Due to the wrong actions of the dog owner, treatment of ear mites (otodectosis, ear scabies) is delayed for months and costs 2-3 thousand rubles. The fact is that most people thoughtlessly apply the drug for otodectosis, which was recommended by the seller. And you can get rid of the disease in a couple of weeks and for 300 rubles, if you know how to act.
In the review: I looked at the features of using anti-ear mite products that are sold in the CIS countries. These are drops in the ears, lotions, drops on the withers, ointments, gels, sprays and injections. He described when and how to use them, precautions, and indicated prices.
If you don’t want to waste time, go to the end of the article. The mechanism for fast and cheap treatment is described step by step there.
Review navigation:
- Lotions
- Ear drops
- Sprays
- Ointments and gels
- Drops on the withers
- Solutions for injections
- Conclusion and choice
Descriptions of drugs and prices are current as of November 2022 and are constantly updated.
Lotions
| 1. Odin | 600 rub. |
| 2. Epi-Otic | 900-100 rub. |
| 3. Ear Cleaner | 350-400 rub. |
Lotions by themselves do not get rid of mites. They are used to clean and prepare the ears before applying the main preparations. If crusts, sulfur, dirt, and waste products of parasites remain, the medications will have little effect.
Odin
Otodine
Cleansing lotion based on the antiseptic chlorhexidine, acetic and lactic acid. Otodin is used for hygienic cleaning of ears and when affected by otodectosis. In the first case, the product is used as it gets dirty, in the second - twice a day for 2 weeks.
From one place, 2-3 drops are instilled into both ears. Bend the shells, massage, after 20-30 seconds remove dirt, sulfur, and crusts with a cotton swab. Treatment drugs are applied after 20-25 minutes.
Average price – 600 rub.
Epi-Otic
Epi-Otic
Epi-Otic is more than just an antiseptic cleaning solution. It helps maintain the microflora and health of the ears, improves the condition of the dermis, removes dried crusts, eliminates itching and unpleasant odor. The medicine does not contain alcohol, and its pH is 7, so it does not irritate the skin.
Epi-Otic is an ideal option when otodectosis is complicated by otitis media, injuries, or deep scratching. True, the medicine is expensive - 900-1000 rubles.
To clean, insert the tip of the bottle into the sink and gently squeeze until the lotion flows out. Apply 2-3 times a day until symptoms subside. Then - a couple of times a week for prevention.
Ear Cleaner from GlobalVet
Ear Cleaner is usually used for prevention - with regular use, it reduces the risk of infectious lesions and mite infestation. But the lotion is also good for cleansing from sulfur, dirt, crusts, and parasite waste products.
Ear Cleaner disinfects due to sodium hydrogen phosphate and benzalkonium chloride, dries the dermis due to the presence of sodium chloride and zinc sulfate, and promotes wound healing due to glycerol. This is a good medicine in terms of price/quality ratio - it is sold for 350-400 rubles.
Sponges are moistened with lotion and wiped over the skin. Then instill 5-10 drops. and massage the ears at the base. For otodectosis, it is used 2-3 times a day, for prevention - 1-2 times a week.
Diagnosis of otodectosis in dogs
Before prescribing treatment for otodectosis in dogs, a veterinarian must evaluate the signs of the disease. You should not delay your visit to the veterinary clinic. For otodectosis, diagnosis includes:
- Examination of the outer and middle ear using an otoscope.
- Collection and microscopy of material from the ear canal.
- In severe cases, X-ray or CT scan to determine the condition of the lower parts of the hearing organs and meninges.
Additionally, diagnostic procedures such as cytological examination of material from the ear canal and allergy tests may be prescribed. All this will help the doctor make a correct diagnosis and select drugs that are optimally suited in a particular case. After all, whether the therapy will be successful depends on how to treat ear mites in a dog.
Anti-mite ear drops
| 1. Surolan | 700 rub. |
| 2. Oricin | 450 rub. |
| 3. Leopard | 150 rub. |
| 4. Amitrazine | 100 rub. |
| 5. Aurikan | 480 rub. |
| 6. Dekta | 120-150 rub. |
| 7. Otoferonol Gold | 110-130 rub. |
| 8. Anandin Plus | 60-70 rub. |
| 9. Otovedin | 60 rub. |
| 10. Tsipam | 160 rub. |
| 11. Amit Forte | 200 rub. |
| 12. Bio-Groom Ear Mite Treatment | 450 rub. |
Ear drops are the most common dosage form for otodectosis. The popularity is explained by the ease of use: it takes 2-3 seconds to instill funds.
