An ear mite infestation will be extremely irritating to a dog. Ear mites are infectious organisms that can be barely seen by the naked eye. Because of the minute size you would never think that an ear mite can cause the dog great discomfort. Picture the discomfort you will feel if thousands of tiny critters are scampering inside your ears - this is exactly what dogs infested with ear mites feel.
Ear mites are easily transmitted from one host to another through physical contact. A pet owner has to employ measures to eradicate the ear mites at once if one pet is infested lest the infestation will spread to other pets of the family. Since these are very tiny parasites, the infestation can get severe before it can be discovered by the pet owner.
A dog that is turning around in circles is not trying to amuse you with its self-learned trick. The odd behavior of turning in circles can be a manifestation of discomfort and the dog is simply trying to remove the ear mites scurrying inside its ear canal. Severe infestation that causes the ear to be plugged with ear mites will result to a dog that cannot walk a straight line as commonly the pet's sense of balance is impaired. Dogs infested with ear mites can have seizures. Repeated head shaking and scratching can cause raw bleeding skin that commonly leads to bacterial infection. A dog can loss its sense of hearing if the ear drum is ruptured because the infection was not given appropriate treatment.
Fortunately, this kind of parasite infestation can be easily eradicated. For the safety of the dog, the appropriate treatment must be given thus, an owner has to make sure that the discomfort that depresses the dog is caused by ear mite infestation. One of the telltale signs of infestation are the coffee-ground like discharge found on the surface of the dog's ear canal. The coffee ground like discharge found on inside the dog's ears are actually blood and pus.
One way of removing ear mite infestation is by using mineral oil. Use an eye dropper to apply the mineral oil to the dog's ear. Massage the ear slathered with oil to soften the exudates that may be plugging the ear and to smother the ear mites. Over the counter medications can also be used to eradicate ear mites. Ear mites are hardy as they can exist for months without a host. Wash the dog's bedding and toys with hot water to prevent another ear mite infestation.
Ear mites are easily transmitted from one host to another through physical contact. A pet owner has to employ measures to eradicate the ear mites at once if one pet is infested lest the infestation will spread to other pets of the family. Since these are very tiny parasites, the infestation can get severe before it can be discovered by the pet owner.
A dog that is turning around in circles is not trying to amuse you with its self-learned trick. The odd behavior of turning in circles can be a manifestation of discomfort and the dog is simply trying to remove the ear mites scurrying inside its ear canal. Severe infestation that causes the ear to be plugged with ear mites will result to a dog that cannot walk a straight line as commonly the pet's sense of balance is impaired. Dogs infested with ear mites can have seizures. Repeated head shaking and scratching can cause raw bleeding skin that commonly leads to bacterial infection. A dog can loss its sense of hearing if the ear drum is ruptured because the infection was not given appropriate treatment.
Fortunately, this kind of parasite infestation can be easily eradicated. For the safety of the dog, the appropriate treatment must be given thus, an owner has to make sure that the discomfort that depresses the dog is caused by ear mite infestation. One of the telltale signs of infestation are the coffee-ground like discharge found on the surface of the dog's ear canal. The coffee ground like discharge found on inside the dog's ears are actually blood and pus.
One way of removing ear mite infestation is by using mineral oil. Use an eye dropper to apply the mineral oil to the dog's ear. Massage the ear slathered with oil to soften the exudates that may be plugging the ear and to smother the ear mites. Over the counter medications can also be used to eradicate ear mites. Ear mites are hardy as they can exist for months without a host. Wash the dog's bedding and toys with hot water to prevent another ear mite infestation.
About the Author:
Learn more about how to get rid of dog ear mites as well as dog first aid at Sarah's Dogs.
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