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Ear Mite Remedies
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
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[YEA] Lynn from Jeannette, PA writes: "I have found that putting a pinch of food-grade diatomaceous earth into the dog or cat's ear kills the mites. I do it daily for about a month since that is how long the mites can take to hatch. Within a few days though the animal has absolutely no symptoms of mites and it is completely safe for pets of all ages and sizes. It is also a great way to get rid of mites on birds and to rid a pet of internal parasites."
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EAR MITES AND PEOPLE
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[QUESTION] 02/25/2009: Artie from Queens, NY writes: "Can Canine Ear Mites Get under Human Skin?
My friend's Rottweiller has ear mites and 3 vets tried to treat her but she wouldn't let them -- (this is what I'm told?) but she's such a sweet dog and I roughhouse with her almost every day and I've broke out in a rash and I feel a crawling sensation and tunnels on my hands AND my ears are being bitten-up. OF COURSE NO DOCTOR WILL EVEN LOOK but only gave me topical medication for scabies - AND I DO NOT HAVE SCABIES.
My question is: is it possible I got infected by canine ear mites? All this stuff sounds crazy to me but it's the only thing that makes any sense. I'd appreciate whatever help I can get and thanks so much! Artie G."
04/14/2009: Bev from Mt. Juliet, TN USA replies: "Black walnut hulls in the form of drops is effective on parasites, about 7 drops per day in a small glass of water for 3-4 weeks. I learned about this from a holographic health practitioner."
04/23/2009: Barb from Syracuse, NY replies: "I think it is possible that cat mites go onto humans. The scabies treatment will work as well, they are similar mites. Chlorine water from a pool is great, just make sure you keep the mites to yourself, should you visit a pool. You can suffocate the mites on your skin with cream, but they might keep hatching, so you have to be persistent."
06/30/2009: Jen from Monona, Iowa replies: "I've used this web site before and its great. I would see if your friends dog will let the owner put veggie oil in his ear that is infected.just a few drops.and massage the bottom of the ear. it wont kill the eggs but it does get ride of the live ones. clean with a cotton ball. it works i have used it on my lab. he was so happy!"
11/13/2009: Joy from Austin, Tx replies: "Animal mites do infect humans. I have found one website very helpful, and there is a regular email forum. It's called birdmites.org."
01/21/2010: Jus1chance from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada replies: "I'd like to post a comment to Bev from Mt. Juliet. What exactly is a holographic health practitioner? Is it someone who practices medicine on holograms? Do you know what a hologram is? Or did you mean homeopathic health practitioner? Or is it someone who practices medicine through the use of holograms? I'm confused."
11/29/2011: Sharon from Wesley Chapel, Florida replies: "The correct word is holistic, not holographic. It means a person who is interested in the integration of all types of healing for the whole body."
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EAR WASH
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[YEA] 04/02/2008: Sara from Dayton, Texas writes: "Here is a remedy that really works, I got it out of the book called The Whole Pet Diet--
2ounces-witch Hazel
5-drops-tea tree oil
5-drops- clove oil
Mix all ingrediants together in a clean bottle.Warm the bottle with your hands first, because cold solution is uncomfortable for pets. Squirt half an eyedropper into one ear.Try to do it quickly, then fold over and massage for 30 seconds. Afterwards let your pet shake it out, then treat other ear."
05/12/2008: Fawn from Monroe Center, IL replies: "I would like to know if I can use this remedy on a bunny's ears? I know that their systems are very delicate and I do not want to threaten my rabbits health. Some things are better not used on rabbits. Thank you."
[WARNING!] 06/06/2008: Arlyn from Needles, California replies: "Please, stop using this ear wash on cats. Tea-tree oil is very toxic to cats."
[WARNING!] 06/15/2008: Natasha from Olympia, WA replies: "Just wanted to reinforce what another poster has already said: ALL essential oils are dangerous for use on cats, including tea tree and clove! Cats lack the enzyme needed to eliminate the build up of EO compounds in the liver. Terpenes in essential oils build up and create toxicity in the cats body. Thelavendercat.com has many interesting articles, studies, and stories on the subject.
http://www.thelavendercat.com/3501.html"
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GARLIC IN OLIVE OIL
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[YEA] 10/16/2011: Wilby 2011 from Albany, Oregon writes: "I used a recipe from this great site for my eight year old Cat, who was starting to grow an ear mite infection. I have started the steps, using the Garlic with Grapeseed oil, and his ear is getting better. I need to go to the second treatment, yellow dock root extract, 9 drops with a Tbsp. Of water. Every three days for six weeks.
