Understanding What You Need To Know Regarding Ear Mites
Ear mites are a common infection suffered by cats and dogs. They are more popular amongst cats. The mites resemble ticks and they are parasites that feed off of the animals ear wax. When a pet has these mites, it is best to seek a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
The ear infection will be obvious to detect but it is always best to seek a veterinarian. Sometimes the mite infection can be mistaken for another skin condition. But the typical mite infection with show a black harden build up in and around the ear. This is the pet’s ear wax mixed with their blood from scratching the nits made from the mites. The mites will feed off of the blood and wax.
These types of infections have to be treated right away. If left untreated, the infection will get worse and spread to other parts of the body. Humans are generally not affected by the infection. Although some people have reported getting skin rashes. The mites will spread by hatching eggs on their hosts.
The mites will live out their life cycle on their host, which is typically 3 weeks. The eggs hatch every four months if the condition is left untreated. It is extremely important to seek medical assistance as soon as your pet demonstrates this type of infection. The condition is very uncomfortable for the pet and can lead to other illnesses if not treated immediately.
The mites are contagious and can be transferred from one animal to the other. So it is important that if you think your pet has this type of infection, they should be diagnosed and treated right away. All it takes is physical contact for the infection to spread. If your pet does end up having a mite infection, then they will have to have limited contact with other pets until the infection is gone.
Although this type of infection is more common with cats, dogs also have been known to get mites in their ears. Dogs will tend to scratch at the mites causing the infection to get worse. If you notice your dog showing some signs of irritation with their ears, you should check for mites.
There are a number of products on the market that get rid of ear mites. Many of the products are simple over the counter treatments that kill the incubating mite eggs. But these types of treatments must be used for the entire cycle of the life of the mite which is around one month. This may be too long for some pets if the infection is really bad. There are other prescription medications that will work faster. It is best to see your veterinarian for the proper treatment of this type of infection.
Ear mites in dogs is a troublesome and difficult condition that is frustrating for the animal and the owner. When you cure ear mites, your pet will thank you for it.