By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
A new puppy that keeps shaking its head and scratching behind its ears may have picked up ear mites from its litter, its mother or the family cat. Ear mites are very itchy, and a puppy can scratch its skin raw within days. In adult dogs, though, ear mites are much less common, and the same signs usually point to an allergy or ear infection. Getting the right diagnosis matters, because mite treatment will not fix an allergic ear, and allergy treatment will not clear mites.
Key takeaways
- Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are most common in puppies and in dogs that live with cats.
- The classic sign is dry, dark brown, crumbly debris in the ears with intense itching.
- In adult dogs, allergies, yeast and bacterial infections are more common causes of itchy ears.
- A vet confirms ear mites by looking at ear debris under a microscope.
- Every cat, dog and ferret in the household needs treating at the same time.
How dogs get ear mites
Ear mites pass between animals through close contact. Puppies pick them up from their mother and littermates, especially in crowded or poorly managed breeding settings. Dogs of any age can catch them from a cat in the home, because cats are the most common carriers and may show few signs. Visiting parks or boarding kennels is a less common source.
Signs in puppies and dogs
- Frequent scratching at the ears, sometimes with a back leg thumping
- Head shaking or holding one ear lower
- Dry, crumbly, dark brown or black discharge
- Red, inflamed ear canals
- Scabs or hair loss around the ears and on the neck
- A puffy ear flap from a blood blister caused by shaking
Mites or ear infection?
These clues can help, but only a vet exam can say for sure:
- Ear mites: dry, crumbly, coffee-ground debris, very itchy, often a puppy, often other pets affected.
- Yeast infection: greasy, brown, waxy discharge with a sweet or musty smell, often in dogs with allergies.
- Bacterial infection: yellow or green discharge, a strong smell, painful ears.
- Allergies: red ears, often both sides, plus itchy paws, belly or face, recurring in certain seasons. See food allergies in dogs.
- Grass seed: sudden, one-sided, violent shaking after a walk, common in Australian spring and summer.
When to see a vet
Same day: sudden one-sided head shaking after a walk, head tilt, loss of balance, a very painful ear, bleeding, or a puppy that seems lethargic or is not eating.
Within a few days: scratching, dark debris, smell or redness, or a swollen ear flap. Read about aural haematomas if the flap is puffy.
How vets diagnose ear mites
Your vet will look in your dog's ears with an otoscope. Mites are sometimes visible as tiny white specks moving across the debris. A swab examined under a microscope confirms mites, eggs, and any secondary infection. Your vet will also check whether the eardrum is intact, which affects which ear products are safe to use.
Treatment overview
Treatment usually involves a parasite product effective against ear mites, chosen for your puppy's age and weight. Some spot-on and chewable parasite treatments that also cover fleas and other parasites are registered for ear mites. Ear drops and a gentle ear clean by your vet may be used too, particularly if there is a secondary infection.
Your vet will advise on how long to treat and whether a recheck is needed. Because the mite life cycle lasts around three weeks, stopping too early can let them return.
Caring for your puppy at home
- Treat all pets in the household, including cats and any ferrets, as directed by your vet.
- Wash bedding, soft toys and blankets in hot water.
- Do not push cotton buds into the ear canal.
- Do not use oils, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or essential oils in the ears.
- Check that puppy parasite products are suitable for your puppy's age. Our guide to puppy parasites covers fleas, ticks, worms and mites together.
Prevention
- Have new puppies and cats checked by a vet soon after arrival.
- Keep all pets on a year-round parasite plan your vet recommends.
- Keep new animals separate until they have been checked.
- Look in your dog's ears regularly. Healthy ears are pale pink with little wax and no smell.
FAQ
Are ear mites dangerous for puppies?
They are not usually life-threatening, but they cause discomfort and can lead to infections and ear flap haematomas if untreated.
My adult dog has itchy ears but no other pets. Is it mites?
It is less likely. Allergies and infections are more common in adult dogs, so a vet check is the best next step.
How long until the itching stops?
Many dogs improve within days of treatment, but the full course needs finishing to clear eggs and new mites.
Can my puppy pass mites to my children?
Ear mites rarely affect people. Wash hands after handling and treating your puppy.
Talk with a vet
If your puppy or dog is scratching its ears and you would like help working out the likely cause, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can talk you through it. Speak with Dial A Vet. Head tilt, loss of balance or a very painful ear needs an in-person vet today.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Otodectic mange in dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Otitis externa in dogs
- Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC): Ear mites guidelines
- Miller WH, Griffin CE, Campbell KL. Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th edition
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.
