If your dog’s shaking her head or scratching her ears, ear mites in dogs may be to blame.
The good news is … unlike other parasites, ear mites in dogs don’t bite or burrow. The bad news is … they’re very contagious and can cause worse problems if left untreated. So it’s important to act quickly if your dog has ear mites. You need to stop the spread and stop your dog from injuring herself.
So here’s some information about ear mites, how to identify these pests … and how to get rid of them.
Is your furry friend constantly scratching their ears or shaking their head? Those pesky ear mites might be the culprit! As a dog owner who’s dealt with this issue multiple times, I know how frustrating it can be to see your pup uncomfortable. The good news? You don’t always need an expensive vet visit to solve this problem.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share proven home remedies that have worked for my dogs and countless others These natural solutions are safer than harsh chemicals and just as effective when used correctly
What Are Dog Ear Mites Anyway?
Before diving into treatments let’s understand what we’re dealing with. Ear mites (scientifically known as Otodectes cynotis) are tiny parasites that live in your dog’s ear canal. These microscopic arachnids (yep, they’re related to spiders!) feed on the wax and oils in your dog’s ears.
These irritating little creatures are highly contagious and can spread quickly between pets While more common in cats, dogs frequently catch them too – especially from outdoor cats they interact with
Signs Your Dog Has Ear Mites
How do you know if ear mites are the problem? Look for these symptoms:
- Excessive ear scratching
- Frequent head shaking
- Dark, reddish-brown discharge (looks like coffee grounds)
- Unpleasant odor from the ears
- Redness or inflammation
- Droopy ears (if your dog normally has upright ears)
- Skin lesions around the ear from scratching
- Tiny white specks moving in the ear discharge
If left untreated, ear mites can lead to more serious issues like hearing loss, balance problems, ear hematomas, or secondary infections. That’s why prompt treatment is important!
7 Effective Home Remedies for Dog Ear Mites
Now for the part you’ve been waiting for – how to get rid of those troublesome mites without expensive vet visits or harsh chemicals. I’ve tried all these methods with success, and they’re backed by veterinary sources too.
1. Olive Oil Treatment
This is my go-to first treatment because it’s gentle yet effective. The oil helps suffocate the mites while soothing irritated skin.
How to use it:
- Warm some olive oil to room temperature (never hot!)
- Using a dropper, place a few drops in your dog’s ear canal
- Gently massage the base of the ear to distribute the oil
- Allow your dog to shake their head, then wipe away excess with a cotton ball
- Repeat this every 3 days for at least 2 weeks (since mites hatch every 4 days)
The oil physically smothers the mites and helps loosen the crusty discharge, making it easier to clean out.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Solution
Apple cider vinegar has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help eliminate ear mites while soothing irritation.
How to use it:
- Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water
- Soak a cotton ball in the solution
- Gently clean your dog’s outer ear (never push deep into the ear canal!)
- Repeat daily until symptoms improve
Important: Never use this method if your dog has scratches or open wounds in their ears, as the vinegar will sting!
3. Coconut Oil Treatment
One of my personal favorites! Coconut oil has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it excellent for combating ear mites.
How to use it:
- Warm a small amount of coconut oil until just liquid
- Apply to the inside of your dog’s ears using a cotton ball
- Gently massage the ear base
- Repeat daily until the infestation subsides
Coconut oil not only kills mites but also moisturizes and heals damaged skin. My dogs actually enjoy this treatment because it feels soothing on their irritated ears.
4. Garlic Oil Remedy
This might make your pup smell like an Italian restaurant, but it’s super effective! Garlic contains sulfur compounds that mites absolutely hate.
How to use it:
- Create garlic oil by crushing 2-3 cloves in a cup of olive oil
- Let it sit overnight, then strain out the garlic pieces
- Apply a few drops to your dog’s ears twice daily
- Continue for 2-3 weeks to ensure all mite life cycles are disrupted
5. Green Tea Treatment
Green tea has natural antiseptic properties that help remove debris and kill mites.