I will keep you posted. Wilby the happier Cat"
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[YEA] 02/25/2007: Meg from Coromandel, New Zealand writes: "hi. I tried garlic olive oil on my puppy as I used it on myself for ear infection and thought it was worth a try when I got a pup with bad earmites and it just made it worse so I took him to vet who told me never, ever to put anything into dogs ears as they have deep ear canels and it has no way to come out again and can cause major problems for dogs. he said all medical dog remedies are alcohol based so that they evaporate over time - anything else will cause problems for dogs so if you want to try something at home perhaps use a light alcohol base? I am currently attempting olive oil and garlic on my 3 cats who all have earmites, one of them has them really badly - I have also tried resolution out of desperation and it did seem to work for about a week, but they are back (if ever gone) and the cat that has the bad problem had a reaction to the resolution and is constantly itching all over now. I will get in some apple cider vin. to try for him.
Have little faith in vets and I try to find things that work and have some luck - manuka honey is really good as antibiotic internally and externally for animals and they like it. Chamomile teabag soak for any eye problems. These are 2 tried and trusted ones for me."
Replies01/16/2010: Deni from Noxon, M replies: "Hello everyone, just as nasty as those mites are, they are kinda like what lice would be to humans.... So make sure you WASH their bedding or spray where they mainly lay... to kill the bugs in the surrounding area. oh, and does anyone recommend peroxide to wipe the ear clean...than re-apply medicine... or whatever home remedy you choose that works best for you... I'm trying colloidal silver... I let you know how it works for her.."
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[YEA] 02/20/2007: Theresa from Kailua, HI writes: "I loved reading everybodies remedies for ear mites in cats. We have been fighting ear mites in our kitten. The vet cleaned out the ears and said that Revolution would take care of it. It didn't. The next time the vet used a small amount of Frontline on a Q-tip to clean out the ears and reapplied Revolution. The ears still appear to have mites. They have the black crud build up. We are trying the olive oil and garlic, but different then one we read. In home remedies for humans too strong of garlic can cause blistering on the ear drum. Therefore with this in mind I warmed a couple of slivers of fresh garlic in olive oil then removed the garlic. Then using a q-tip dipped in the oil mixture I am cleaning out the ear. I understand this will not be aggressive enough should it be in the inner ear but am hopeful with the outer. I have also reapplied the revolution."
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[YEA] 02/07/2007: Lisa from Everett, WA writes: "We took in a kitten or rather young cat that was hanging out in our back yard. We bought a tag that said "Please call Lisa @ 555-5555 if this is your cat. She was really tame and we started letting her stay in our home longer and longer until she no longer sat by the back door wanting to get out. After two weeks we brought her to the vets for a check-up because there were other rather wild cats hanging around. We figured what they were hanging around for, but she really wasn't our cat, but then we said, to heck with it and took her in for shots and a check-up. The Vet reported that she was pregnant and had ear mites, but that he couldn't treat them without risking harm to the kittens. So we've spent the past month watching her struggle with ear mites. If only we looked at your natural remedies earlier we could have at least soother her discomfort with your recommended treatments. We will never neglect our pets again or wait for the local Vets to answer all of our concerns. Thank you so much"
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GENTIAN VIOLET AND RUBBING ALCOHOL
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 01/21/2009: eLissa from New Brunswick, NJ writes: "A friend of mine, an animal breeder, gave me a remedy for ear mites: gentian violet and rubbing alcohol, I don't remember the proportions. She recently died and I took one of her rescued, feral kittens. He had ear mites, and it looked as though my older, beloved Oscar kitty had gotten them from the kitten. I found the mixture, had a friend helping me and things got crazy; I ended up accidentally getting a whole dropperful of the stuff in Oscars ear. The next day he lost his voice, it was down to a rasp. I am killing myself with guilt. This was 4 days ago and his voice has gotten only a little better. He is otherwise fine, playing and purring, and the mites are gone from both cats, with a second, vastly smaller treatment 3 days later. Does anyone know about this? I'm really worried that I might have done more harm and don't feel I can afford the vet right now. Thanks, eLissa"
Replies06/26/2009: Jaime from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania replies: "I just chose to buy an ear wash and medicated powder from my local pet store. i've only used it for two days and already my dogs are doing better.
