Ear mite infections are a big problem for both cats and dogs. If you watch your cat or dog and notice some changes in behavior it could be that your pet has ear mite problems.

The following are sure signs that your pet is suffering from an ear mite infection; continual scratching around the ears, head shaking, restless behavior, some brown material present in the ears, a bad smell and your pet yelping if you touch the ears.

So what are the culprits to these unpleasant symptoms? The ear mite is a tiny parasite that lives in the lining of the ear canal.

The ear swells and becomes painful as they bite through the skin to get at the blood supply.

Yeast and bacterial infections are in store for your pet if you don’t take action against an ear mite problem.

If you still do nothing your pet could lose his hearing or require expensive surgery.

One ear mite infection will lead to another if you have multiple pets, as they transfer from one host to another.

This is especially bad news as an ear mite infection in one animal in a kennel or cattery can spread like wildfire throughout the whole community.

Treat all animals at the same time to ensure you don’t get repeated re-infections.

Spaniels are particularly susceptible with their long ears and abundant hair, as are any dogs with similar ears, but every dog and cat can get ear mites.

Ear mite treatments are available over the counter. Clean ears are a must so try PNP Healthy Ears Ear Cleanser for Dogs to get rid of any discharge or dirt in the ear.

Ideal for post-swimming, and mild enough for regular use, this Cleanser comes with a special nozzle, making it clean and easy to use.

Another ear cleaner option is Lambert Kay Ear Rite Insecticidal Ear Wash.

Ideal for cleaning the outer surfaces of the ear, it makes your dog’s ears less hospitable for opportunistic infections. For dry ears, ClearQuest Ear Powder comes strongly recommended.

It is suitable for both dogs and cats and helps to control odor and keep ears dry and therefore more resistant to yeast infections.

If you are looking for a clean and easy way to do the job of keeping your pet’s ears clean, consider ClearQuest Ear Wipes.

Formulated with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal components, infections are kept at bay. They come in a convenient container which means clean and easy storage and no waste.

Nature lovers might like Dr Golds Extra Gentle Ear Therapy for dogs and cats to cleanse their pet’s ears.

Because it’s made with tea tree oil and witch hazel, you can rest assured you are cleaning your pet’s ear with a product that contains natural ingredients.

If you want to bring in something stronger, reach for Gimborn R-7M Ear Mite Treatment for Pets.

It contains a natural miticide that will dispatch ear mites and ticks promptly leaving your pet pain and infection free. Popular among breeders and showers.

When the going gets tough and your poor animal is beset by repeated ear mite problems, or has a particularly heavy case of ear mite infection, Zymox OTIC Solution with and without Hydrocortisone is called for.

Use once a day for seven days for acute symptoms and double the time for chronic infections.

As you see there are plenty of products available to keep your pet’s ears clean and mite free.

Don’t leave ear mite and yeast problems to sort themselves out, inevitably they don’t and that just isn’t fair on your pet.