How to use it:
- Steep a green tea bag in hot water for 3-4 minutes
- Allow it to cool completely to room temperature
- Use a dropper to put 3-4 drops in each ear
- Massage gently, then wipe clean with a cotton ball soaked in the tea
- Do this once daily for up to 4 weeks
6. Tea Tree Oil Mixture (Use With Caution)
Tea tree oil is a powerful natural antiseptic and antifungal, but it must be properly diluted to avoid irritation.
How to use it:
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with 1 ounce of coconut oil or olive oil
- Apply a few drops to your dog’s ears
- Massage gently and wipe away excess
Warning: Never use undiluted tea tree oil as it can be harmful to dogs. And avoid this remedy entirely if your dog has any open wounds in their ears.
7. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera provides soothing relief for irritated ears while helping to heal damaged skin.
How to use it:
- Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the inside of your dog’s ears
- Ensure you’re using only pure aloe without added chemicals or fragrances
- Apply once or twice daily until symptoms improve
How to Apply Ear Mite Treatments Properly
No matter which remedy you choose, proper application is crucial for success:
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Clean first: Before applying any treatment, gently clean your dog’s ears to remove debris. Use a commercial dog ear cleaner or one of the solutions above on a cotton ball.
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Be gentle: Never insert anything deep into your dog’s ear canal. Cotton balls or gauze should only be used on the visible parts of the ear.
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Massage: After applying drops, gently massage the base of your dog’s ear for 30 seconds to help distribute the solution.
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Let them shake: Allow your dog to shake their head afterward to bring debris to the outer ear.
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Wipe, don’t probe: Use cotton balls to wipe away loosened debris from the outer ear only.
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Be consistent: Ear mites have a 3-week life cycle, so you’ll need to treat consistently for at least that long to break the cycle.
Preventing Ear Mite Recurrence
Once you’ve successfully battled ear mites, you’ll want to prevent them from coming back. Here’s how:
- Check your dog’s ears weekly for signs of mites or other issues
- If you have multiple pets, treat them all simultaneously (even if only one shows symptoms)
- Keep your dog’s immune system strong with proper nutrition
- Limit contact with stray or outdoor cats that may carry mites
- Consider using preventative natural remedies like occasional coconut oil applications
When to See a Vet
While home remedies are effective for many cases of ear mites, sometimes professional help is needed. Consult your veterinarian if:
- Symptoms persist after 3-4 weeks of home treatment
- Your dog seems to be in severe pain
- There’s excessive bleeding or pus in the ear
- Your dog has balance issues or hearing loss
- The ear appears severely swollen or inflamed
- You’re unsure if ear mites are the actual problem
Remember, what looks like ear mites could sometimes be a bacterial or yeast infection requiring different treatment.
My Personal Experience
When my retriever Max first got ear mites from a neighbor’s outdoor cat, I panicked and rushed to the vet. The treatment was effective but expensive. The next time it happened, I tried the olive oil method followed by coconut oil applications. It worked just as well, and Max was much happier avoiding the car ride to the vet!
I’ve found that consistency is key with home treatments. You can’t just do it once and expect results – you need to follow through for the full treatment period to break the mite life cycle.
Final Thoughts
Ear mites are certainly annoying, but they’re not invincible. With patience and consistent application of these home remedies, you can effectively eliminate ear mites and restore your dog’s comfort.
The natural methods I’ve shared are generally safer than chemical treatments and often just as effective. Plus, they use ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Have you tried any of these remedies with your dog? Which one worked best for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Quick Reference Table: Ear Mite Home Remedies
| Remedy | How Often to Apply | Treatment Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olive Oil | Every 3 days | 2 weeks | All dogs, mild cases |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Daily | Until improvement | Dogs without open wounds |
| Coconut Oil | Daily | Until improvement | Dry, irritated ears |
| Garlic Oil | Twice daily | 2-3 weeks | Stubborn infestations |
| Green Tea | Once daily | Up to 4 weeks | Debris removal |
| Tea Tree Oil (diluted) | Once daily | 1-2 weeks | Dogs without wounds (use cautiously) |
| Aloe Vera | 1-2 times daily | Until improvement | Soothing irritated skin |
Remember, a healthy dog is a happy dog! Taking care of these ear mite issues promptly will keep your furry friend comfortable and thriving.