Surolan
Surolan
Complex action drug. It is used when otodectosis is complicated by otitis media. Renders:
- antibacterial effect - due to the antibiotic polymyxin;
- antimycotic - due to the presence of miconazole nitrate;
- antipruritic and anti-inflammatory - thanks to the glucocorticoid prednisolone.
Surolan is instilled 5 drops. in each ear daily for 2 weeks. It is safe for pregnant and lactating bitches. But drops are prohibited in cases of perforation of the eardrum and individual intolerance.
Cost – 700 rub. for a 15 ml bottle, 1,100 rub. – per 30 ml bottle.
Read a detailed review of Surolan drops
Oritsin
Oricin
Prescribed for ear scabies complicated by bacterial or fungal otitis. Oricin has a complex effect due to:
- nitrofurazone – a broad-spectrum antibacterial substance;
- ivermectin – leads to the death of ticks;
- sodium propionate – inhibits the spread of fungi;
- tetracaine - anesthetizes.
Before use, remove dirt, crusts, and sulfur. Then instill 2 drops. small breeds of dogs, 3-4 each for medium breeds, 5 each for large breeds. The ears are folded into an envelope and massaged at the base so that the liquid is better distributed.
If the dog shakes its head after instillation, it is fixed for 2-3 minutes. If it gets on the fur, wipe off the product.
Price – 450 rub.
Leopard
Leopard
The most popular anti-tick drops.
They are sold in every pet store and are cheap - about 150 rubles. However, they cause irritation and allergies in dogs intolerant to diazinon.
Bury Bars 3-5 drops. After a week, the treatment is repeated. If the medication does not help, they select another one.
Amitrazine
Amitrazine Plus
Another inexpensive medicine - sold for 100 rubles. per bottle. Works comprehensively: relieves itching, inflammation and pain, soothes the skin, kills bacteria and parasites.
The product is based on a solution of amitrazine with dimexide. If the dog is allergic to these substances, choose another remedy. Also, the drug should not be used by pregnant bitches.
Sponges are moistened with amitrazine and wiped over the skin. Or instill 3-5 drops. Frequency of use – every 3 days, maximum number of procedures – 6.
Aurikan
Aurikan
The medicine disinfects and has a detrimental effect on mites and bacteria. Additionally, Aurikan relieves inflammation, itching and pain relief. In addition, the product softens baked crusts and promotes their removal. Therefore, the medicine is suitable for complex forms of otodectosis, when the animal does not allow its ears to be treated with lotions or ointments due to pain.
Buried every day for a week. After – every 3-4 days for a month. Dosage in drops:
- 5 – for small breed dogs;
- 10-15 – for medium dogs;
- 20-30 – for large and giant breeds.
Aurikan costs 480 rubles.
Dekta
Dekta
An inexpensive comprehensive remedy for the treatment of ear scabies - Dekta is sold for 120-150 rubles. Suitable for the treatment of otodectosis complicated by otitis media.
Amitraz in the composition leads to the death of adult ticks and their larvae. Levomycetin is an antibiotic effective against most types of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Propolis inhibits the growth of microbes and fungi, relieves inflammation, and stimulates repair.
Dekta is instilled in 3-5 drops. in each ear. After 5-7 days, the procedure is repeated. The maximum number of treatments is 3.
Decta is prohibited for pregnant, malnourished animals, dogs with infectious diseases and kittens up to a month old.
Otoferonol Gold
Otoferonol
Effective and cheap ear drops. They have a detrimental effect on adult and larval forms and eliminate the disease in just 1-2 weeks. And they cost 110-130 rubles.
Thanks to cycloferon, Otoferonol Gold is prescribed when a viral infection occurs. And the propolis extract in the composition has anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and wound-healing properties.
Use Otoferonol Gold 3-5 drops. once into each sink. If the symptoms have not disappeared within a week, the treatment is repeated.
