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Ear Mites
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are tiny parasites that live on the ear canal surface, causing intense itching and inflammation. They are far more common in cats than dogs.
Key Facts
- Microscopic tick-like organisms; barely visible as white dots
- Classic sign: dry black ear discharge resembling coffee grounds
- Life cycle takes 3 weeks: egg to larva to protonymph to deutonymph to adult
- Highly contagious through physical contact; all household pets must be treated simultaneously
- Adult mites live approximately 2 months feeding on ear wax and skin oils
- Modern single-dose treatments (selamectin, moxidectin, fluralaner) have replaced weeks-long regimens
- Certain dog breeds (collies) are sensitive to some treatment ingredients
- Humans are extremely unlikely to experience symptoms from pet ear mites
- Confirm diagnosis with microscopy before treating; many ear infections are not mite-related
- Species: cats primarily, also dogs