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Treatment

Patients can be treated on an outpatient basis with medication designed to eradicate the mites. As this infection is very contagious, all animals in the same household should be treated and the environment cleaned very thoroughly. Mites do not survive long away from the animal's body, so a thorough house cleaning should be enough.

The ears should be thoroughly cleaned with a commercial ear cleaner that is formulated specifically for dogs. Ear mite parasiticides should be used for 7–10 days to eradicate mites and eggs, with a repeat of the treatment around two weeks later. Flea treatments should be applied to the rest of the dog's body as well for elimination of ectopic mites.

Living and Management

The prognosis is good for most patients. One month after therapy begins, your veterinarian will schedule a follow-up appointment to swab your dog's ears and to perform a physical exam.