Anandin Plus
Anandin
Contains antibiotics, acaricidal and anti-inflammatory substances. Inexpensive (costs 60-70 rubles), but toxic. Therefore you cannot:
- handle the dog close to fish and bees;
- apply the medication with bare hands - wear rubber gloves;
- apply to pregnant and lactating bitches;
- smoke, drink, eat during the procedure.
During treatment, increased salivation and itching are possible.
Instill 3-5 drops, then massage the ears at the base. Manipulations are carried out once a day until recovery - usually within 3-7 days. If the symptoms do not go away, the therapy is repeated. Treatment is not interrupted, otherwise it will have to be started again.
Otovedin
Otovedin
A natural remedy based on pine essential oil and extract of 9 herbs. Otovedin is indicated as an auxiliary medication - it facilitates the cleansing of the ears, the removal of crusts and black plaque from the depths of the passage.
Otovedin is first heated in a water bath to 20-25°C. Instill 3-5 drops. The course is not limited - it is used until the symptoms of otodectosis disappear.
Cost – 60 rub.
Tsipam
Tsipam drops
A preparation based on 2 powerful insectoacaricides - amitraz and the pyrethroid cypermethrin. These substances penetrate the spiracles and chitinous shell of insects, causing their paralysis and death. Tsipam is effective against multiple parasitic infections - it is detrimental to:
- ticks – ixodid, sarcoptoid, demodectic;
- lice eaters;
- lice;
- fleas
First, soak a sponge in Tsipam and wipe the sink. Then instill 3-6 drops, repeat the manipulation after 3-5 days.
Tsipam is prohibited for pregnant, sick, malnourished dogs and puppies up to 1.5 months. Treat the animal with gloves; if the solution gets on the skin or mucous membranes, wash it off with running water.
Price – 160 rub.
Amit Forte
Amit Forte is suitable for pets with allergies to tick saliva - thanks to diphenhydramine, the medication has an antihistamine effect. It also relieves inflammation, relieves pain, and fipronil in the composition causes paralysis and death of parasites.
Amit Forte is instilled 3-4 drops. twice a day for 7-10 days. If necessary, the course is repeated after a week.
Low toxic. However, there are some tips:
- Do not use for pregnant or lactating females;
- Do not use on puppies under 2 months of age;
- do not handle sick or exhausted pets;
- Perform the procedure with gloves, and upon completion, wash your hands with soap;
- you cannot eat, drink or smoke during the procedure;
- For 20-25 minutes after treatment, make sure that the dog does not itch or lick the medicine.
They sell for 200 rubles.
Bio-Groom Ear Mite Treatment
Ear drops contain a natural insecticide - pyrethrin and aloe vera extract.
Bio-Groom Ear is a low-toxic product, suitable for dogs with allergies to acaricides. And the herbal medicinal squeeze relieves itching and hyperemia, stimulates reparation. From 3 to 10 drops are dripped into the channels. depending on the size of the pet. I massage the ears and let the pet shake its head. Repeat every other day until the passages are cleared.
They sell for 450 rubles. per 30 ml bottle.
How to prevent ear mites from infecting other animals in the house
In order to prevent other pets from infecting other pets with otodectosis, the infected animal must be isolated. It is important to carry out thorough treatment indoors. Bowls, toys, and animal care items must be disinfected and boiled. It is also necessary to wash the beds and blankets on which the infected animal slept in a washing machine at 90 degrees.
Not only household items are subject to disinfection, but also the owner’s shoes, door mats and large carpets in the house.
Sprays
| 1. Ivermek | 250 rub. |
| 2. Acaromectin | 150 RUR |
| 3. Anti-flea spray | — |
Sprays are similar in convenience to drops. But they are used carefully - if the animal breaks away, the sprayed product will get into the eyes or mouth. Therefore, this dosage form is less popular.
Ivermek
Spray Ivermec
A drug based on ivermectin, a substance effective against sarcoptic mites, lice, and nematodes.
Ivermek is sprayed onto the shell with 4-9 sprays, depending on the size of the animal. The procedure is repeated after 3-5 days. If otodectosis does not go away, the course is extended.
Ivermek is prohibited for pregnant and lactating bitches, puppies up to 1.5 months, sick and weakened dogs.
