Question #5: How do I deal with ear mites?

Before using your vet’s prescribed ear mite medication, you must first clean off the deposit of hardened debris in your dog’s ear by applying some drops of baby oil in the ear canal and letting it stand for a few hours.

Once the coating has softened, you can flush it away with vinegar and distilled water (avoid tap water) in equal parts using a rubber ear-cleaning syringe. Do this with extra care as too much pressure will cause pain.

Once clean, apply a few drops of the medication; after which, gently massage the ear’s base for a few minutes so that the medicine can be properly absorbed into the affected area.

Don’t forget to read the medicine’s instructions first before applying. When in doubt about the procedure, your vet could always do the cleaning and medicating for you, though it would be good for both you and your pet if you knew how to do it yourself.

By observing your veterinarian perform this, you will be able to see and learn how it’s done. It will prepare you for the next time your dog encounters ear mites, and it will be a big plus for you to be able to do this if you have other dogs who might suffer from ear mites too.

Did we miss your other questions about dog health? You can drop by your veterinarian’s office and get more detailed information—and don’t forget to take your dog with you as well for a check-up!

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