What Happens If Ear Mites Go Untreated?

If you have a pet, there's a chance they could get ear mites. Ear mites are tiny parasitic insects that live in the warm, dark environment of your pet's ear canal. They feed on skin debris, wax, and blood, and can cause a lot of irritation. Left untreated, ear mites can cause serious problems for your pet. Here's what you need to know about ear mites and why treatment is important.

Ear Mite Basics

Ear mites are most commonly found in cats and dogs, but can also infect rabbits, ferrets, and other small animals. These tiny parasites are barely visible to the naked eye and measure just 1/50th of an inch in length; and they're oval-shaped.

Signs Your Pet Has Ear Mites

The most common sign of ear mites is excessive scratching or pawing at the ears. This can lead to redness, swelling, and inflammation of the ear canal. Your pet may also shake their head frequently or tilt it to one side. Ear mites can also cause a build-up of dark brown or black wax in the ears. In severe cases, ear mites can cause loss of hearing or even permanent damage to the outer ear canal. If you suspect your pet has ear mites, take them to the vet for an evaluation as soon as possible.

What happens if Ear Mites Are Not Treated?

The most common ear mite in felines is called Otodectes cynotis which is responsible for 90% of ear mite infections in felines (Wikipedia). Ear mites are contagious to other animals and left untreated it can cause severe itching; swelling of the ear canal; bacterial infections; and can cause your pet to have partial or total deafness. They can also spread to other parts of the body, causing skin infections and other secondary infections. In some cases, ear mites can even be fatal.

Prevention

To prevent ear mites from returning, it's important to keep your pet's ears clean and dry. You should also avoid letting your pet share bedding or other items with other animals who may have ear mites. If you suspect that your pet has ear mites, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible so they can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

The good news is that if your pet does have ear mites you can get your pet treated. The first step is to take your pet to the veterinarian so they can diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate medication. Once you have the medication, you'll need to clean your pet's ears thoroughly and apply the medication as directed. In most cases, ear mites will be gone within a few weeks.

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