ear mites in dogs: signs, treatment, and prevention

Ear mites in dogs are highly contagious parasites that can cause intense itching, head shaking, and dark, dry debris that looks like coffee grounds. Ear mites are less common in adult dogs than in cats, but they can spread quickly among puppies, rescued dogs, and multi-pet homes.

Because ear mites can look similar to yeast and bacterial ear infections, it’s easy to misdiagnose at home. And that’s why over-the-counter treatments often don’t work or can be unsafe. The best way to help your dog’s ears is to have a veterinarian perform an ear exam and treat the exact issue.

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What are ear mites?

Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal and feed on skin debris and other material in the ear. The most common ear mite affecting dogs and cats is Otodectes cynotis.

Ear mites are highly contagious between dogs and cats through close contact. If you have more than one pet at home, your vet may recommend treatment for all pets in the household.

The ear mite life cycle takes about three weeks from egg to adult. That means treatment needs to continue until the lifecycle is complete, rather than relying on a single cleaning or dose.

Signs your dog has ear mites

The most recognizable sign of ear mites is dark, dry, crumbly debris inside the ear that can look like coffee grounds.

Other signs include:

• intense itching or scratching around the ears
• frequent head shaking
• dark brown or black debris in the ear canal
• unpleasant odor
• redness or inflammation inside the ear
• scratches, scabs, or raw skin around the ears
• sensitivity when the ears are touched

If your dog is scratching their ears a lot, they could injure the skin around them. In addition, repeated, forceful head shaking may also cause an aural hematoma, which is like a blood blister in the ear flap. If your dog's ear flap suddenly becomes swollen, soft, or puffy, contact your veterinarian.

Download more about ear mites

Ear mites or something else? How to tell

Ear mites, ear wax, yeast, and bacterial infections can all cause debris in a dog's ear, but they aren't the same problem and need different treatment.

As a general guide:

These descriptions can help you know what to look for, but appearance alone cannot diagnose ear mites. Dogs can have more than one problem at the same time, such as ear mites with a secondary yeast or bacterial infection. That's why an ear exam is especially helpful when you're not sure what you're seeing.

Learn about dog ear infections

Learn about dog ear yeast infections

How vets diagnose ear mites

Your veterinarian can diagnose ear mites by taking an ear swab to look at under a microscope. Cytology testing like this helps distinguish ear mites from yeast and bacteria, which is important because they require different treatment. Treating a yeast infection won't eliminate ear mites, and a parasite medication isn't a substitute for treatment when bacteria or yeast are also causing an infection.

Your veterinarian may also examine the ear canal for inflammation, discharge, scratches, or signs of a secondary infection — and to make sure the ear drum isn’t damaged.

How to get rid of ear mites in dogs

The most reliable way to get rid of ear mites is with veterinarian-recommended parasite treatment. Depending on your dog's age and health, your veterinarian may recommend a topical or other parasite-control medication that is effective against ear mites. Some modern parasite preventives, including products in the selamectin class and similar classes, can treat ear mites as part of their labeled use.

Your veterinarian may also recommend cleaning the ears to remove built-up debris. A clean ear can make it easier to assess the infection and may improve the effectiveness of other treatment.

It’s important to follow the whole treatment schedule, even if your dog's ears look better because ear mites have a three-week lifecycle. If your dog has developed a secondary yeast or bacterial infection, additional medication may be needed.

Because ear mites spread easily, other dogs and cats in the household may need treatment at the same time. Your veterinarian can recommend the appropriate product and treatment schedule for each pet.

Learn more about treating dog ear problems

What about over-the-counter and home remedies?

If you're searching for home remedies for ear mites in dogs, you may find recommendations for household products or over-the-counter ear drops. These aren't a substitute for veterinary diagnosis and parasite treatment.

Some over-the-counter products may not adequately treat the mites or their life cycle, while others may be inappropriate for puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, or dogs with certain health conditions.

Do not put hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or olive oil into your dog's ears. These substances can irritate or burn inflamed ear tissue and may cause additional discomfort. Avoid putting cotton swabs deep into the ear canal, too. They can push debris farther into the canal or injure the ear.

If your dog is already scratching intensely, the ear may be painful and inflamed. Having a veterinarian identify the problem before you try a home treatment can prevent an uncomfortable problem from becoming worse.

Can you treat your dog’s ear infection without a vet?

Rescue, shelter, kennel, and foster situations can be especially challenging because many animals may have been exposed. Your veterinary team can help create a treatment and prevention plan for the entire group.

Cleaning your home after ear mites

You don't need to deep-clean your entire house to get rid of ear mites. Ear mites spend most of their life on the animal, so treating the affected pets is the priority.

While your pets are being treated:

• Wash bedding, blankets, and other frequently used washable items.
• Clean areas where pets regularly sleep or rest.
• Follow your veterinarian's instructions for treating all exposed pets.
• Continue the prescribed treatment for the full recommended period.

If several pets share bedding or sleeping areas, cleaning those items can help reduce the chance of re-exposure during treatment.

How to prevent ear mites

The best way to reduce the risk of ear mites is to use year-round parasite prevention recommended by your veterinarian and check your dog's ears regularly.

Prevention steps include:

• Keep your dog on a veterinarian-recommended parasite prevention plan.
• Ask your veterinary team whether the product you use protects against ear mites.
• Check your dog's ears regularly for dark debris, redness, odor, or excessive scratching.
• Have other household pets evaluated if one pet develops confirmed ear mites.
• Follow your veterinarian's treatment instructions if mites are diagnosed.

Routine veterinary exams can also help catch ear problems before they become more uncomfortable or lead to secondary infections.

Learn more about ear care for dogs

Ear mites in dogs FAQs