7 Home Remedies For Ear Mites In Dogs (New!)

Hey there, fellow dog parents! Let’s cut to the chase: if your dog is scratching their ears a lot, it’s time to look into it. Ear mites could be the problem. But no worries, I’ve got some home remedies to share. And as always, check with your vet before starting any treatment.

What Causes Ear Mites in Dogs

Ear mites usually show up when there’s a chance for them to thrive. It could be after your pup plays with a neighbor’s dog who has mites, or even from a walk in the park. Yep, these tiny critters are pretty opportunistic.

Common Causes of Ear Mites

• Contact with Infected Animals: This is the most common way mites spread. One quick sniff or play session can do it.
• Poor Hygiene: If your dog’s ears aren’t clean, mites have a better chance of setting up shop.
• Outdoor Exposure: Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors can pick up mites more easily.
• Weakened Immune System: Dogs with a weaker immune system may be more susceptible to ear mites.

Keeping your dog’s ears clean is a good start. And if your pup plays with another dog, a quick ear check afterward can’t hurt.

Being proactive can save both you and your dog a lot of discomfort down the line. Let’s run through the home remedies below. 🐾👂

7 Home Remedies For Ear Mites In Dogs

Ear mites are tiny little bugs that can make your pup’s life miserable. They cause itchiness and discomfort. If you see a dark brown gunk in your dog’s ear, you might be dealing with ear mites.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a great first line of defense. It’s acidic, making life tough for mites. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with one part water. Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture inside the ear. But be gentle!

• Mix one part apple cider vinegar with one part water.
• Soak a cotton ball in the mixture.
• Gently wipe the inside of your dog’s ear with the cotton ball.

⚠️ Don’t use if your dog has open sores in the ear. It’ll hurt!

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil isn’t just for cooking. It can smother ear mites too. Just put a few drops in each ear and gently massage. This can help dislodge the mites and soothe irritation. Do this once a day for about a week.

• Pour a few drops of olive oil into each ear.
• Gently massage the base of the ear.
• Repeat once a day for about a week.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has natural antiseptic properties. Melt it down to a liquid and put a few drops in your dog’s ear. Massage the ear base for a good spread.

• Melt the coconut oil until it’s liquid.
• Add a few drops to your dog’s ear.
• Massage the ear to spread the oil around.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is soothing for the skin and can help with inflammation. Put some pure Aloe Vera gel on a cotton ball and swipe it inside the ear. Again, be gentle!

• Take some pure Aloe Vera gel.
• Soak a cotton ball with the gel.
• Swipe the cotton ball inside the ear, being gentle.

5. Garlic Oil

Garlic has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Infuse some garlic in olive oil for a day or two. Drop it in the ear, but not too much—garlic can be strong!

• Infuse garlic in olive oil for a day or two.
• Place a few drops of the oil into your dog’s ear.
• Massage gently.

⚠️ Use cautiously and consult your vet, especially if your dog has never had garlic before.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can help in cleaning the ear and dealing with mites. But it should be a last resort. It can dry out the ear, which might not be comfortable for your dog. Use it diluted and not for more than two days.

• Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water.
• Soak a cotton ball in the diluted solution.
• Clean the ear gently.

⚠️ Don’t use for more than two days. It’s also important to avoid doing this with puppies and seniors, and in our opinion, contact your vet beforehand.

VCA Hospitals: Ear Mites & Hydrogen Peroxide

7. Green Tea Rinse

Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool down. Use it to rinse the ear. It has natural antiseptic properties. But make sure it’s not too hot or too cold. Room temperature is just fine.

• Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool.
• Pour the cooled tea into a squirt bottle.
• Rinse your dog’s ear with the tea.

Make sure the tea is room temperature to avoid shocking your pup’s system.

When To See a Vet

Listen, home remedies are great for minor issues, but there are times when you just have to get your pup to the vet.

Signs It’s Time for a Vet Visit

• No Improvement: If you’ve tried home remedies and you’re not seeing any changes after a week, it’s vet time.
• Worsening Symptoms: If the ear starts to smell bad, or if your dog seems in pain, don’t wait.
• Other Health Issues: If your dog has other problems like allergies, you’ll want a vet to look at the whole picture.
• First Time Occurrence: If your dog has never had ear mites before, a vet should confirm the diagnosis. Don’t just guess!

What the Vet Will Do

Your vet will probably take a sample from the ear to look at under a microscope. This way, they can be sure it’s ear mites and not something else.

If it is mites, they might prescribe some medicine that’s stronger than home remedies. Sometimes, an ear cleaning at the vet’s office might also be needed.

So when in doubt, make that vet appointment. Your dog will thank you, and you’ll get peace of mind. It’s a win-win!

Now you’re armed with all you need to tackle those ear mites, both at home and with professional help. Good luck, and give your pup some ear scratches from me! 🐶👂

RSPCA – Dog Ear Mites Information

Final Thoughts

So, there you go! Those are some home remedies to help your dog deal with those pesky ear mites. But remember, always check with your vet first. They’ll offer the best advice for your dog’s specific needs.

Happy treating! 🐾