Side Effects Of Ear Mite Medications
All of these treatments are risky for your dog. Most of them work by paralyzing the parasite (whether flea, tick or heartworm). The drugs are neurotoxins so they can also harm your dog. Some serious side effects can include:
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Ataxia (incoordination)
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Skin irritations
- Lethargy
Mites have a 3 week lifecycle … and the drugs only kill mature mites. That means getting rid of mites can take a few weeks, so your dog may be on the drugs for quite a while.
So, here are some safer options to get rid of dog ear mites.
How To Diagnose Ear Mites In Dogs
You may be able to identify ear mites on your own, without a visit to the vet. Here’s how to do it.
- Use a swab or cotton ball to collect some debris from the outer ear canal
- Place it on a dark background.
- Look at it through a magnifying glass.
- Look for white, moving specks – about the size of a pin head.
If that’s what you see, they’re likely mites. If you don’t see them, give it another try. Take debris from a different spot, or the other ear … in case your first sample missed picking up the mites. If you still don’t see any little white creepy-crawlies … you can ask your vet to have a look.
But you can also skip the vet visit and try one of the 3 remedies suggested below. They’re good general ear remedies that can work for ear mites too.
If you do go to the vet … diagnosing ear mites should be easy.
- Your vet should be able to confirm ear mites with a visual examination, using an otoscope.
- He may need to look at the discharge under a microscope.
Caution: If your dog’s very itchy and wriggly, some vets may want to sedate her for the exam. Try to avoid this unnecessary drugging of your dog! If you think she might be hard to examine, give her some calming Rescue Remedy or CBD oil before going to the clinic.
If your vet rules out ear mites, it could be some other kind of ear infection. Here’s some information about different ear problems to help you find out what’s going on.
But … what if your vet confirms it’s ear mites? If you have a conventional vet, he’ll want to treat your dog with drugs or pesticides. And that’s the time to say no thank you.
Homemade Ear Mite Treatment for Dogs: 4 Effective Remedies
FAQ
How do I get rid of ear mites on my Dog?
If your dog shows signs of sensitivity, bathe it with mild soap and rinse with large amounts of water. If the signs continue, consult a veterinarian immediately. Hartz® UltraGuard™ Ear Mite Treatment for Dogs kills ear mites on contact. Its formula contains aloe to help soothe irritated skin in the treated area.
Do Dog Ear mites live in ear canals?
Ear mites usually live in your dog’s ear canal … but occasionally on the body. They feed off wax and oils in your dog’s ears. And that makes your dog itchy. Ear mites are parasites. They don’t live long without a host … so when they find your dog, they’re eager to move in and set up house. And the ear canal is a nice cozy place to live and eat.
Are ear mite drugs safe for dogs?
Let’s look at some common ear mite drugs and see why natural remedies are best (and safest) for your dog. First … your vet may want to clean your dog’s ears with a medicated solution. Medicated ear cleaners will disrupt the microbiome in your dog’s ears. They’ll make her more likely to get ear infections in future.
How do you treat ear mites without going to the vet?
Natural treatments include applying mineral or olive oil to suffocate mites, but thorough cleaning is essential. Over-the-counter ear mite drops can help, yet persistent cases require veterinary-prescribed acaricides. Regular ear checks and maintaining ear hygiene prevent infestations.
How to get rid of dog ear mites at home?
Mineral or olive oil: Applying a few drops of mineral or olive oil into the affected ear can help suffocate the mites and soothe the irritated skin.
Can you flush out ear mites in dogs?
The Use Ear Cleaner Method
Use a syringe or provided applicator to flush out the oil, mites, crust, and debris. Allow the mixture to drain out of the ear. Repeat until no more debris is coming out of your dog’s ear.
What is the fastest treatment for ear mites in dogs?