Dog Ear Mites

Dog Ear Mites are the topic of this latest video segment
featuring veterinarian Sam Meisler DVM.  Ear mites in dogs
can be diagnosed easily with a physical examination using an
otoscope.

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Ear Mites in Dogs

On many occasions, when a dog is presented for an ear
infection, the owner may assume incorrectly that it is being
only cause of a dog ear infection.  If ear mites are not easily
seen in the dog’s ear canal, then an ear cytology should be
performed to rule out other causes of dog ear infections.  
Dog ear mites feed directly on the fluids produced in the ear
as well as  on the tissues of the ear canal.  They cause
irritation, pain and noise as they move near the ear drum.  
The dog ear mite is easily passed from dog to dog and if
one member of the dog household is diagnosed with ear
mites, all members should be treated.  Treatment involves
either using a topical treatment for ear mites used in the ear
canal directly or an actual heartworm preventative that is
used topically on the back of the dog’s skin.  This latter
treatment is very effective and only requires one or two
doses of treatment; it is also much less painful for your
dog.  There are many natural treatments for ear mites,
however, the topical heartworm preventative, selamectin,
is a much more comfortable, non-irritating, non-painful  
way to treat them.

- Sam Meisler DVM

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