Ear mites in dogs: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Summary

What are ear mites in dogs?

Ear mites are small parasites that can infest a dog’s ears. They are tiny, spider-like creatures with the scientific name Otodectes cynotis, which are related to spiders and ticks. Ear mites in dogs are barely visible to the naked eye, being less than half a millimetre in length.

Ear mites in dogs are relatively common. They live inside and around the ear canals and feed on the skin and wax inside the dog’s ears causing inflammation, irritation and discomfort. This may end up causing a secondary bacterial or yeast infection.

It’s important to take prompt action if you suspect that your dog has ear mites as this condition is very uncomfortable and can spread easily between pets. Human infestation is rare, but some people may develop temporary itching or irritation after close contact with an infested animal.

Expert advice from Dr Felicia:

Ear mites are less common now compared to previously, due to new parasite prevention products, which alongside treating fleas and ticks also controls and prevents ear mite infestation. Dogs showing signs of ear mites that are receiving parasite prevention should still have their ears checked by a vet to look for the underlying cause.

Cost of ear mites in dogs

The cost of treating ear mites in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the infestation, whether one or both ears are affected, and whether your dog has developed a secondary ear infection. Costs may include a veterinary consultation, ear examination, ear swab or microscopy, ear cleaning, parasite treatment, medicated ear drops and follow-up visits if needed.

According to PetSure claims data from the 2022 calendar year, the average claim cost for ear mites in dogs was $185, while the highest claim cost was $726^Ø. More complicated cases may cost more if they involve severe inflammation, secondary infection, sedation for ear cleaning or ongoing treatment.

^ØBased on PetSure claims data, 2022 calendar year. Reimbursement for these claims under a pet insurance policy would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider. Please note that values calculated are based on all claims for that condition and medically related conditions in each calendar year.

Causes of ear mites in dogs

Ear mites spread mainly through close contact with an infected animal. Dogs may pick them up from other dogs, cats, rabbits or ferrets. Because they are contagious, more than one pet in a household may need to be examined or treated if one animal is diagnosed with ear mites.

Ear mites can affect dogs of any breed, age, or ear type, but they may be more common in dogs with floppy ears. This is because floppy ears can create a warm and moist environment that is conducive to the growth and spread of ear mites.

Dogs with long, heavy ears such as Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels and Bloodhounds may be more susceptible to ear mites and other ear infections due to the shape of their ears. However, it’s important to note that any dog can develop ear mites, regardless of ear type.

Ear mites can affect one or both ears. Although they usually live in the ear canal, they can sometimes be found on nearby skin, such as around the head, neck or tail base.

Risk factors may include:

• Close contact with infected animals
• Living in a multi-pet household
• Puppyhood or young age
• Inconsistent parasite prevention
• Contact with stray or untreated animals
• A history of ear irritation or ear infections

Expert advice from Dr Felicia:

Ear mites are more common in young dogs that are not yet on a regular parasite preventative and in dogs with large, floppy and pendulous ear flaps.

Symptoms of ear mites in dogs

Ear mites in dogs’ ears cause an intense itch. The most common symptoms of ear mites in dogs include:

• Excessive scratching or rubbing of the ears
• Shaking of the head
• Redness, inflammation or scabbing around the ears
• Dark, waxy discharge from the ears
• Strong odour coming from the ears
• Crusting or scaly skin around the earflaps
• Vocalisation or pain when touched around the ears

Similar symptoms can occur in dogs with an ear infection, so it’s important to see the vet for correct diagnosis and treatment.

Are ear mites the same as an ear infection?

No. Ear mites are parasites, while ear infections are usually caused by bacteria or yeast. However, ear mites can irritate the ear canal and create conditions that allow bacteria or yeast to overgrow.

The symptoms can look very similar, including itching, redness, discharge, smell and head shaking. Some dogs may have ear mites and a secondary ear infection at the same time, which is why veterinary diagnosis is important.

When to see a vet

Book a vet visit if your dog is scratching their ears, shaking their head, has dark ear discharge, has a strong smell from the ears, or seems painful when the ears are touched.

You should seek veterinary care promptly if your dog has:

• Severe pain
• Swelling around the ear
• A head tilt
• Loss of balance
• Bleeding or pus from the ear
• Recurrent ear problems
• Symptoms that do not improve or keep returning

Avoid putting ear drops, oils or home remedies into your dog’s ears unless your vet has advised you to do so. Some products can irritate the ear canal, and certain ear medications may not be safe if the eardrum is damaged.

How are ear mites in dogs diagnosed?

If you suspect that your dog has something going on with its ears, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian for the correct diagnosis and treatment, as there are multiple underlying potential causes for your dog’s irritation.

Ear mites in dogs can be diagnosed by a veterinarian through a combination of physical examination, history-taking, and laboratory testing. During the physical examination, the vet will examine the dog’s ears for signs of irritation, inflammation, or discharge. They will probably use an otoscope to look inside the ear canal evaluate if mites are present.

In addition to the physical exam, the vet may also ask questions about the dog’s history, including any recent exposure to other animals with ear mites or any previous episodes of ear infections or irritation.

