Ear mites are common parasites found in pets, but they aren't something to be overly concerned about. These homemade ear mite treatments are effective remedies for mild to moderate cases of ear mites.
If your dog has a severe case of ear mites that has gone without treatment, you need to seek veterinary care immediately. When left untreated, ear mites can lead to infection, severe swelling of the ear, and even partial or total deafness.
Many people believe that mites and other parasites come from dirty environments. On the contrary, dogs usually catch ear mites from infested cats.
Another common misconception about ear mites is that they live strictly in the ears. Ear mites can actually survive anywhere on your pet's body.
While there are many types of ear mites that can infest your pet, the type doesn't matter when it comes to the treatment. These homemade ear mite treatments will work for dogs or cats, and they can be used to treat all types of ear mites.
4 Homemade Ear Mite Treatments for Pets
The most common symptom of ear mites in pets is incessant scratching of one or both ears. Other symptoms include:
- Frequent shaking of the head
- Brown or black waxy secretion in the ear(s)
- Inflammation of the interior or exterior of the ear(s)
- Odor coming from the ear(s)
- Dried blood or a discharge inside the ear(s) that looks like coffee grounds
Depending on the severity of the ear mite infestation, you may be able to treat the issue at home using a home remedy or commercial products. There are several types of antiseptic dog ear cleaners available on the market, but many are made with harsh chemicals.
Commercial products are much more expensive than homemade ear mite treatments, as well. If you're hoping to help your dog and stick to your budget, these ear mite treatments have proven to be successful with my own dogs and cats many times over the years.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great home remedy for a number of problems, including skin issues, tear stains, and even fleas.
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. If your dog has open sores in his ears, DO NOT use apple cider vinegar. It could irritate his ears even more and cause a burning/stinging sensation.
Mix the vinegar with water, it should be one-part water to one-part vinegar. Put the mixture in a squirt bottle.
Squirt about 1-2 tablespoons of the solution into your dog's ear and massage the ear at the base for at least 30 seconds. Your dog will naturally want to shake his head once you're done massaging the ear.
Use cotton balls or a clean towel to wipe out the ear. You don't need to dry it completely.
You will need to repeat this process twice a day for 3-5 days to remove the mites and all of the discharge that they leave behind.
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2. Baking Soda
Baking soda can be an effective homemade ear mite treatment. Just dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of warm water.
Use the same procedure listed above. Apply the solution to your pet's ear and massage the base of the ear for at least 30 seconds.
Wipe the ear out with cotton balls or a clean cloth. You will need to repeat this process twice a day for 3-5 days to remove the mites and all of the discharge that they leave behind.
3. Olive oil
You don't need to make a solution for olive oil. You can use this treatment right out of the bottle.
Pour about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in your dog's ear and massage the ear at the base for at least 30 seconds. Your dog will naturally want to shake his head once you're done massaging the ear.
The oil will asphyxiate the mites. Use cotton balls or a clean towel to wipe out the ear. You don't need to dry it completely.
You will need to repeat this process twice a day for 3-5 days to remove the mites and all of the discharge that they leave behind.
4. Green Tea
Green tea is a natural antiseptic that will be effective at getting rid of ear mites. Steep a tea bag or 1 tablespoon of loose green tea in 1 cup of hot water.
If you use loose tea, you'll need to strain it before using the solution in your pet's ear. Let it cool to room temperature.
Use the same procedure listed above. Apply the tea solution to your pet's ear and massage the base of the ear for at least 30 seconds.
Wipe the ear out with cotton balls or a clean cloth. You will need to repeat this process twice a day for 3-5 days to remove the mites and all of the discharge that they leave behind.