After treatment, pets cannot be bathed for 2 days. During this period, contacts are limited; after stroking, hands are washed with soap.
Costs 250 rubles.
Acaromectin
Acaromectin
Another spray based on ivermectin. Additionally contains alcohol for disinfection and mineral oil, which accelerates healing. Plus it costs less - 150 rubles.
Acaromectin is sprayed inside the ears in a dosage of 1-2.5 ml. Do not exceed the dose - profuse salivation, muscle tremors, and weakness are possible. Dirt, sulfur, and exudate are first cleaned out. The procedure is repeated after 8-10 days.
Acaromectin should not be used simultaneously with other anti-parasite drugs, in kittens up to a month old, in pregnant or sick dogs.
Anti-Flea Spray
Moderately toxic medication.
It is preferred when the dog is affected by 2 or more types of parasites. Thanks to fenthion and permethrin, the product gets rid of ticks, fleas, and lice. However, Anti-Flea Spray is used with caution:
- the dog is processed outside, away from fish, bees, and birds;
- the manipulation is carried out wearing gloves and a respirator;
- to prevent licking, put a muzzle on the pet and do not remove it until the spray dries;
- Do not pet the dog for 24 hours, do not bathe it for another day and prohibit contact with children.
Anti-Flea spray is prohibited for kittens under 8 weeks, pregnant and weakened animals.
Main routes of infection
The tick is unstable in the external environment. It can live a maximum of 3 weeks at a temperature of 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. At temperatures below -5 degrees, the parasite will live no more than 3-5 hours.
The probability of infection is high and does not depend on climatic factors. Living on the body of an animal, parasites are in optimal conditions for themselves in any weather. There are two main routes of infection – contact and household. If everything is clear with the first, then the second has a more extensive base. This includes a bed, food utensils, care items, and the owner’s clothing if he has been in contact with an infected dog. You should adhere to the principle of “individual and hygienic” use of dog care items.
Periods of active infection usually occur in early spring and late autumn.
Ointments and gels
| 1. Aversectin ointment | 60-70 rub. |
| 2. Amidel-gel NEO | 190 rub. |
| 3. Ordermil | 800 rub. |
| 4. Sulfur-dectar ointment | 50 rub. |
Ointments and gels are the best option for treating otodectosis. Parasites cannot lay eggs on oily surfaces. They are best used in combination with lotions, sprays or drops.
Aversectin ointment
Aversectin ointment
The most popular among ointments for ear scabies. It is effective, quickly eliminates the manifestations of otodectosis, and does not irritate the skin. And it costs only 60-70 rubles.
Aversectin ointment is applied to the cleaned shells in an even layer. Then the ears are folded and massaged. Treatments are repeated every 5-7 days until recovery.
The ointment is prohibited for puppies under 2 months, sick, pregnant and lactating dogs. Toxic to fish and bees.
Amidel-gel NEO
Amidel-gel NEO
Low-toxic and safe gel, available in a convenient dispenser syringe. Amidel-gel is a complex preparation. He contains:
- acaricide amitraz - the main substance leading to the death of parasites;
- lidocaine - anesthetizes, eliminates itching and inflammation: as a result, the animal itches less, which promotes healing;
- Methyluracil is a reparative component that accelerates skin restoration.
0.5-2 ml of gel is placed into the cleaned ears, depending on the weight of the pet. The treatment is repeated 1-2 times every 5-7 days.
Amidel-NEO is approved for pregnant and lactating dogs. It should not be used on sick, malnourished dogs or puppies under 2 weeks of age.
Price – 190 rub.
Ordermil
Oridermyl
Oridermyl has the most extensive action among ointments. He:
- relieves pain and hyperemia;
- eliminates bacterial and fungal infections - indicated for otitis media;
- kills otodectosis, sarcaptoid, demodectic and choriptosis mites.
Apply twice with a break of a week. If necessary, repeat the course after 7-14 days. The drug is prohibited:
- puppies and decorative breeds weighing less than 1.5 kg;
- pregnant and lactating women;
- for allergy sufferers;
- with perforation of the eardrum.
During treatment, the sick pet is isolated from other animals and children.
Price – 800 rub.
Sulfur-tar ointment
Time-tested remedy.
