As a dog parent, you likely find it horrifying to see your dog’s inner ear covered in ear mites. These pesky critters cause great discomfort for our fur babies, and you want to eliminate them as soon as possible. Left untreated, they can lead to secondary bacterial infections and sore ears. Since they are also highly contagious between other dogs and cats, it is vital to eradicate these microscopic spider-like pests as soon as possible.

Signs to watch out for are head shaking, scratching at the ear, and a black waxy discharge. If you suspect that your dog has ear mites, your vet can confirm with a quick microscopic examination. There are many treatment options, but which ones are best?

We compiled the top reviews of the best ear mite treatments for dogs, so read on to find out how to get rid of these irritating little parasites.

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The 8 Best Ear Mite Treatments for Dogs  

1. Bio-Groom Medication for Ear Mites — Best Overall

Bio-Groom Medication for Ear Mites is an ear treatment suitable for dogs and cats of all life stages and even rabbits. The treatment works quickly to kill ear mites and ticks. This formula adds aloe vera to soothe the sensitive skin that results from dealing with pesky mites. It is non-sticky and non-oily, which makes it ideal for avoiding messy liquids. Not only does it kill ear mites, but it also removes excess earwax that can cause recurring ear infections.

To apply, squeeze 10 drops into the ear canal every 2 days, and massage gently at the base of the ear until the ear mites are gone. While this product advertises that it is safe for cats, you may still want to look for an ear mite treatment specifically for cats because this formula’s ingredients may be harmful if ingested or administered incorrectly.

It comes in a 4-ounce bottle or a 1-ounce bottle. Since this product works quickly and for a reasonable price, we feel this is the best overall ear mite treatment for dogs.

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2. Miracle Care R-7M Ear Cleaner — Best Value

Miracle Care R-7M Ear Cleaner is part of a two-step treatment product line for eliminating ear mites. This product targets mites and ticks and helps relieve the itching that comes with an ear mite invasion, so your dog won’t be so prone to scratching the area. For best results, you’ll want to also get the step-two bottle to keep the ears clean and healthy.

This product has a heavy chemical smell and may be hazardous for cats if ingested, so we recommend buying a product specifically for cats if your feline fur baby also requires ear mite treatment. Additionally, there seems to be an issue with the seal, as the bottle may leak upon arrival. Take heed when opening the package, as the formula is hazardous to humans.

That said, it works well to eliminate smells and kill ear mites, and it comes in a 4-ounce bottle for a reasonable price. Due to its affordability and fast-acting formula, we feel that this product is the best ear mite treatment for dogs for the money.

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3. Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment — Premium Choice

Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment contains 1% hydrocortisone to relieve the itching and irritation that comes with ear mites and other infections. This formula uses a patented LP3 enzyme system that kills antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and staphylococcus. It targets bacterial, fungus, and yeast infections without the use of harsh chemicals. This product uses 100% natural and safe enzymes that soothe and prevent future infections without the use of antibiotics.

It only comes in a 1.25-ounce bottle and is expensive. However, the bottle should be more than enough to treat ear mites or any other infections for 2 weeks. It takes just one application daily and can also be used as a general cleaner.

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4. PetGlow Dog Ear Infection Treatment

If you’re looking for an organic option to treat your dog’s ear mites, Pet Glow Dog Ear Infection Treatment may be the solution for you. This company uses turmeric because it contains curcumin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that provides natural healing properties. The broad-spectrum formula removes earwax and debris without the use of toxic formulas or alcohol. Nanoscientists invented this patented formula in the U.S.A., and it provides a safe alternative to other products that use harsh chemicals. The liquid won’t sting, and it won’t harm your dog’s eyes if you accidentally spill it, unlike some other ear mite treatments. The ingredients in this formula will naturally kill bacteria and yeast in 56 seconds.

It takes about 2–3 weeks to kill ear mites completely, but it does so in a safe and natural way. If you suspect that your dog has a ruptured eardrum, do not use this product, and see your vet immediately. 

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5. Four Paws Medication for Ear Mites

Four Paws Medication for Ear Mites kills ear mites on contact with just five drops in each ear. The added aloe vera soothes the ear while it works its magic, and it also removes earwax. It contains pyrethrins, which kill ear mites quickly. However, be careful not to get them into your dog’s eyes, and if you have a cat, keep your dog away from them during treatment because this ingredient can be harmful to felines.

It comes in only a 0.75-ounce tube, so it may not be enough to treat a large dog. The medication may also be too harsh for some dogs.

