🐾 Ear Mites in Cats and Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and When to Book an Online Vet
Is your pet shaking their head, scratching their ears, or rubbing their face along the carpet? These are classic signs of ear mites — tiny parasites that cause big discomfort.
The good news? Ear mites are easy to treat, and in many cases, you don’t need to visit a vet clinic in person. At Dial A Vet, our Australian-licensed vets can help diagnose and recommend safe, effective treatments you can use at home.
🐶 What Are Ear Mites?
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are tiny, spider-like parasites that live in the ear canals of dogs and cats. They feed on wax and skin oils and are highly contagious, especially among young pets or those in shelters or multi-pet households.
They’re more common in cats, but dogs can get them too — particularly if they live with an infected cat.
🔍 Signs Your Pet Has Ear Mites
- Intense scratching at the ears or face
- Frequent head shaking
- Dark, crumbly discharge (looks like coffee grounds)
- Red, inflamed, or crusty ears
- Hair loss around the ears
- Sensitivity when ears are touched
- Strong odour from the ear canal
💡 Left untreated, ear mites can cause painful infections, ruptured eardrums, or hearing damage.
📸 Can an Online Vet Diagnose Ear Mites?
Yes — at Dial A Vet, our vets can assess:
- Your pet’s symptoms via video
- The look of their ears and discharge
- Behaviour patterns that point to mites vs. infections
👉 You can often avoid a stressful vet trip — and we’ll recommend vet-approved OTC products you can pick up the same day.
✅ How Are Ear Mites Treated?
Most cases can be managed with topical or spot-on treatments, such as:
- Revolution, Advocate, or Advantage (for cats and dogs)
- Ear drops with selamectin or moxidectin
- Cleaning solutions to remove debris before applying medication
Important: Always clean the ears before applying treatment to allow full absorption.
🧼 Home Care Tips
- Clean bedding and vacuum regularly to prevent reinfestation
- Treat all pets in the household, even if only one shows symptoms
- Follow treatment instructions carefully — don't stop early, as eggs may remain
- Use a cone if your pet is scratching excessively to prevent further injury
⚠️ When to See a Vet in Person
Book an in-clinic visit if your pet:
- Has bleeding or a strong odour from the ears
- Isn’t responding to at-home treatment
- Has chronic ear infections or ruptured eardrums
- Is a senior pet with other underlying conditions
💡 For most mild to moderate cases, an online consult is the perfect first step.
💬 Final Thoughts
Ear mites are itchy, annoying — and totally treatable. With the right care and fast action, your pet can be comfortable again in no time. Best of all, you can get expert vet advice from home without the hassle of a clinic visit.
👩⚕️ Need Help Treating Ear Mites?
Book a $49 video consultation with an Australian vet through Dial A Vet. We’ll assess your pet’s symptoms and guide you to safe, effective treatment — no waiting rooms required.
👉 Book Now
🧠 FAQs
Q1: Are ear mites contagious?
Yes — they spread easily between pets, especially cats.
Q2: Can I treat ear mites at home?
Yes — there are effective over-the-counter treatments, but proper diagnosis is key.
Q3: Are ear mites the same as an ear infection?
No — but mites can cause infections. A vet can help you tell the difference.
Q4: How long does treatment take?
Most treatments clear mites within 7–10 days, but you may need repeat doses.
Q5: Can humans get ear mites from pets?
It’s extremely rare. Mites prefer animal hosts and don’t usually survive on humans.
📚 Citations
- RSPCA Australia. (2023). Ear Mites in Pets. Retrieved from https://www.rspca.org.au
- Australian Veterinary Association. (2023). Managing Otodectic Mange. Retrieved from https://www.ava.com.au
- MSD Veterinary Manual. (2024). Otodectes Cynotis in Cats and Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.msdvetmanual.com
