Ear mites in puppies – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Ear mites in your puppy can cause intense ear irritation and discomfort. Ear mites are very active and reside in the ear canals and adjacent skin, so symptoms you may see include:

• Scratching around the ears, head and neck
• Head shaking
• Presence of an ear discharge that is dark brown and waxy
• Red, inflamed or painful ears
• Unpleasant smell from the ears, particularly if there is a secondary bacterial or yeast infection

Ear mites can easily spread to other dogs through communal bedding or direct contact during lay and social interactions. Sources of ear mites for puppies include: 

• Direct contact with other infected dogs (or cats)
• Contaminated bedding, toys, or grooming tools
• Exposure to environments like kennels or outdoor areas 

Your vet will need to examine your puppy’s ear canals with an instrument called an otoscope to visually see ear mites are present. Ear mite treatment for puppies includes cleaning the ear canals to remove the excess wax and debris and giving a treatment that kills ear mites.  A single dose of NexGard® Chewables for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA® Chewables for Dogs is highly effective at treating ear mites in puppies and dogs.  

If your puppy has a secondary ear infection, other medications will be prescribed which are typically ear drops. 

Because ear mites are very contagious, all other dogs and cats in the household should be treated for ear mites. Home remedy is usually a non-prescription treatment using food or herb. Environmental measures include cleaning the areas in the home your puppy has been in contact with and wash pet items such as bedding, toys and grooming tools in hot water. Most puppies feel better within a few days of starting treatment.

Because ear mites are hard to see without a microscope, mild or early-stage ear mites can be difficult to detect, so prevention is important.  You can help prevent ear mites in your puppy by:

• Simple monthly dosing with NexGard for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs
• Regular ear cleaning (ask your vet for guidance)
• Keep bedding and toys clean
• Avoid contact with animals known to have ear mites