Ear Mites in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment and Prevention
Ear mites are tiny parasites that live on the surface of the ear canal, feeding on skin debris and causing intense itching and discomfort. They are highly contagious between pets and are one of the most common causes of ear disease in cats and young dogs in the UK. Fortunately, they are straightforward to treat with the right products.
Key takeaways
- Ear mites cause intense itching and a dark, coffee-ground-like discharge — all contact pets in the household must be treated simultaneously to prevent re-infestation.
- Prescription spot-on treatments such as Stronghold Plus or Advocate are far more effective than over-the-counter ear drops and provide broader parasite protection.
- Routine use of a broad-spectrum parasite treatment covering ear mites is the most effective prevention strategy.
What Are Ear Mites?
Otodectes cynotis is the most common ear mite species affecting cats and dogs in the UK. These microscopic arachnids are barely visible to the naked eye (approximately 0.3mm) and live their entire life cycle — from egg to adult — in the ear canal and on surrounding skin, completing a lifecycle in roughly three weeks. They are transmitted through direct contact between animals and are particularly common in kittens, puppies and outdoor cats.
While primarily confined to the ears, mites can occasionally spread to other parts of the body, causing skin irritation around the head, neck and rump. They cannot survive long off the host, making environmental contamination less of a concern than with fleas — though treating all in-contact animals simultaneously is essential to prevent re-infestation. Ear mites account for around 50 per cent of all cat ear conditions according to the RCVS.
Signs of Ear Mites
The most distinctive sign of ear mites is intense head shaking and ear scratching — affected animals often scratch so vigorously that they cause skin wounds (excoriations) around and behind the ears. Cats and dogs with mite infestations will frequently shake their heads and hold one or both ears down.
Inside the ear canal, ear mites produce a characteristic discharge: dark brown to black, crumbly material resembling coffee grounds. This is a mixture of ear wax, blood, mite faeces and shed mite skin. A veterinary examination with an otoscope (a lighted instrument for viewing the ear canal) will typically reveal the mites moving in the dark discharge — they are just visible as tiny white dots against the dark background. Secondary bacterial or yeast infections are common complications, caused by the mite-induced inflammation and disruption of the ear's normal environment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your vet will diagnose ear mites based on clinical signs and otoscopic examination. A consultation costs £40–£65. In some cases, a swab from the ear is examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. The total cost of a consultation and prescription treatment is typically £60–£100 for a single pet.
Treatment involves both clearing the existing infestation and preventing recurrence. Prescription ear drops containing milbemycin oxime (Miloderm), selamectin (Revolution/Stronghold — a topical spot-on product effective against ear mites) or ivermectin-based preparations are the most effective treatments. A single-dose topical product such as Stronghold Plus or Advocate kills ear mites as part of broader parasite control. Over-the-counter preparations are generally less effective. ALL animals in the household must be treated simultaneously to prevent ping-pong re-infestation.
Prevention
Regular use of broad-spectrum prescription parasite treatments that cover ear mites — such as Stronghold Plus (selamectin + sarolaner) or Advocate (imidacloprid + moxidectin) — provides ongoing protection and is the most effective preventive strategy. These products also control fleas, roundworms and heartworm, making them a cost-effective multifunctional treatment.
In multi-pet households, consistent treatment of all cats and dogs simultaneously is essential. Checking new pets (particularly kittens and puppies adopted from rescues or multi-animal environments) for signs of ear mites before introducing them to resident pets reduces the risk of transmission. The PDSA recommends that all pets have regular health checks, during which the vet or veterinary nurse can examine the ears and advise on appropriate parasite prevention.
Find a Vet Near You
Ear mite treatment is straightforward with the right prescription product. Use CompareMyVet at app.comparemyvet.uk to find a local vet practice and compare consultation prices in your area before booking.
Common questions
Otodectes cynotis can very rarely cause brief, self-limiting skin irritation in humans who have close contact with heavily infested pets — this is uncommon and does not represent a sustained infestation. Treating your pets promptly eliminates any risk to human household members.
With an effective prescription treatment, most animals show significant improvement in symptoms within one to two weeks. Complete resolution of the infestation (including all life cycle stages) takes approximately three to four weeks. A follow-up vet check is recommended if symptoms persist beyond this time.
No — ear mites are a specific parasitic infestation, while ear infections are caused by bacteria or yeast. However, mite infestations frequently lead to secondary bacterial or yeast ear infections due to the inflammation and disruption they cause. Your vet will examine the ear to distinguish between the two and prescribe appropriate treatment for each.
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