ear mites in dogs and cats

These tiny parasites are barely visible to the naked eye, but they can be a big problem for your pet.

Ear mites are small spiderlike parasites that feed on dead skin and ear wax inside your pet’s ear canal. Itchiness from mites can be so extreme that pets can damage themselves and cause ear infections just from scratching.

All about treating ear mites

Ear mites are a common parasite found in both cats and dogs. The symptoms of ear mites are very similar to those of an ear infection, so please see your veterinary team before you self-diagnose your pet.

Ear mites and ear wax

Ear mites, or Otodectes cynotis, are tiny spiderlike mites that live inside your pet’s ear canal and munch on ear wax and dead skin. Each mite is no bigger than a pinhead, making them difficult to spot with the naked eye.

Mites don’t have a long life cycle, but each female mite makes up for it by laying up to five eggs a day. That means that even a few mites can rapidly grow into a major colony inside your pet’s ear canal.

The itch from ear mites can lead pets to try to scratch or shake them out. It’s not unusual for pets to damage their ears from constant scratching, which can lead to ear infections and long-term hearing loss.

How pets catch ear mites

Ear mites spread among pets through close contact. This includes playing, grooming, sleeping together, and from shared blankets and bedding.

Ear mites are incredibly contagious among pets, including from cats to dogs and from dogs to cats — so if one pet in your household has mites, be prepared to check and treat the rest of your animal family too.

Spot the signs

Adult ear mites only live for a few days. When dead mites build up, they create a telltale greasy or dried-out gunk similar to coffee grounds inside your pet’s ears.

Black, gray, or red-brown goop in ears: While you may never see a live ear mite, you may spot mounds of dead mites in gooey buildup inside pet ears.

Constant ear pawing, scratching, or head shaking: Mites are deeply itchy and uncomfortable, and pets can hurt themselves trying to scratch the itch.

Ear baldness, sores, and bruising: Cats and dogs with mites may scrape their ears and the areas around their ears bald or raw, or give themselves dark blood clots on their ears called aural hematomas.

Ear sensitivity and pain: Pet ears can be tender. Pets with ear mites or ear infections may object to even the most loving touch.

Can humans catch ear mites from dogs or cats?

It’s fairly rare for people to catch ear mites. Try to avoid sleeping with pets who have active ear mite infestations or putting your head and ears anywhere near pet bedding, toys, or furniture where your pet has been.

If you suspect you or another human member of your family has ear mites, please see your doctor.

Why treatment is so important

Ear mites may seem like a minor issue, but there are a number of reasons to check for them regularly and see your veterinary team for treatment.

• Ear mites are deeply uncomfortable for your pet.
• An ear mite infestation can easily cause irritation and swelling inside the ear canal, making it vulnerable to yeast and other bacteria that cause ear infections.
• Scratching at mites can cause bald patches, bleeding, and inflammation that can in turn lead to other ear issues, including infection.

Home remedies for ear mites in dogs and cats

There are no proven home remedies for ear mites. Some internet “cures,” like hydrogen peroxide, can actually hurt your pet.

Plus, even if you’re 100% sure your pet has ear mites, it’s always smart to check with your vet before you put anything — even medications your pet’s been prescribed in the past — into your pet’s ear. Ear mites and ear infection share many of the same symptoms and medicating the wrong issue will not help your pet.

Your veterinary team can run tests, like checking for mites and bacteria under a microscope, and advise you on next steps. These may include cleaning the outside of the ear canal and applying a topical ear mite medication.

When cleaning or medicating pet ears, follow all directions and focus your efforts on the outside of the ear canal. Avoid cotton-tipped swabs and don’t try to clean the inside of the ear canal — these both run the risk of pushing gunk back into the ear, which can backfire on your pet.

Future prevention is key

Your veterinary team can help with advice on preventing ear mites in pets, including regular parasite prevention that can be helpful in battling mites.

You can also help by checking your pet’s ears, cleaning them on a vet-recommended schedule, and washing pet toys and bedding on a regular basis. If your pet has already been diagnosed, keep them separate from their pet playfellows until their treatment is complete.

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