Dog Ear Mites- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Ear Mites in Dogs

What is Dog Ear Mites?
Ear Mites in Dogs isn't  disease but rather a symptom. Otodectes cynotis mites, most commonly called ear mites, common and relatively mild parasite infection. Ear mites are not like fleas, because they do not eat of their host’s blood. Rather, ear mites will eat of ear wax, ear tissues and other oils inside the ear canal.  Ear mites are the most common cause of ear symptoms in puppies and young adult dogs. Dog ear mites symptoms are the same to an ear infection, however there is one major difference between ear infections and dog ear mites. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, you consult with your veterinarian to obtain a correct diagnosis.
Symptoms of Ear Mites in Dogs
When it comes to symptoms of ear mites in dogs, because you will not see them, you may have to look for other signs. Don’t worry, your pet will display obvious enough signs of discomfort that you will know. Affected dogs will have extremely itchy, irritated or sensitive ears and will be very uncomfortable. They will try to reduce their discomfort by scratching at their ears, and head or neck vigorously and relentlessly. They will rub their ears on the ground and on furniture or will shake their heads violently. You may also notice a foul odor coming from the ears. Some other symptoms include:

Dog Ear Mites
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+Itching of the ears, head and neck                            
+Sometimes generalized itching
+Excessive scratching at ears or around head
+Frequently shaking the head
+Thick red-brown crusts in the outer ear
+Scratches on the back side of the ears
+Crusting and scale on the neck and rump or tail
Causes of Ear Mites in Dogs
The number one most common reason for ear mites in dogs is coming in contact with an infected animal. Ear mites are transmitted from dog to dog from both direct and indirect contact, however all mites begin their life on infected animal. Fortunately, they are not contagious to people, because they won't live very long on the skin of humans.
Treatment of Ear Mite in Dogs
You have two options for treatment of your dog’s ear mites, and that is to do it yourself or carry your dog to the veterinarian. However, in any case the first step in treatment will include a thorough cleaning of the dog’s ear to remove debris and other waxy substances to allow the medication to reach the dog’s skin and not just make contact with the wax. The best way to clean the ear is by using cotton balls and canine ear cleaner. When the cleaning is completed, the vet will often prescribe either an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medications. It also popular to see topical ointments and drops used to get rid of ear mites in dogs.