So how can you tell the difference? Cats that aren't suffering an ear mite infection have a lighter brown earwax color that does not smell. The darkly colored earwax caused by an ear mite infection will often have ear discharge resembling coffee grounds.
Signs of ear mites in dogs include scratching around the ears, head and neck, skin irritation, head shaking, the presence of an ear discharge that is dark and waxy (resembling coffee grounds) and an unpleasant odour from the ears.
Ear wax is a common occurrence in dogs, but it should be light brown and odorless. However, dogs with ear mites will have darker brown or black wax that looks like coffee grounds and smells unpleasant.
A thorough ear cleaning is necessary to get rid of the waxy brown debris (and as many mites as possible) at the start of treatment.
These nasty mites cause a dark black discharge which can only be seen by preparing an ear swab and checking under the microscope. These parasites feed off of the skin oils and wax in your cats ear canal and build up to look like dirt in the ear.
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.
Feline ear mites on the insides of the ears will look dirty, usually with a dark brown or reddish-brown debris. Sometimes a black crust forms, as well. This crust can clog the ear canal over time. Your veterinarian can easily diagnose feline ear 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!)
“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 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.
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.
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 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.
Outer ear infection (otitis externa).
A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an ear infection, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems.
Healthy dog earwax tends to range from pale yellow to light brown, whereas darker colours tend to be associated with infections and should be observed by a veterinarian.
Dark brown or black—This type of earwax is commonly associated with yeast and/or bacterial ear infections. It's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if earwax is this color. Brown—Light brown earwax is normal and expected. If the wax is accompanied by odor or inflammation, it can be a sign of infection.
Well, first of all, you obviously have to treat the ear mite infection. Secondly, you need to clean your house thoroughly. Ear mites can spread to cat's fur and his bedding.
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.
It is usually found in the ear canal but it can also live on the skin surface. Ear mites are highly contagious, and animals become infested by direct contact with another infested animal. The mite is barely visible to the naked eye and may be seen as a white speck moving against a dark background.
Never put olive oil, vinegar, shampoo, or any other substance in a dog's ear. Also, avoid poking around with cotton buds in the ear, you will only work any wax and debris further in and potentially damage the eardrum.
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Unless your cat's ears have cuts or sores, ACV is an effective ear mite remedy worth trying.
They closely resemble ticks, except they're barely visible to the naked eye. If they are, they'll appear as small white dots, living their entire lives inside a dog's ear. It takes approximately three weeks for mites to fully develop into adults.
Ear mites are tiny mites that live on the surface of ear canal skin of cats (or dogs). They are barely visible to the human eye. An infestation produces brownish ear wax, similar in appearance to coffee grounds. Ear mites are contagious and can travel from the ears of an infected cat to any other cats in close contact.