Ear Mites in Puppies

Ear mites are one of the most common puppy mites and can cause a great deal of irritation and discomfort. Find out more about ear mites in puppies, including what ear mites look like, symptoms and how to treat them.

What causes ear mites in puppies?

Ear mites, also known as Otodectes cynotis, are tiny parasites that live in the ears of dogs and cats. While they can affect dogs of all ages, puppies are particularly susceptible. Ear mites are highly contagious and can easily spread from one animal to another through direct contact. They can also be transmitted indirectly through shared bedding, toys, or grooming tools.

Symptoms of ear mites in puppies

Ear mite symptoms in puppies may include:

Irritation of the skin in and around the ears
Scratching around the ears, head, and neck
Head shaking
Dark and waxy ear discharge
An unpleasant odour from the ears

What do puppy ear mites look like?

Ear mites are too small to be seen clearly with the naked eye. Veterinarians will use specialist equipment to examine a puppy’s ears to confirm if there are ear mites present, or if there is another cause of the ear irritation (e.g., a bacterial or yeast infection). These pictures show what ear mites look like under magnification.

Female & Male Ear Mite

Magnified image of a female ear mite (left) and male ear mite (right).

How to treat ear mites in puppies

Confirm the diagnosis: consult with a vet if you suspect your puppy has ear mites as they will need to examine the ears and look at a sample under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
Other ear conditions can produce similar symptoms so it’s important to have your puppy checked by a vet if they are showing symptoms of ear mites.
If ear mites have been confirmed by the vet, they will recommend treatment with an approved parasite product such as NexGard^® for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA^® for Dogs
A single dose of NexGard^® for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA^® for Dogs is highly effective at treating ear mites in puppies.
NexGard can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and from 2 kg bodyweight. NexGard SPECTRA can be used from 8 weeks of age and from 1.35 kg bodyweight.
If the ear irritation persists, it’s best to consult with your vet.

How much does ear mite treatment for puppies cost?

The cost of ear mite treatment can vary depending on several factors, including your puppy's size, the selected treatment, the severity of the infestation and whether additional veterinary care is required.
NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA are tasty chews that are highly effective at treating ear mites. Sometimes additional treatments may be required, such as ear drops prescribed by your vet if there is a secondary infection in the ears. These tiny parasites can be extremely itchy and lead to long-term damage if left untreated. Therefore, ear mite prevention is better than treatment. You can protect your puppy from ear mite infestations by giving a tasty NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA chew each month. Find where to buy NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA here.

What's in NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA? Ingredient safety for puppies

NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA chews are soy-based. They are beef-flavoured but do not contain any animal proteins.

Each NexGard SPECTRA chew contains two active ingredients:

Afoxolaner, which kills fleas, ticks, mites and lice.

Milbemycin oxime, which protects against heartworm and treats common intestinal worms (roundworm, hookworm and whipworm).

Together, these ingredients provide internal and external parasite protection in a convenient monthly chew.

Each NexGard chew contains the active ingredient afoxolaner, which kills fleas, ticks, mites and lice.

NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA can be given with or without food – the active ingredients are rapidly absorbed to start protecting your puppy from parasites quickly.

Can you treat ear mites in puppies at home?

It is important to consult your vet if your puppy experiences any irritation of the ears. They will use specialist equipment to examine your puppy’s ears to confirm if ear mites are present, or if there is another cause of your puppy’s ear irritation (e.g. a bacterial or yeast infection).

How to prevent ear mites in puppies

As with other parasites, when it comes to ear mites, prevention is better than cure. Simple monthly dosing with NexGard for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs will protect puppies and dogs from mites. NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs provides the most complete protection^* against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and intestinal worms, all in one tasty chew.

^{*based on number of parasite groups covered}

FAQs

How long do ear mites last in puppies?
A single dose of NexGard^® for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA^® for Dogs is highly effective at treating ear mites in puppies and dogs. If the ear irritation persists, it’s best to consult with your vet.
Can I get ear mites from my puppy?
Although some parasites of pets can affect people, the good news is that it is very unlikely canine ear mites would transfer to humans.
Where do puppies get ear mites from?
Ear mites are mainly spread by close contact with another animal, such as a dog or cat, who already has ear mites. Puppies and dogs that frequently interact with other pets at parks, kennels, shelters, or grooming facilities may have a higher risk of exposure to mites.

Can an 8 week old puppy get ear mites?
Yes, puppies are particularly susceptible to ear mites, but there are many other causes of ear problems in puppies. You should consult with your vet to confirm the diagnosis.
How can you tell if a puppy has ear mites?
Symptoms of ear mite infestations may include skin irritation, scratching (around the ears, head and neck), head shaking, discharge from the ears that can be dark and waxy (resembling coffee grounds), or an unpleasant odour from the ears. Your vet can confirm if your puppy has ear mites by looking at a sample of the debris from the ear under a microscope.
What do puppy ear mites look like?
Ear mites are extremely small parasites and they cannot be easily seen with the naked eye, but under a microscope mites appear as tiny, crawling specks with legs.
How much does ear mite treatment cost for puppies?
The cost of ear mite treatment can vary depending on several factors, including your puppy's size, the selected treatment, the severity of the infestation and whether additional veterinary care is required.