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Fleas & Mites
How to Treat Mites and Fleas
How to Prevent Fleas
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Fleas Or Mites - What Is Causing My Dog’s Itchy Ears?
- By Devon
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- February 29, 2024
- 3 MIN READ
If you've noticed your furry friend scratching at their ears incessantly, you might be wondering what's causing all that discomfort. Itchy ears can be a sign of various issues, but two common culprits are fleas and mites. In this blog post, we'll delve into the differences between fleas and mites, how they affect our dogs' ears, and most importantly, how to alleviate your pup's itchiness and prevent future infestations. Let's get started!
Fleas & Mites
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Fleas vs Mites
First things first, let's clarify the difference between fleas and mites. Fleas are external parasites that feed on your dog's blood and can cause irritation and allergic reactions, whereas mites are microscopic organisms that burrow into the skin and can lead to a condition known as mange. Both can cause itching and discomfort, but they require different treatment approaches.
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Flea Common Areas on Dogs
Fleas tend to congregate in warm, moist areas on your dog's body, such as around the neck, behind the ears, and along the base of the tail. However, contrary to popular belief, fleas typically do not infest the inside of a dog's ears. Instead, they prefer areas with easy access to blood vessels for feeding, which is why they're commonly found in areas with thin skin and less hair.
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Fleas Don't Go in Ears
While fleas can occasionally be found around the outer ear canal, it's relatively rare for them to venture deep into a dog's ear canal. If your dog is experiencing itching and irritation specifically within their ear canals, fleas are unlikely to be the cause. In such cases, other factors, such as ear mites or bacterial and yeast infections, are more likely to blame. It’s important to pay attention to your dog’s scratching and see if they are trying to scratch inside their ears (probably mites) or just in that general area (much more likely to be general itching from fleas!)
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Mites and Dogs
Ear mites, on the other hand, are a common cause of ear irritation and inflammation in dogs. These tiny parasites are highly contagious and can spread rapidly among pets, particularly those living in close quarters. Ear mites infest the ear canals and feed on the wax and oils produced by the skin, leading to intense itching, head shaking, and ear discharge.
How to Treat Mites and Fleas
If you suspect that your dog's itchy ears are caused by fleas or mites, prompt treatment is essential to provide relief and prevent the infestation from spreading. Here's what you can do:
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Mites - Ear Drops - For ear mite infestations, ear drops or ointments to soothe the irritation are your best friend. Itch Ear Cleaner soothes irritation and moisturises the ear canal.
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Fleas - Topical Flea Treatments - If fleas are the culprit, then treating your dog with Itch Flea Treatment for dogs will kill all adult fleas in 24 hours and halt all other flea life stages in their tracks - yay!
How to Prevent Fleas
Preventing flea infestations is key to keeping your dog comfortable and healthy. Here are some preventive measures you can take:
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Regular Preventative Treatments - Use flea preventive products like Itch Flea Treatment for dogs to keep your dog protected year round!
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Treat All Pets - If you have multiple pets, make sure to treat all of them, even if only one pet is showing signs of fleas. This prevents the pesky blighters from spreading between your pets.
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Regular Grooming - Regular grooming not only keeps your pet's coat healthy but also helps you spot any signs of fleas or skin issues early on which could save you a lot of hassle down the line!
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Maintain a Clean Environment - Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments. Regularly hoovering your home, washing your pet's bedding (at 60°C folks - no less!), and clean areas your pets spend a lot of time in to reduce the chances of infestation.
While both fleas and mites can cause itching and discomfort in dogs' ears, they require different treatment approaches. Fleas typically infest areas around the neck, behind the ears, and along the base of the tail, whereas mites are more commonly found within the ear canals. With prompt intervention and preventive measures, you can help keep your furry friend's ears itch-free and healthy.
Get rid of fleas and stop them coming back!
Flea infestations can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that fleas can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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Flea
Identification
Are Fleas And Ticks The Same Thing?
If you've ever found yourself wondering whether fleas and ticks are one and the same, you're not alone. These tiny creatures often cause confusion due to their similar size and the discomfort they bring to our furry friends. Fear not, we’ll explain what makes fleas and ticks unique, how to distinguish between them, and most importantly, how to effectively treat and prevent these persistent pests.
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General
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