Pets can be afflicted by an array of parasites and pests. There is typically treatment and preventative measures for all kinds. Ear mites are no different. It is important for pet owners to learn how to treat ear mites in order to keep their pets healthy.
What are these things? They are organisms that can live in the ear canal and elsewhere on the pet. They are microscopic so they cannot be seen by the naked eye. They can be contracted by other animals through touch. Humans are not afflicted by them and cannot get them through contact with an infected pet though.
Regular ear cleanings for pets is a important. This can easily be done at home thing to do. A mixture of half hydrogen peroxide and half water is a good cleaning solution. Lightly moisten a cotton swab in this mixture and clean the visible part of the pets ears. Do not use the same swab on both ears. This helps prevent transmission of something that could be in one ear to the other. This will also provide the owner with a regular inspection of the pets ears for unnatural discharge and help prevent ear infections.
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 the problem is left untreated, animals can get damage to the ear canal and ear drums. This can result in permanent hearing loss. Also, ear infections and skin disease can be a result of infection.
There are different types of over the counter medication that is readily available. These take three to four weeks to treat the problem. They do not have an ingredient in them that kills mite eggs. They typically are a liquid solution.
There are prescription treatments available from veterinarians. These can be a drops or a shot. This type of medication only takes ten to fourteen days since it does kill off mite eggs as well as adults.
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.
If there are multiple pets in the house, it is important to treat all of them simultaneously. This will ensure that all mites are killed and repeat infestations do not occur. Since they are so contagious, if one pet is not treated, the cycle will just keep repeating itself.
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.
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