Once they're there, they would thrive on the wax and dirt found in the ears.The moment they reach a certain number, infection would show. And that's whenyou observe the abnormal discharges and smell foul odor on your pet's ear.
Actually, it is almost impossible to tell ear mites apart from all other typesof ear infections and parasites. Ear mites are microscopic organisms. Withoutthe right equipment, it is hard to know for sure. The best and surest way to goabout the problem is to bring your pet to the vet. However, there are certainthings that may indicate that your dog indeed has ear mites and that you could wouldhelp alleviate the condition if you use some anti-parasite medications on itsears.
First, check the discharge.Ear mites create a dirty, usually reddish-brown or dark brown discharges ordebris on the ears. Try to inspect it closer with a swab of cotton. Be carefulthough. The discharge is going to have a foul odor. Make sure that you don't godeep inside the ear as you take a swab.
There will also be blackcrusts forming on your dog's ear. Try to see whether the crusts are alreadyclogging the passages to your dog's ear. If it already does, you really have totake your pet to the vet for proper medication. Your dog's ear need proper aircirculation or else the problem would only aggravate.
The ears of your dog willgenerally be moist, dark, and warm. Needless to say, it would look far fromnormal. And your dog would exhibit pain and irritation by scratching its ears alot or by shaking its head too much. When all of these symptoms appear, youhave to do something to eliminate the mites or else they may proceed to damageyour dog's eardrums, which would lead to total loss of hearing.
The usual treatment for earmites involves flushing the ear with an anti-parasite solution. Normally, vetsdo this as the procedure inside their clinics as it is a little too tricky forthe untrained. Improper flushing may push the mites deeper into the ears. Theliquid may also clog the ear canal, causing further damage to the middle ear.
Other form of treatment forear mites in dogs involves the use of oral antibiotics. Don't attempt to giveyour dog any of these without consulting a vet first. Antibiotics are helpfulif given correctly. Otherwise, it can do more harm than good to your dog?shealth.
You also have to know thatear mites are not necessary concentrated on the ears of your pet. Duringmedication, they may find solace on other parts of the dog's body like the neckand head. Be sure to treat your pet thoroughly. You don't want these parasitescoming back after some time. You also have to clean your pet's bedding at alltimes. Keep it fresh and clean because the mites could be lurking inside them.
