As a dog parent, it can be horrifying to see your dog’s inner ear covered in ear mites. These pesky critters are highly contagious and cause great discomfort for our fur babies, and you want to eliminate them as soon as possible. If left untreated, they can lead to secondary bacterial infections and sore ears. As they are highly contagious between other dogs and cats it’s vital to eradicate these microscopic spider-like pests as soon as possible.
Symptoms to watch out for are head shaking, scratching at the ear, and a black waxy discharge. If you suspect ear mites, your vet can confirm with a quick microscopic examination. There are tons of options for treatments, but which ones are best?
We’ve compiled the top 10 reviews of the best ear mite treatment for dogs, so stick around and find out your best options to get rid of these irritating little buggers.
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, along with ticks. This formula added aloe vera to soothe sensitive skin that comes with pesky mites, and it’s non-sticky and non-oily, which makes it ideal to avoid 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 two days and massage gently at the base of the ear until ear mites are gone. While this product advertises it’s safe for cats, you may want to look for an ear mite treatment specifically for cats because the ingredients in this formula may be harmful to cats if ingested or administered incorrectly.
It comes in a 4-ounce bottle or a 1-ounce bottle. Because this product works quickly and for a reasonable price, we feel this is the best overall ear mite treatment for dogs.
Miracle Care R-7M Ear Cleaner is part of a two-step treatment product line in eliminating ear mites. This product targets mites and ticks and helps relieve itching that comes with an ear mite invasion, so your dog won’t be so prone to scratch the area. For best results, you’ll want to get the step-two bottle to keep the ears clean and healthy.
It has a heavy chemical smell and may be hazardous for cats if ingested, and we recommend buying a product specifically for cats if your feline fur baby requires ear mite treatment. There also seems to be an issue with the seal, as the bottle may leak upon arrival. Take heed when opening the package because the formula is hazardous to humans.
It works well to eliminate smells and kill ear mites, and it comes in a 4-ounce bottle at a reasonable price. With the reasonable price and fast-acting formula, we feel this product is the best ear mite treatment for dogs for the money.
Pros
Fast-acting formula
Kills ear mites and ticks
Keeps your dog from scratching the area
Reasonably priced
Cons
Hazardous to humans
Part of a 2-step treatment plan
May harm cats if ingested or not administered correctly
Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment contains 1% hydrocortisone to relieve 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 two weeks. It takes just one application daily and can be used as a general cleaner, as well.
Pros
Relieves itching and irritation
100% natural and safe
Patented LP3 enzyme system that targets bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections
If you’re looking for an organic option to treat your dog’s ear mites, then 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. Nano scientists 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 other ear mite treatments. The ingredients in this formula will kill bacteria and yeast in 56 seconds, naturally.
It takes about 2–3 weeks to kill ear mites completely, but it does so in a safe and natural way. If you suspect your dog has a ruptured eardrum, do not use this product and see your vet immediately.
Four Paws Medication for Ear Mites kills ear mites on contact with just 5 drops in each ear. The added Aloe vera soothes the ear while it works its magic, and it removes earwax, as well. It contains pyrethrins, which kill ear mites quickly but be careful not to get into your dog’s eyes, and if you have a cat, keep your dog away from the cat during treatment because this ingredient can be harmful to cats.
It comes in only a 0.75-ounce tube, so it may not be enough to treat a large dog. The medication may be too harsh for some dogs.
Pros
Kills ear mites quickly
Contains aloe vera
Removes wax buildup
Cons
Not suitable for cats
Comes only in a 0.75-ounce bottle
Formula may be too harsh for some dogs
6. Pawstruck Ear Cleaning Advanced+ Dog & Cat 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, and it removes earwax, 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.
Pros
Contains aloe vera
Kills ear mites, and other bacterial and fungal infections
Adams Medication for Ear Mites kills ear mites on contact. Even though it kills mites and their eggs on contact, it contains the insecticide pyrethrins, which is harmful to humans and cats. This product advertises it’s safe for cats; however, you have to be careful because it can be toxic to your cat if not administered correctly or ingested. With that said, you’re better off finding a product specifically formulated for cats to be safe.
This product adds Aloe vera to help soothe any irritation the medicine may cause, but 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 two weeks after the first application if necessary. It removes wax buildup and dirt, too.
Pros
Kills ear mites on contact
Contains Aloe vera
Removes wax buildup and dirt
Cons
Pyrethrins may be too harsh for some dogs and cats
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 5 drops instead of 10 drops 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 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.
Pros
Requires only 5 drops in each ear twice daily
Contains aloe vera
For dogs and puppies over 12 weeks
Cons
May take time for product to work
Some dogs may have a bad reaction
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Ear Mite Treatment for Dogs
Now that we’ve looked at our top ten reviews of the best ear mite treatments for dogs, you may still be left with questions. To help you further, let’s answer some common questions.
What are pyrethrins?
Pyrethrins are an insecticide that will kill ear mites and their eggs on contact. That’s great news, right? Hold the phone; let’s dive deeper. While this insecticide works fast, it can irritate your dog’s ears and cause inflammation. Some dogs do better with this ingredient than others, so monitoring your dog after administering it is important. If your dog 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 cats if ingested. You’ll also want to keep your cat away from your dog during treatment with this insecticide. While most products advertise it’s safe to use on cats, 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 its 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?
While we wish it were true, home remedies are not advisable for ear mite treatment. If you surf the Internet, you may run across articles stating hydrogen peroxide will kill ear mites. Don’t use this! Hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation to your dog’s ears and make matters worse, not to mention 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
Since we’ve learned what pyrethrins are, you may be thinking you want to avoid products with this ingredient, and that’s ok! We added products in our list that exclude pyrethrins and contain less harmful ingredients, such as enzymes, or turmeric, that are gentler on the ears.
Image Credit: mirkosajkov, Pixabay
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 not common and pretty 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 an excellent preventative, too.
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 removes earwax and is affordable. Miracle Care R-7M Ear Cleaner is also fast-acting, reduces your dog’s need to scratch, and eliminates odor for the best value.
We hope our top 9 reviews help you make the best decision for you and your doggo. We wish you luck in your search, and we hope your dog feels better in no time! Good riddance, ear mites!
Rachel Giordano is a musician and writer living in Pensacola, Florida, with her partner and their two dogs, Sophie, a Boston Terrier, and Aero, a Border Collie/Sheltie mix. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and loves writing about animals of all types. When she’s not writing about animals, she loves to write suspense/thriller novels. A musician by night and writer by day, she enjoys educating the public about the needs and requirements of animals, big and small. ...Read more