To the lady with the cat that has a raspy voice.... just as in people, the ears, nose and throat are all connected. you probably irritated his throat with the alcohol. next time take him to the vet unless you know the proper measurments."
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GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT
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[YEA] 09/25/2008: Stephani from Tallahassee, FL writes: "to Delores in Hobe Sound - ear mites:
09/22/2008: Dolores from Hobe Sound, Florida writes: "What is the formula for ACV? My cat has eye problems and also ear mites. I use a commerical ear cleaner but they keep coming back. I hate putting her through the ear cleaning so often."
I have used NutriBiotic ear drops with tea tree oil & grapefruit seed oil in my dogs & cats ears. They had a lot of scratching and black gunk (i think that is from mites). Their ears are clear now. I got the drops at vitamin shoppe, but you can find them online too. Hope this helps. "
Replies02/05/2010: Pat from Ava, Mo replies: "This is in response to "YEA" - Tea tree oil is TOXIC to cats! Do NOT use!!! Also, Grapefruit seed extract BURNS LIKE HELL. DO NOT USE!!!!"
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GREEN TEA
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 04/17/2009: Serbella from Saint Louis, Missouri writes: "Green Tea and Ear Mites:
My other kitten, Coyote, is about two and a half months old. Last night I noticed that he was moping around, so I picked him up and looked him over. The inside of his right ear was encrusted with the nastiest looking brown crap I have ever seen. I brewed a tea tag of green tea in a clean, empty baby food jar, took several cotton balls and carefully cleaned his ears out. I noticed that deep inside his ears was really cruddy looking, but I was afraid to probe down there with a Q tip, so I squeezed some green tea down there and allowed him to shake it out. I did both ears, but the right ear was worse.
I decided that if he didn't clear up we were going to the vet ASAP. The next morning I examined the little fella (had to pull him away from beating his mother up) and his left ear looked very clean. His left ear, which didn't get as much green tea, was now looking a little worse.
I warmed up the green tea I had left over from the night before and again carefully cleaned both ears out, treated the left ear just as equally as the right. I dripped green tea down inside both ears and waited while Coyote fussed and shook his ears out.
I've read that olive oil mixed with a little garlic works to kill the mites. I might try that. I also know that the ears need to be treated an entire month, because of the eggs. I have a bottle of that Mitricide but it states that it is not to be used on kittens younger than 12 weeks old. Coyote is ten weeks old. Might not make much of a difference, but I've had some bad experiences with meds that were vet prescribed, and I decided not to take the chance. There's a reason that caution was put on the bottle."
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GREEN TEA AND OLIVE OIL
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[YEA] Katie from Emporia, KS writes: "I have found using green tea and olive oil will cure ear mites in cats. You first take a cotton ball and soak it in green tea to clean the ear of debris and then stand back to let the cat shake out the rest. Then you add 2-3 drops of the oil for 2 days a week and then once a week as the condition improves."
RepliesGriselda from Gandia, Spain replies: "I need to know more about the folk remedy for ear mites with green tea. The recipe is very vague. How do make the oil? Is the oil with green tea or alone ? What oil? Please send an urgent reply I´m getting so worried. The vet´s remedies were horrific and caused more discomfort than the mites I have been cleaning the ears with chamomile and eufrasia tea and then putting in 6 drops of almond oil but yesterday the ears were much worse after treatment and were scratched so badly they were all inflamed and stayed itchy for hours."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "I have never heard of using almond oil, chamomile or tea used for ear mites I use sodium perborate or borax."
07/06/2006: Denise from Southport, FL replies: "If you first use green tea to flush and wash out the ears, then follow with drops of olive oil w/garlic (I put minced garlic in a small dropper bottle and then fill it with olive oil and shake). Do this daily and it will cure the ear mites in cats and dogs."
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HAND SANITIZER
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[QUESTION] 09/02/2009: Carol from Zeigler, IL United States writes: "Ear Mites: I noticed yesterday that my indoor/outdoor cat was flicking his ear and holding his head down. When I looked, he had a lot of "crud" in there! I started checking the internet for home remedies and found this site with lots of different options that I had never heard of!! Like many, I can't afford a vet bill, but don't want my cat to be in distress. I am going to try the hand sanitizer first (I hope I don't have to try something else, but...) I put a couple drops on my finger and rub it in his ear as much as he would let me. Would it be ok to put a couple drops right into his ear? And how often a day and for how many days? I will definitely visit this site when other remedies are needed! It was very informative and helpful for remedies as well as things that are dangerous to my cat. Thanks for all the valuable info!!"