Sulfur-tar ointment disinfects, eliminates bacteria and microbes, and leads to the death of parasites. And it costs a penny - 50 rubles. for a 40 g jar. The ointment is applied to the inner surface of the ears and the skin around them with a diameter of 2-4 cm. The procedures are carried out 1-2 times a day until the crusts separate. There is no need to clean the shells or trim the fur.
Sulfur-tar ointment can be used in combination with other medications. It is safe and suitable for everyone.
Preparing for treatment
Even the best drugs will not give the desired effect if the ears, and especially the affected areas, are not prepared. Before treatment with acaricidal substances, it is necessary to remove long hair and cut it. Apply the chlorhexidine solution to a cotton swab and remove plaque and crusts. Proceed with caution. Start from the edge and gradually move towards the center. Here you need to take special care when deep cleaning the ear, you can push the wax with a stick and clog the passage. Do not use cotton wool, gauze swabs or sponges - they can form plugs. The procedure is not entirely pleasant for the pet, so most likely you will need an assistant to restrain the dog.
Drops on the withers
| 1. Stronghold | 250-450 rub. |
| 2. Frontline | 450-600 rub. |
| 3. Dana | 100-150 rub. |
| 4. Finprist | 240-360 rub. |
Drops on the withers are a convenient option: their application will take about 10 seconds. But, although the drugs are indicated for parasitic infestations, they do not always help. These remedies are good for prevention, but for treatment it is better to choose other options.
Plus drops on the withers - they are effective against ticks, fleas, and lice. And some of them are against worms.
Check out our rating of drops on the withers against ticks and fleas.
Stronghold
Stronghold drops
A complete review of stronghold drops.
Effective and popular drops based on selamectin. Helps against roundworms, ticks and insects. They cost 250-450 rubles. depending on the volume of the pipette and the weight of the animal.
The product is applied once, pointwise between the shoulder blades or on the withers. You can repeat the manipulation after a month.
Stronghold is prohibited from being used in puppies under 1.5 months, in emaciated animals, or injected into the ears. Do not drink, smoke or eat during treatment. Contact with your pet is limited for 2 hours.
Frontline
Frontline Hola Drops
Effective against fleas, lice, lice, and ticks. Frontline Spot-On is produced in 4 forms for pets of different weights: 2-10 kg, 10-20 kg, 20-40 kg and 40-60 kg.
Frontline Spot-On is injected into the ears, 4-6 drops each, and the remaining liquid in a pipette is applied to the withers. Do not use for puppies under 2 months. Allowed for pregnant and lactating dogs. During processing, adhere to standard precautions and hygiene.
They sell for 450-600 rubles. depending on the release form.
Review and instructions for use of Frontline for dogs.
Dana
Insectoacaricidal drops Dana
The drug is similar to Frontile, only developed by a Moscow company, so it costs less - 100-150 rubles per pipette.
Place 3-5 drops in the ears, fold the shells and massage at the base. The remaining liquid is applied pointwise to the withers. Repeat treatment 2-3 times every 5-7 days.
Dana Spot-On contains alcohol, so it irritates the olfactory receptors and can cause hypersalivation.
Dana is prohibited for kittens under 3 months and animals weighing less than 2 kg.
Fiprist
Fiprist contains the substance fipronil. After application, it is evenly distributed throughout the body, accumulates in the sebaceous glands and is released along with their contents onto the skin. As a result, the toxin penetrates into the parasites during bites, leading to their death.
Fiprist is dripped 4-6 drops at a time, the remainder is applied between the shoulder blades. The medicine is valid for 1 month. It is prohibited to use:
- puppies up to 2 months;
- dogs weighing less than 2 kg;
- weakened pets;
- close to fish and rabbits.
Cost – 240-360 rubles. depending on the release form and the size of the animal.
Prevention
Otodectosis is a highly contagious disease that requires a long course of treatment. To protect your pet from this infection, you need to follow the following prevention methods:
- Inspect and clean your pet's ears weekly using hygiene products.
- Carry out anti-parasitic treatment of the dog quarterly.
- Observe hygiene measures. Keep the animal's habitat clean.
- Never use other people's accessories and grooming items (leashes, collars, toys, combs).
- Clean the premises with insecticides monthly.