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6. Pawstruck Ear Cleaning Advanced+ Dog Ear Cleaner

Pawstruck Ear Cleaning Advanced+ Dog & Cat Ear Cleaner is an alcohol-free formula that won’t irritate your pup’s ears. It contains aloe to soothe the ears while killing ear mites and other bacterial or fungal infections, including parasites. The formula won’t sting, removes earwax and debris, and works well on pups with allergies, too. There’s no harsh chemical smell, and the apple-kiwi scent eliminates odors quickly. This product is safe to use daily after each dip if you have a dog that likes to swim.

This product comes in an 8-ounce bottle and is made in the U.S.A. We should note that it might not work for all dogs.

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7. Adams Medication for Ear Mites

Adams Medication for Ear Mites kills ear mites and their eggs on contact, but it does contain the insecticide pyrethrins, which is harmful to humans. This product advertises that it’s safe for felines; however, you have to be careful because it can be toxic to your cat if not administered correctly or ingested. You’re likely better off finding a product specifically formulated for felines to be safe.

This product adds aloe vera to help soothe any irritation that the medicine may cause, though it can leave a waxy residue. It only comes in a 0.5-ounce bottle, but it kills mites on contact, so it should last the week of treatment. You can repeat the treatment 2 weeks after the first application if necessary. It also removes wax buildup and dirt.

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8. PetArmor Ear Mite and Tick Treatment

PetArmor Ear Mite and Tick Treatment comes in a 3-ounce bottle suitable for dogs and puppies over 12 weeks of age. Unlike most products, you apply only five drops instead of 10 in each ear twice daily, which makes the product last longer. It contains aloe vera to soothe red ears, and it kills ticks too.

It may take some time for the formula to work, and some consumers state that their dog had a bad reaction. If you see no results in roughly 7 days, you may need to try a different ear mite treatment.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Ear Mite Treatment for Dogs

Now that we’ve looked at the top reviews of the best ear mite treatments for dogs, let’s answer common questions about these products.

What Are Pyrethrins?

Pyrethrins are insecticides that can kill ear mites and their eggs on contact. That’s great news, right? While this insecticide works fast, it can irritate your dog’s ears and cause inflammation. Some canines do better with this ingredient than others, so it’s important to monitor your dog after administering it. If your pup shows any signs of irritation, stop using it and consult your vet.

If you have a kitty cat in your life, it’s best to steer clear of ear mite treatments that have this ingredient because it is harmful to felines if ingested. You’ll also want to keep your cat away from your dog during treatment with this insecticide. While most products advertise that it’s safe to use on felines, proceed with caution. This insecticide is also hazardous to humans, so we recommend wearing gloves while administering and possibly even goggles for when your dog shakes their head after applying.  

In addition, pyrethrins are hazardous to aquatic organisms. Please do not allow your dog to swim in lakes or the ocean during and a few days after the treatment, and be mindful with the disposing of the bottle.

Are There Home Remedies I Can Use Instead?

Home remedies are not advisable for ear mite treatment. If you surf the internet, you may run across articles stating that hydrogen peroxide will kill ear mites. Don’t use this! Hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation to your dog’s ears and make matters worse, and your dog will be uncomfortable and miserable. It’s best to check with your vet to determine the best route or buy an actual ear mite treatment. 

Ingredients

Now that you know what pyrethrins are, you may want to avoid products with this ingredient, and that’s okay! This list has products that exclude pyrethrins and contain less harmful ingredients, such as enzymes or turmeric, that are gentler on the ears.

Number of Applications

When looking for a product, it’s a good idea to check how often you’ll have to apply the treatment. Most dogs don’t care for having a solution put into their ears, so the fewer applications, the better.

Can Humans Get Ear Mites From a Dog?

While it’s rare, it is possible for humans to get ear mites from their dogs. Ear mites need hosts, and they don’t discriminate against humans. If your dog or cat has ear mites, it’s important not to share your bed or blankets with your pet while they are infected. Daily washing and sanitizing of all bedding and toys your dog or cat comes in contact with is also an excellent preventative.

Conclusion

For the best overall ear mite treatment for dogs, Bio-Groom Medication for Ear Mites combines fast-acting pyrethrins to kill ear mites and added aloe vera to soothe irritation. It also removes earwax and is affordable. Miracle Care R-7M Ear Cleaner acts quickly, reduces your dog’s need to scratch, and eliminates odor, all for a great value.

We hope that these reviews help you make the best decision for you and your pet. We wish you luck in your search, and we hope your dog feels better in no time! Good riddance, ear mites!

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Featured Image Credit: 135pixels, Shutterstock