March 10, 2010

A Simple Step By Step To Learn How To Treat Ear Mites Effectively

by Wendell Ruben

Ear mites are a common pest among pets. They are one of many that need to be quickly and effectively dealt with. It is easy to learn how to treat ear mites. This keeps pets from getting permanent or serious damage from an infection.

Ear mites are a microscopic organism very similar to dust mites. Unlike the name suggests, these critters can live elsewhere on the body of the animal, not just the ear canal. They are not contagious to humans. However, they are highly contagious to other pets. They are transferred between animals through physical contact with an infected animal.

It is a good idea to frequently clean the ears of a pet. This can be done by using a solution of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. Dip a cotton swab into the solution and gently clean the insides of the pet ears. Make sure to use a separate swab on each ear. This will help prevent the spread of an ear infection from one ear to the other. Cleaning ears also helps to see if any discolored discharge or build up is in the ears.

One symptom of infestation is it makes a pet itch its ears. This is because they cause inflammation within the ear canal, causing irritation. Pets will also shake their heads. Blood will also be noticeable as a discharge. This is usually dry and looks similar to coffee grounds. However, it can also be fresh. More serious infestations can cause an animal to be unbalanced. This is similar to people who have inner ear problems. If the pet has mites elsewhere, they might not be bothered by them.

If a mite infestation does not get treated, serious side affects can occur. These include permanent hearing loss due to damage to the ear canal and ear drum, skin disease and ear infections.

Treatment is available in many forms. There are over the counter treatments. These are liquid and are put in the dogs ear. These take twenty one to thirty days. This is because they do not kill mite eggs. The time is needed to kill off all mites plus give time for the eggs to hatch and kill the new mites as well.

Prescription medications are available at a veterinary hospital. These have a shorter treatment time of ten to fourteen days. These do have mite egg killing medication in them. They come in liquid drop form or can be injected.

Flea and tick medications, like shampoos and drops, will kill mites that are outside the pets ears. A pet on a flea treatment should not have mites on their body.

When treatment is required to rid the pet of a mite infestation, if there are multiple pets, all pets must be treated at the same time. This prevents repeat infestations.

There are certain times a pet should be taken to the veterinarian. These include if the symptoms are extremely severe, if there are recurring infections or if prescription mite medication is needed. Otherwise, mite treatment is simple and can be done in home without veterinary consultation.

Ear mites are a highly contagious pest. They infect animals both in the ear canal and elsewhere on the body. It is an easy thing to treat with readily available medications. However, if left untreated, the results are serious. Learn how to treat ear mites so pets do not develop these results.

About the Author:

Discover just how to treat ear mites the right way. With several ear mites treatment options that you can find to help out. Head online today and find the right method.