- Avoid direct contact between your dog and stray dogs.
Solutions in injections and emulsions
| 1. Neostomazan | 10-20 rub. |
| 2. Aversect | 70 rub. |
| 3. Otodectin | 65 rub. |
| 4. Epacid-Alpha | 60 rub. |
Injection solutions are the cheapest remedies for parasites. But they also have other advantages: the drugs work against all ectoparasites, and some of them are used both for treating pets and for treating premises.
Not all animal owners know about injection solutions. But this is an excellent solution - with one remedy you treat your pet and get rid of parasites in the house.
Neostomazan
Neostomazan
The cheapest remedy for ear mites for dogs is Neostomazan. They sell it for 10-20 rubles. per 1 ml ampoule. Take 2 cones of 1 ml for treating an animal, and 2 of 5-10 ml for treating an apartment/house.
Dosage for treating animals is 1 ml of medication per 200 ml of water. Neostomazan is used in 2 ways:
- wipe the ears with swabs soaked in the solution;
- bathe the dog - soak the sponge in the solution, apply it all over the body except the face, wrap the dog in 2-3 towels and keep it for 20-30 minutes.
The solution for treatment is also prepared - 1 ml per 200 ml of water. Pour the product into a spray bottle and spray thresholds, baseboards, carpets, upholstered furniture, and beds.
Neostomazan has a pungent odor like gasoline or kerosene. But it disappears in 10-15 minutes.
Aversect K&S 0.2%
Aversect K&S
Aversect is intended for intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. After administration, the medicine spreads throughout the dog’s tissues and organs and has a detrimental effect on ticks, insects, and worms.
Aversect is administered at the rate of 0.2 mg of the active substance aversectin C1 per 1 kg. After 7-10 days a second injection is given. The medicine is prohibited:
- kittens up to 7 weeks;
- whelping bitches;
- old dogs;
- sick pets.
Price – 70 rub. per ampoule.
Otodectin
Otodectin
Another solution for subcutaneous injection. Otodectin is administered to puppies from 2 months and healthy adult dogs. Use with caution in pets with liver and kidney pathologies, collie, boxer, sheltie, bobtail and related breeds. Dose – 0.2 ml of the active ingredient ivermectin per 1 kg.
A 5 ml bottle costs 65 rubles.
Epacid-Alpha
Epacid-Alpha is an emulsion based on alphacypermethrin, which acts against insects and ticks. Designed for outdoor use. Costs 60 rubles for a 10 ml bottle.
Epacid-Alfa is applied to clean skin. Shake off the bottle, draw the contents into a syringe without a needle and inject 1-1.5 ml into each ear. After 3-5 days the manipulation is repeated.
Prohibited for pregnant and lactating dogs, puppies under 2 months, and malnourished pets.
FAQ
Can a dog spread ear mites to other pets?
Yes. At risk are dogs, cats, ferrets, and raccoons. All animals in contact must undergo treatment.
Can a person get ear mites from a dog?
Yes, ticks can move onto the human body, but they only parasitize animals; they quickly die on humans. The risk of infection is minimal; there is no need to be afraid of contact with your pet due to the fact that the tick is transmitted to humans.
However, some people prone to allergic reactions may develop a condition called “false scabies.” The symptoms of this allergic reaction are similar to those of otodectosis. This condition does not require treatment - as soon as the dog is cured, the person will lose all symptoms.
How to make a diagnosis
If a dog shakes its head or rubs against a surface, or scratches its ears with its claws , then you need to be prepared for an unpleasant diagnosis. Otodectosis should not be confused with ordinary ear inflammation, in which the ear discharge is not so large.
The basis for determining the disease are:
- unusual and restless behavior of the dog;
- contact with a sick animal;
- the first symptoms of ear mite infestation are discharge from the ears, brown crusts and abrasions, redness of the inner surface of the ear;
- laboratory tests - mites, their eggs and waste products are detected under a microscope in skin scrapings.
How can you find out on your own at home if your dog is sick if you can’t see a doctor? To do this, secretions are collected from the ears and placed on a white sheet of paper. With otodectosis, dark inclusions are visible. These are waste products of ticks. If there is no inflammation and elevated body temperature, you can start treatment yourself.
