Excessive head shaking and scratching alerts an owner to discomfort typical of mite infestation.
Intense Ear Itching
A dark crumbly discharge resembling coffee grounds in external ear canals signals mites.
Coffee Grounds Debris
Under an otoscope, vets visibly identify the tiny white mites moving on the red, irritated skin.
Veterinary Diagnosis
Ear mites easily spread between dogs and cats sharing resting areas and grooming each other.
Highly Contagious
Vets often prescribe antibiotic and steroid ear drops to resolve infections and itchiness caused by mites.
Medicated Ear Drops
Anti-parasitic treatments like ivermectin, milbemycin, and moxidectin clear mite infestations.
Oral Medications
Applying mineral oil smothers many mites. Repeat regularly along with manual debris removal.
Mineral Oil