Replies04/02/2010: Ginny from Las Vegas, Nevada replies: "I have used mineral oil with success, also Olive Oil with some Vitamin E has healing qualities, equal amounts of each. This is safe and an inexpensive way to help your pet.
I have read it takes about a month to rid a pet of these horrible bugs and I used this oil every day, 3 times a day for one month.
Be sure to clean the pet's bedding often.
Good luck."
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[WARNING!] 05/27/2007: Jamie from Port Orange, Fl writes: "I read that someone suggested using hand sanitizer to cure ear mites, I would be very careful about doing so because if your pet has scratched their already inflammed ear, that would really burn!"
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[YEA] 05/19/2007: Marie from Sacramento, California writes: "My recently rescued male cat had ear mites so bad one ear canal was swollen nearly closed. He was delivered by a cat lover who's plate was full, but was kind enough to include an over the counter ear mite remedy. Wow that ear mite medicine made the gray skin inside his ears peel and and turn bright pink. Applying every other day was obviously going to cause sever damage in 3 weeks treatment. The long and short of this story is he arrived on Jan 4, 07 today in June 15, 07 and the problem is better but not cured. Olive oil, Vaseline, hand lotion any thing that wouldn't kill the cat and maybe smother the mites has been tried in addition to using a systemic flea/tick product. The current problem is the waxy discharge is sticky (it was bloody) and getting it out of his ears next to impossible. Thank you 4/1/2007: Lisa from Winfield, PA for suggesting Hand Sanitizer! The cat and I are very comfortable when I am treating his ears, the scratching stopped long ago, so there wasn't much danger of pouring Hand Sanitizer on an open wound. It cleaned him up better than any thing I have tried. I held him petting his favorite spots, for a few minutes until the Hand Sanitizer dried and I didn't have to worry about him getting it in his eyes or mouth. Great service you provide, bummer I didn't find you in Jan! I will send a progress report,"
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[YEA] 04/13/2007: Cherri from NEWARK, NJ writes: "A lady here stated that she used hand sanitiser to get rid of ear mites in her cats' ears. She said it took "a few applications". My question is: how many applications did it take, and how long did you use this treatment? Any response would be greatly appreciated. Thanx!"
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[YEA] 04/01/2007: Lisa from Winfield, PA writes: "hand sanitizer works great for ear mites in my cats it also kills them. just put a dab on your finger and rub it into the ear. only takes a few applications and they are gone"
Replies[YEA] 09/03/2008: JaJa from Zebulon, NC replies: "I am happy that hand sanitizer was suggested for the cure of ear mites. It was something I already had in the house and I didn't have to go out to buy anything. My two year old peekapoo was scratching his ear like crazy and I truly did not know what the problem was. A family member suggested that he may have ear mites. I went online looking for home remedies to cure ear mites so that i could save on a costly vet bill. I came across several remedies, however the sanitizer was at hand and I decided to use it. I used a bottle with a hand pump and used two sqirts in each ear and massaged it in. Within an hour he scratched once and by the end of the night he wasn't scratching at all. Thanks for the useful information. You guys saved me a trip to the vet. jaja"
11/25/2008: Kenny from El Paso, TX replies: "I HAVE A FEMALE PIT BULL AND SHE IS SUFFERING FROM WHAT i THINK TO EAR MITES i THINK THAT i WILL TRY HAND SANTIZER ON HER BECAUSE IT WORKED ON ME WITH POSION IVY AND OTHER PEOPLE S YUKY HANDS"
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HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
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[QUESTION] 10/22/2009: Donna R from Sarasota, Fl writes: "Pet Ear Mite Infestation
I have a question. You reccomend yellow dock tincture and water to kill ear mite which is applied directly into the ear. The latin name for yellow dock is rumex crispus which comes in a homeopathic pellet remedy made by Boiron. If the homeopathic remedy of yellow dock (rumex crispus) is taken orally via homeopathic pellet, will this kill ear mites as well?"
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HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 01/12/2008: June from KC, KS writes: "I also use H2O2 for one of my cats who has been plagued with earmites since I found him abandoned as a kitten. I've never been able to completely rid him of the problem, probably because I have not been diligent enough, but the H2O2 definitely helps. As you know, it dissolves ear wax and earmites thrive in those waxy conditions."
