Yorkie Information Center
Your Subtitle text
Yorkie Ear Mites
Overview
Ear Mites are not a fun subject. However, it is a very important one. The problem with dog ear mites is that:
Ear Mites are not a fun subject. However, it is a very important one. The problem with dog ear mites is that:
- This is very contagious
- Causes a dog great discomfort
- They can move to other areas of the dog if not treated
- Needs to be treated by a veterinarian to receive the proper medication to kill them off
Let's discuss:
- Exactly what ear mites are
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
A close up microscopic view of an ear mite
What Exactly Are Ear Mites?
Ear mites are the most widespread mite that infests dogs and they are very transmittable, easily spreading from dog to dog or other animal to dog.
Ear mites are little crab-like parasites that reside in the ear canals and head of dogs, and despite the name, they can also sometimes be found throughout a dog’s body. There can be thousands of mites inside of a Yorkie’s ear.
They begin by living on the surface of the dog’s ear canal. It is there that they eat the tiny amounts of a dog’s tissue and ear fluid. As time goes by, they can travel to the dog’s back, neck and all over the body.
The mites have a 3 week cycle and can live off the dog for several weeks. Different than fleas, they do not prick the skin or suck the dog’s blood.
What are the Signs?
You will know that you Yorkie has ear mites if:
Although a dog may catch ear mites at any age, this does happen more frequently with puppies. The reason is that they have not yet built immunity.
This is very contagious and if any animal or dog who has ear mites comes into contact with your Yorkie, your dog may then have them.
How is this Diagnosed?
When seeing the signs, your veterinarian will confirm. Some of the signs are similar to yeast infection and other ear problems, therefore the vet will make the diagnosis by using a lighted otoscope tool that allows him to see these miniature mites. The light that emits from this tool actually causes the mites to move out of the wax.
What is the Treatment?
The first step is for the veterinarian to clean out your Yorkie’s ears. The next step is for medication to be applied. Once this is performed by the veterinarian, most owners will need to clean the ears and apply the medication at home, as well.
Because ear mites are extremely contagious, all other pets (any type) should be examined and treated at the same time.
Can I Prevent This?
It can help to thoroughly dry your Yorkie’s ears after baths and to always check for foreign matter in the ears. Taking your Yorkie to the vet as soon as you suspect mites is the best course of action for a speedy recovery.
Ear mites are the most widespread mite that infests dogs and they are very transmittable, easily spreading from dog to dog or other animal to dog.
Ear mites are little crab-like parasites that reside in the ear canals and head of dogs, and despite the name, they can also sometimes be found throughout a dog’s body. There can be thousands of mites inside of a Yorkie’s ear.
They begin by living on the surface of the dog’s ear canal. It is there that they eat the tiny amounts of a dog’s tissue and ear fluid. As time goes by, they can travel to the dog’s back, neck and all over the body.
The mites have a 3 week cycle and can live off the dog for several weeks. Different than fleas, they do not prick the skin or suck the dog’s blood.
What are the Signs?
You will know that you Yorkie has ear mites if:
- There is swelling in your Yorkie’s ears, this is sometimes extreme
- Irritation and scratching
- An increase of earwax, this may be thicker than normal
- Ear discharge, this is usually very thick and can be the color black
- The dog will have intense itching and will do all he can to scratch his ears
- In an attempt to stop the terrible irritation, a dog will usually shake their head quite a bit
Although a dog may catch ear mites at any age, this does happen more frequently with puppies. The reason is that they have not yet built immunity.
This is very contagious and if any animal or dog who has ear mites comes into contact with your Yorkie, your dog may then have them.
How is this Diagnosed?
When seeing the signs, your veterinarian will confirm. Some of the signs are similar to yeast infection and other ear problems, therefore the vet will make the diagnosis by using a lighted otoscope tool that allows him to see these miniature mites. The light that emits from this tool actually causes the mites to move out of the wax.
What is the Treatment?
The first step is for the veterinarian to clean out your Yorkie’s ears. The next step is for medication to be applied. Once this is performed by the veterinarian, most owners will need to clean the ears and apply the medication at home, as well.
Because ear mites are extremely contagious, all other pets (any type) should be examined and treated at the same time.
Can I Prevent This?
It can help to thoroughly dry your Yorkie’s ears after baths and to always check for foreign matter in the ears. Taking your Yorkie to the vet as soon as you suspect mites is the best course of action for a speedy recovery.
Looking for More Information?
Not a problem ! The YorkieInfoCenter Experts have put together 355 pages of specific Yorkie information for you.
Click Here to Learn More
Not a problem ! The YorkieInfoCenter Experts have put together 355 pages of specific Yorkie information for you.
Click Here to Learn More
