Ear mites are highly contagious, and animals become infested by direct contact with another infested animal.
Outdoor cats are more prone to catch them from other cats while wrestling around or snuggling (basically any social interaction with an infected cat), but indoor cats can also catch them from the toys or bedding of other infected cats.
Female O cynotis mites cement developing eggs to the epidermal lining of the ear canal; larvae hatch in a few days and molt through 2 nymphal stages to the next generation of adults. Ear mites feed on epithelial cells, exudate, and tissue fluid but do not burrow. The entire life cycle takes less than 3 weeks.
To ensure all mite eggs have been eliminated treatment needs to continue for a minimum of 3 weeks. If using a single use product such as Revolution one dose is often enough to get rid of an ear mite infection but it will still take up to three or four weeks for the infection to completely clear up.
Once home, a thorough cleaning of the house is in order. You'll need to cleanse any area of the home your pet frequents, as well as potentially treating any other animals in the house. After 30 days, your veterinarian will likely want to schedule another appointment to ensure your dog or cat is free of mites.
Green tea is a natural antiseptic that will get rid of mites. It'll also help remove the “coffee grounds” debris. Massage your dog's ears gently (she should love this!)
Speaking of washing bedding …
You'll want to do a thorough cleaning to avoid those trouble makers from coming back and setting up shop in your pet's precious ears … AGAIN! Ear mites can live 4-6 days without feeding on a host. Since they're microscopic they can be living in your carpet or on your couch.
Otherwise, some mites may survive to reinfect your dog. You will also need to disinfect your home. The home treatment for ear mites is similar to that of fleas. Thoroughly cleaning and vacuuming your home and treating all other animals in the household will help.
“Ear mites tend to cause dry, dark discharge, which may resemble coffee grounds,” explains Dr. Wilde. If you examine the discharge under a microscope or magnifying glass, you may see tiny white specks moving about in the debris. These are live ear mites.
Cats affected by ear mites will scratch at their ears and shake their heads to attempt to relieve their discomfort, and you may notice that their ears droop. In severe cases, ear mites can lead to inflammation of the outer ear as well as the external ear canal.
Ear mites are transmitted through social interaction with other infected cats, which can include grooming, sleeping and playing together. All cats should be checked regularly for any signs of ear mites. Ear mites can be successfully treated with a number of medications.
Bravecto works fast and continues to protect against fleas for 3 months, paralysis ticks for 10 weeks and heartworm for 2 months, plus treats intestinal worms+ and ear mites. With one application it's easy to keep your cat purring happily all year round.
The ear canals typically have a dark, coffee ground-like substance in them. Cats may have itching of the ears, but not always. The mites also can crawl to other parts of the body and can cause itching there.
Itching: The first sign of an ear mite infestation may be your dog scratching his head. Dark, crumbly reddish-brown discharge: This is often composed of dried blood and will resemble coffee grounds.
Ear mites are highly contagious, and animals become infested by direct contact with another infested animal. Infestations can occur in animals of any age, but cases are more common in young cats and dogs. Transmission from the affected mother to the newborn often occurs soon after birth.
Here are a few essential oils that mites hate: Tea Tree oil. Lavender Oil. Eucalyptus Oil.
Next up, it's time to clean elsewhere. Lewis says that mites can last around a week in your home without needing to feed off your cat. This means that, yes, ear mites can live on bedding. So, clean areas your cat frequents, such as their bed or your couch.
The most common type of ear mite is Otodectes cynotis, which live in the ear canal and feed by piercing the thin skin. This causes severe itching and, if left untreated, can cause bacterial infections, swelling of the ear canal and eventually partial or total deafness.
Ear mites and yeast infections have some similar symptoms, so sometimes, it's hard to decipher between them. Puppies are usually more prone to ear mites than adult dogs. Yeast infections, on the other hand, happen in both puppies and adult dogs.
“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.”
The most common source of ear mites infection in humans is contact with a household dog. As mentioned earlier, the parasite needs a host to survive. Thus, sharing a bed or furniture with an infected dog increases your risk of infection.
Take your pet to the vet if his ears are red, have a bad odor or he is scratching his ears or shaking his head for proper care. Olive oil, mineral oil or coconut oil—oils are relatively safe to use, and olive oil can kill ear mites by smothering them though it takes many weeks to clear ear mites with this method.
Milbemite otic is approved for cats and will usually eliminate an ear mite infestation with a single treatment.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Unless your cat's ears have cuts or sores, ACV is an effective ear mite remedy worth trying.