2006-09-08 21:42:21 · 5 answers · asked by michellecreel 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Please ignore the previous IDIOTS!!!
Go to VET.
BUY *CORRECT* INSECTICIDE!!!
Go HOME & TREAT the dog!!
2006-09-09 00:19:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Ear Mite's proper name is "Otodectes cyanotis" ( Latin for "Picker of the Ear" ). This name tells it all. Ear mites are extremely common. Greater than 50% of dogs, cats and fox are carriers of ear mites. Most infestations are subclinical and inapparent, but secondary bacterial and fungal infections can cause a nasty external ear canal infection and much irritation and discomfort for your pet.
Symptoms include scratching, shaking of the head and a reddish brown or black waxy buildup in the ears.
Steps:
1. Confirm with your veterinarian that your pet has ear mites.
2. Use a small dropper with lukewarm mineral oil to lightly coat the inside of the ear. After several hours, the waxy buildup should soften so that you can clean out the ear with a cotton ball.
3. Ask your veterinarian about prescription insecticide or use an over-the-counter brand - these are fine for most cases. Use the product as directed.
4. Be patient and thorough. Treatments can take up to four weeks - enough time to eliminate any eggs that might hatch.
5. Give your pet mild flea baths during the treatment period to squelch any wayward mites.
6. Consult with your vet about more aggressive medication for a particularly stubborn case.
7. Treat all the animals in the household at the same time because the mites will relocate to new hosts.
Tips:
Check your pet's ears for a strong rancid smell. This could indicate an ear infection. Ask your vet for a medication that will treat the infection and eliminate ear mites.
If you don't want to use traditional medications, dab mineral oil in your pet's ears (after they have been cleaned) with a cotton swab, twice a week for a month.
how to treat
Things You'll Need:
Medicine Droppers
Mite Medications For Pets
Flea shampoos
Mineral Oils
Cotton Swabs
One of the biggest causes of treatment failure is not removing the exudate BEFORE applying the medication. Every bit of the black, crusty exudate must be removed from the ear canal before any medication will work. This is best accomplished by gently flushing the ear canal using an ear bulb (available from drug stores). Mix up a solution of warm water and liquid dishwashing detergent (just enough detergent to slightly color the water) and fill the ear bulb. The tip of the bulb is held loosely in the ear and the water/soap solution is gently squeezed in allowing it to bubble out carrying the debris (Never block the free passage of the solution out of the ear or you could rupture the ear drum). This process is repeated three or four times until the ears are clean. The ears are then rinsed with warm, clear water and dried. Q-tips are not recommended because they carry the dirtiest contamination deeper into the canal making the infection worse. If you do not feel comfortable cleaning the ear, you should consult your veterinarian.
Ear mite medications commonly contain a pyrethrin insecticide and vehicle such as mineral oil. These medications can be purchased across-the-counter from many pet stores or veterinary hospitals.
Since ear mites are easily passed from one pet to another by close contact, ALL animals in the household must be treated at the same time to ensure success.
A second reason for treatment failure is not treating long enough. The treatment schedule that has worked for me over the years is as follows:
All ear exudate is cleaned from the ear canal.
Ear mite medication is instilled deeply into the ear canal and massaged thoroughly to disperse. As you massage, a "gooshy" sound should be heard as the medication is dispersed. The medication is applied once a day for three days in a row.
A week is allowed to pass without treatment.
The ears are cleaned again and the medication is applied once a day for three more days.
Another week is allowed to pass without treatment.
The ears are cleaned and the medication is applied once a day for a final three days.
The reason for this schedule is to interrupt the entire life-cycle. Each week more eggs will hatch and new mites will colonize the ear. By the end of the third week we have killed all stages of the ear mite life-cycle and we should see no more problems. Occasionally, if bacterial or fungal infections have caused damage to the ear canal, an antibiotic or antifungal cream or ointment may need to be used.
2006-09-09 05:00:07 · answer #2 · answered by help 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Actually, dogs can carry ear mites but cats are amuch more common carrier. Dogs usually have other probs with their ears like fungal or bacterial infections. Treating for ear mites can complicate these other probs so get it checked out first.
2006-09-09 10:43:10 · answer #3 · answered by joythegreat 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wipe out the inside of the dog's ears with a cotton ball moistened with mineral oil or baby oil. Get all the dark stuff out. If the dog acts like it hurts, be real careful, but get it cleaned out real good & cover the inside with the oil. I found a stray dog once that ear mites so bad he wouldn't let me wipe his ears out w/o biting me, so rather than let him suffer with them, I sprayed inside his ears w/Pam cooking spray (olive oil). He stopped shaking his head & scratching his ears & crying after 2 days of this!
It worked for me, maybe it will for you! Good luck!
2006-09-09 05:00:40 · answer #4 · answered by ICUsmile 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Like treasured guests.
2006-09-09 04:43:56 · answer #5 · answered by koolbreeze 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