Appetite 

Signs of Scabies in Dogs

• Severe to intense itching on ears & elbows and hocks
• Inflamed skin with thick crusts
• Seborrhea
• Foul smell
• Alopecia
• Secondary infection may be due to yeast or bacterial
• Lethargic
• Loss of apatite
• Weight loss

Scabies in Puppies: Symptoms to Watch For

Puppy scratching a lot, licking the skin coat excessively and rubbing to the wall. Need to check the skin coat regularly 

Treatment Options for Ear Mites and Scabies

Ear Mite Treatment for Dogs

Ear mite treatment cannot be done at home, and you should immediately bring your pet to a vet. They will observe and clean your dog's ear with medical cleansers. Ear cleansers remove debris to allow the medication to work better and are used once daily until the mites and infections are reduced. Topical and oral flea and tick preventatives are the main treatment for ear mites

If a secondary infection presents bacterial or yeast needs to be treated with medicated ear drops.

Dog Scabies Treatment Medicine

 For scabies baths with medicated dog shampoos and conditioners and topical application of flea and parasitic prevention medication. In severe cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed by the vet.

Home Care Solutions for Ear Mites and Scabies

Managing Ear Mites at Home

It’s important to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment instead of using home remedies, which can be harmful to dogs. Pet parents should not take advice from the internet and use methods like tea tree oil or hydrogen peroxide without consulting a vet.

Home Remedies for Scabies in Dogs

Keep your dog's coat clean and soothe their skin by washing it with specialized shampoos when needed and by following a proper skin and coat routine. Ask Zigly vet or visit our experience centers about the preventive treatments for external parasites in your area. Regularly clean and vacuum your pet’s bed and linen. To ease the discomfort, you may be recommended to use treatments such as creams, sprays or as prescribed by the vet, or even pills and specific nutrition for a while. 

In your external environment, maintain your garden (if you have any), keep the grass short and trim bushes. Check your dog’s coat and skin when you come back from hikes and walks and after bathing. Last but not least, it can be beneficial to feed your pet with an appropriate diet rich in nutrients known to support their skin’s health

Professional Treatments for Severe Cases

When to Seek Veterinary Care

If your dog is continuously itching such that the scratching is causing bleeding/wounds, or if you see there is hair loss and that your dog is all dull and anorexic, immediately rush them to the nearest vet or Zigly experience centers. 

Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs Treatment

 It may be necessary to clip the hair. The crusts and dirt should be removed by soaking with a medicated shampoo, and an anti-mite dip applied. Lime sulfur is highly effective and safe for use in young animals. Several dips may be required. Topical application of selectin and fipronil spray and in severe cases ivermectin used. Antibiotics may be necessary if there is a secondary bacterial or yeast infection and may be used to reduce inflammation and itchiness caused by the dying mites. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I tell if my dog has ear mites or scabies?

2. Can ear mites and scabies be treated at home?

No, both ear mites and Scabies cannot be treated at home. Pet parents should immediately take their dogs to the nearest vet or bring them to experience centers where they can be checked for dermatological infestations. For ear mites, vets will use:

• Ear cleansers
• Topical medicines like eardrops, creams and ointments
• Oral medications if the condition is reoccurring 

For scabies, your vet will recommend:

• Medicated baths at higher frequency than usual
• Topical applications along with oral medications.

3. How often should I use shampoo for scabies in dogs?

The frequency of shampoo usage depends on the severity of the scabies. Pet parents should bring their dogs to Zigly Experience centers for a medicated bath once every week for 1-2 months after the dog gets infected. Seborrheic shampoos have to be used on their coat otherwise there are high chances of recurrence. 

If secondary infection is present, the frequency of medicated baths should be increased.  Mostly with secondary infections like demodectic mange, the dog is immunocompromised the recurrence of disease will be noticed.

4. Is there a long-term cure for ear mites and scabies in dogs?

 There are long-term cures for ear mites and scabies in the case of Sarcoptic Mange. If the infestation is chronic, it will need long-term medications. The chances of recurrence are high in the case of secondary infections. 

Even if your pet doesn’t show any clinical signs, the best way to prevent reinfestations is to wash your dog's bed, mat, and toys regularly. Beds and mats should be washed with a mild detergent and dried in sunlight as per the instructions and toys can be dipped in hot water to kill any germs. Further, you always be vigilant when you take them for a walk. Chances are they might catch it again from other pets around.