Can You Use Ear Mite Drops For Dogs On Cats?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Ear mites, also known as otoacariasis, is a skin infection present in animals.

in both cats and dogs, it’s normally brought about by Otodectes cynotis, a parasitic mite from the Epidermoptidae family

. This parasite lives on the skin in the ear canal and takes advantage of the wax and epidermal waste there.

What medicine is used to treat ear mites in cats?


Acarexx® (0.01% ivermectin) Otic Suspension

is a specially formulated ivermectrin treatment for ear mites in cats. ACAREXX is indicated for the treatment of adult ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) infestations in cats and kittens four weeks of age or older.

Can I use my ear drops on my cat?

In order to properly treat inflammatory or infectious ear conditions,

topical ear medications are often necessary

. Some cats will tolerate the administration of liquids or ointments in their ears while others may become irritable or upset.

Can you buy cat ear mite medicine over the counter?

Ear mite medication is relatively inexpensive, effective and

available over-the counter at most pet stores

. Be sure to follow the package instructions carefully.

How do you treat a cat for ear mites?

Why do cats get ear mites?

What causes cat ear mites? Ear mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that are

normally contracted from the outdoor environment that your feline friend comes into contact with

. This can include wooded or grassy areas, or animal shelters or veterinary offices with poor hygiene.

What kills ear mites naturally?


Green tea

is a natural antiseptic. It can be used to flush out all the ear mite debris—that crumbly brown/black stuff that clogs the puppy’s ear canal. Steep a tablespoon of green tea leaves in a cup of hot water for three or four minutes and then strain it.

What are symptoms of ear mites in cats?

Signs your cat may have ear mites


shaking their head or scratching their ears excessively

. having red and inflamed ears caused by extra wax and irritation. producing a black, dry ear discharge which can sometimes let off a bad smell.

What happens if a cat licks ear mite medicine?

Is it harmful for the cat to scratch his ears & lick his paws after applying the ear mite drops in his ears?

This product is completely safe when used as directed

, however, it’s recommended to allow the drops to absorb and dry before allowing your pet to scratch.

Can I use human ear drops on my dog?

Can I Use Human Ear Drops on My Dog?

You should never use human ear drops in your dog’s ears unless you are directed to by a vet

. Human ear drops often contain medications that can be harmful to dogs. Therefore, not only will they potentially not help, but they can also cause serious reactions.

How long does it take to get rid of ear mites in cats?

How long does it take to get rid of ear mites in cats? It will take

at least three weeks

after treatment begins for the mites to be completely gone. Over the course of this time period, your cat’s itchiness should begin to subside as the medication takes effect.

Is there a 1 time treatment for ear mites in cats?


One-time medication treatments applied to the ear can be successful

. One-time treatments applied to the skin are typically used as monthly parasite control medications. A single dose usually takes care of an ear mite infection but you may consider using them monthly to prevent reinfection and control other pests.

Do cat ear mites go away on their own?


The life cycle of an ear mite usually lasts three weeks

which means that you should wait at least that long for your cat can be rid of the microscopic insects. The itchiness should start to subside as the medication takes effect, but you should contact your vet if your cat’s symptoms don’t improve.

Do ear mites hurt cats?

Even though ear mites aren’t usually life-threatening,

they can cause obstructions in the cat’s ear canal and cause the animal to scratch excessively in discomfort

. This might cause one or more blood vessels in the ear to break, resulting in bleeding that requires surgery.

What do vets recommend for ear mites?

The two current products that are applied directly in the ear canal are:

Acarexx

®

, a topical version of ivermectin, and Milbemite

®

, a topical version of milbemycin oxime

. These products are approved for cats only and are available only through veterinarians.

Do I need to take my cat to the vet for ear mites?

When you notice your cat scratching its ears, or you have any other reason to suspect your cat may be dealing with ear mites,

it’s important to take your cat to a vet have the problem diagnosed and promptly treated

.

Does frontline work for ear mites?

Although not labeled for ear mites,

topical fipronil (Frontline, PetArmor) has been reported to be effective as well

. Ear cleaning must be done with special care. Flushing or blind probing of the ears can cause serious problems, including rupture of the eardrums.

Can I use polysporin ear drops on my cat?

To be safe,

it is best to avoid using any polysporin or related ointments, drops or sprays in cats

. Similarly, avoid polysporin use in rabbits and ferrets because they can develop serious body organ disturbances if the product is licked off their fur and ingested.

What is the black gunk in my cat’s ears?

Some cats are more bothered by

ear mites

than others. Mites also stimulate the wax producing glands inside the ear canal. The result is a black, crusty build-up in the ears that resembles coffee grounds. This discharge is made of blood, wax, debris, and mites themselves.

What is the best ear cleaner for cats?

  1. Virbac Epi-Otic Ear Cleaner for Cats – Best Overall. …
  2. Zymox Veterinary Strength Cat Ear Cleaner – Best Value. …
  3. Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone – Premium Choice. …
  4. Dr. …
  5. PetArmor Ear Rinse for Cats & Dogs. …
  6. Frisco Cat Ear Cleaner. …
  7. Pawtitas Organic Cat & Dog Ear Cleaner.

Can humans transfer ear mites from cat to cat?

Many people worry if ear mites can be passed to humans. However, this is not the case.

Ear mites can only be transferred between cats, dogs and ferrets

. They also do not live long without a host.

Can I use Q tips to clean my cat’s ears?

Never use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to clean your cat’s ears — these substances just aren’t safe for your kitty. Also,

never use cotton-tipped swabs, like Q-tips, in a cat’s ear at home

. It’s just too easy to push debris and wax further down into the ear canal.

What is the brown stuff in my cat’s ears?

As with humans, it’s completely normal for a small amount of earwax to form in your cat’s ears. However, excessive wax buildup can occur if your kitty has allergies, a bacterial infection, systemic inflammation, ear mites, or a yeast infection.

A cat’s brown earwax often resembles dirt or dried blood inside the ears

.

Will Peroxide get rid of ear mites in dogs?


No. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide on your pup

. This common household product can actually cause irritation to healthy skin cells. Ears contain very sensitive tissue, and extended use of hydrogen peroxide could eventually lead to damage of the ear itself.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.