If the vet suspects that ear mites are the cause of the dog’s symptoms, they may take a sample of the discharge from the ear canal with a swab and examine it under a microscope. Ear mites are tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye, but adult mites and mite eggs can usually be identified microscopically.

Treatment of ear mites in dogs

Treatment depends on the severity of the infestation, whether there is a secondary infection and whether other pets in the household may also be affected.

Your vet may recommend:

• Cleaning the ears to remove wax and debris
• Prescription ear drops or topical medication
• A parasite treatment that works against ear mites
• Treatment for secondary bacterial or yeast infection, if present
• Anti-inflammatory or pain relief medication in selected cases
• Follow-up checks to confirm the mites have been eliminated

Do not stop treatment early unless your vet tells you to. Symptoms may improve before the infestation has fully resolved, and incomplete treatment can increase the risk of recurrence.

Cleaning your dog’s ears

Ear cleaning can help remove wax, discharge and debris so medication can work more effectively. However, sore or inflamed ears can be painful to clean, and aggressive cleaning may make the problem worse.

Your vet can show you how to clean your dog’s ears safely and may recommend a suitable ear cleaning solution. Never use cotton buds deep inside the ear canal, as this can push debris further in or injure the ear.

Expert advice from Dr Felicia:

For some dogs with large amounts of discharge in their ears, a sedated ear clean may be a more effective way of cleaning out the ear without causing additional stress/pain to the dog.

Administering medication

Your vet may recommend a topical medication, such as ear drops, to kill the mites and soothe the inflamed ears. In some cases, oral medications may also be prescribed to help control the infestation. Topical medication application can range from single-use to up to 30 days.

It’s important to follow the veterinarian’s instructions carefully and complete the full course of treatment, even if the dog’s symptoms improve. Ear mites can be very persistent, and incomplete treatment can lead to a recurrence of the infestation.

Follow-up visits

These may be necessary to ensure that the ear mites have been fully eliminated. The vet may want to perform additional ear cleanings or administer more medication, depending on the severity of the infestation. In some cases, a second round of treatment may be necessary to fully eliminate the mites.

Treating other pets and preventing reinfestation

Because ear mites are contagious, your vet may recommend checking or treating other dogs, cats or ferrets in the household. This is especially important if multiple pets are scratching their ears or if pets sleep, groom or play closely together.

To help prevent reinfestation:

• Follow your vet’s treatment instructions carefully
• Treat in-contact pets if recommended
• Wash bedding, blankets and soft toys
• Clean areas where pets sleep or rest
• Keep regular parasite prevention up to date
• Avoid close contact with untreated animals where possible
• Recheck your dog’s ears if symptoms return

Can humans get ear mites from dogs?

Ear mites mainly affect animals. Human infestation is considered rare, but some people may develop temporary itching or irritation after close contact with an infested pet. Treating affected pets and cleaning their environment should resolve the source of exposure.

If you develop persistent ear symptoms or a skin reaction, speak to your doctor.

How long does it take to get rid of ear mites in dogs?

The length of time it takes to get rid of ear mites in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the infestation, the age and health of the dog, and the type of treatment used. In general, a full course of treatment for ear mites usually takes 10-14 days, though an improvement is usually seen early in the course.

With proper treatment, most dogs will show significant improvement within a week or two. The symptoms, such as itching and irritation, may begin to decrease within a few days of starting treatment. However, it’s important to continue treatment for the full recommended duration to ensure that all the mites and their eggs have been eliminated.

Can ear mites in dogs be prevented?

Regular parasite prevention may help reduce the risk of ear mites, depending on the product used. Not all flea, tick or worming products treat ear mites, so ask your vet which option is appropriate for your dog.

You can also reduce the risk by checking your dog’s ears regularly, keeping their ears clean and dry where appropriate, treating all affected pets in the household and seeing your vet early if symptoms appear.

Overview

Ear mites in dogs are contagious parasites that can cause intense itching, head shaking, dark ear discharge and painful inflammation. They can look very similar to other ear problems, including bacterial or yeast ear infections, so a veterinary diagnosis is important.

Treatment usually involves prescribed parasite medication, ear cleaning and management of any secondary infection. Prompt treatment can help relieve discomfort, prevent complications and reduce the risk of the mites spreading to other pets.

Sources:

“Otodectic Mite”, Companion Animal Parasite Council, https://capcvet.org/guidelines/otodectic-mite/. Accessed 23 Jun 2026.

“Ear Mites in Cats and Dogs”, VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ear-mites-otodectes-in-cats-and-dogs. Accessed 23 Jun 2026.

“Mange in Dogs and Cats”, Merck Veterinary Manual, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/mange/mange-in-dogs-and-cats. Accessed 23 Jun 2026.

“Mite Infestation (Mange, Acariasis, Scabies) in Dogs”, MSD Veterinary Manual, https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/mite-infestation-mange-acariasis-scabies-in-dogs. Accessed 23 Jun 2026.

“Itchy Ear Problems”, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/itchy-ear-problems. Accessed 23 Jun 2026.