We pet owners are all too familiar with fleas and ticks, but what about ear mites, another smaller parasite? Highly contagious and very common in cats, dogs, pet rabbits and ferrets, they can spread through the household quickly. They can also be spread by human/pet contact although they rarely infect people. If one animal is infected, generally all must be treated.

Mites are tiny and crablike with sharp claws that scuttle around inside the ear canal, feeding by piercing the skin. They themselves are not easy to spot except under magnification, but an infestation can be foretold by the crumbly dark discharge seen when you peer into you pet’s ear. It will look like dry ear wax and may smell foul.

Although they most often appear in the ears, therefore the name ear mites, the insects can travel and feed on other parts of your pet’s bodies.

Some of the feral cats that come to us suffer from mites, and I do mean suffer as living with these parasites is a curse. Luckily it is easily treated, but the living space and bedding should also be cleaned in private homes for obvious reasons.

Our vets must anesthetize the animal before thoroughly cleaning the ear canal. A shot of Ivermectin is then administered followed by spot on Revolution for a 30-day protection from reinfestation. This is all the ferals get, but hopefully it does the trick and offers relief to the cat. Home care is a bit different.

Your pet will alert you that it has mites by frequent head shaking and ear scratching; the heavier the infestation the more violent the reaction from the animal. It is not uncommon to see hair loss and/or scabbing around the ears, if the condition goes untreated. To have one’s ears constantly itching would drive anyone mad.

First, clip the nails to minimize the possibility of injury to the cat or yourself from scratching. Place the animal in your lap, claws facing away from you. Then carefully clean the ears with a cotton ball moistened with a few drops of warm mineral oil, olive oil, or a weak vinegar solution (three drops white vinegar to 1oz water). You can also use whatever your vet recommends. As you wipe the outer canal, massage the base of the ear to loosen any debris which is deeper in the canal. Massage, squeeze, hold and wipe away any dirt brought up in this manner.

Do not use a cotton swab except on the ear folds as it is very possible to push loosened debris into the inner canal where it can pack against the eardrum causing further problems. Moisten the swab with cleaning solution before use.

At least one trip to the vet is recommended if you suspect an infestation. There are many effective home remedies found on the web which can be used to kill the parasites, but first you must be sure that is only what you are treating. Their presence deep inside the ear canal can lead to secondary infections, ones which might be worsened with just ear mite medications.

Check inside your pet’s ears if you notice an uncommon amount of head shaking and/or ear scratching. Here’s hoping it will be a simple itch.