Replies[WARNING!] 08/10/2008: Lori from Beacon Falls, CT replies: "Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) for Ear Mites: Just a warning for cat and dog lovers out there treating their pets with hydrogen peroxide in the ears:
H2O2 in an animal's (or human's, for that matter) eyes can blind them permanently. My vet told me that, and I also learned that in nursing school, but I'm not certain about the mechanism of action. I would personally try other remedies first, unless you have a very quiet and cooperative kitty.
Just wanted to warn ya!"
[YEA] 08/24/2008: Margaret from Upper Darby, PA replies: "I am being a foster mommy to an abandoned kitten with ear mites. I use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning only. It should not be thought of as a remedy. To avoid getting it into the cats' eyes, dab a clean q tip into the bottle, shake some off the q tip, then wipe only the parts of the ear that you can see. It is best to only wipe in an upwards direction to avoid debris from falling into the ear canal, and hold the cat on its side, so that anything falling will fall out. Next take kitty to the vet for some ear mite drops, and follow the directions EXPLICITLY! Otherwise, you will see how the mites will keep coming back."
[YEA] 02/01/2009: Andre from New York City, NY replies: "Of course if you pour H2O2 - or acid vinegar, or any of many standard vet medicines in your pet'eyes when they are supposed to go into their ears - it *WILL* blind them !!!!
As I mentioned a couple years ago I used the Ted's Mange cure (slighlty modified) with success on my cat - and so far, there has been only one small resurgence last year, immediately snuffed.
For reference, again this is what I posted
09/29/2007: Andre from New York, USA writes: "I tried the oil based treatments, actually using coconut oil since I heard it has antiseptic properties, and hydrogen peroxide. This only slowed down the ear mites. After a couple of weeks of this, I started with a mix of Borax (20 Mule Team), hydrogen peroxide, vinegar and a little Dr Bronner soap. After just two days the mites are disappearing. To prevent my cat from lcking off his wet fur, that I allow to dry naturally as indicated, I got him a collar. See his picture on Fickr, tag: ear.mite.cure.for.cats, or go directly to the page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nycandre/1459080973/
Thanks a lot, Ted and everyone else here! nycandre"
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MEDICATIONS
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[NAY] 05/29/2009: K from Mason, WV writes: "I would just like to say that I have a cat and have taken him to the vet several times for ear mites which cost me $65.00 per visit. I have also bought my medidcation from the vet at $12.00 a bottle and have given it to my cat faithfully. My cat still has the ear mites after over a year and suffers terribly from this he has no skin on the backs of his ears where he has dug them so much so at this point I am willing to try anything to get my cat some relief. Hopefully this will work."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/08/2008: Donna from Savannah, GA USA writes: "My kitten has ear mites (I think) and I put Ear Miticide in his ear last night. It didn't seem to do anything but irritate his ears worse to where he shook his head and scratched at his ears more than before. Today I rinsed his ears with two drops of vinegar/water mixed 50/50. I then put two more drops of Ear Miticde in each ear. He is sleeping all of the time and when he does get up he wobbles. I am really worried about him. Can someone PLEASE tell me if this is normal?"
RepliesEC: This website says to call your vet or local Animal Poison Control if you experience side effects from this product: http://www.drugs.com/vet/ear-miticide.html
11/09/2008: Doris from Orland, Ca replies: "I have used a 50 50 solution of Hydrogen Proxide and Rubbing alcohol I rub it really good and then clean it out with a cotton swab it works well and our big dobberman just loves it..."
11/09/2008: Marilyn from Shelton, Washington, USA replies: "Donna,
Balance is a function of the inner ear back of the ear drum. Your cat is suffering greatly and may even begin spinning in circles or begin to go crazy. As a child I suffered multiple ruptures of both ear drums. The doctor had us pour hydrogen peroxide into my ear and hold it there with my head tipped till it quit fizzing. I seriously doubt any mite can survive multiple doses of hydrogen peroxide plus a lot of them will come out when the peroxide drains out. The H2O2 will not hurt the cat's ears though you might dilute it by half. The cat will not like the crackling noise in its ears from the H2O2 foaming but if the ears feel better after, it will soon put up with the procedure. Do it with dropper or even a spoon held well away from the ear so no chance of the cat wincing and getting its ear stabbed. I have used this on a cat with a vets direction to do so. Perhaps once a day is enough. Be sure the solution is strong enough to foam."
11/10/2008: Janis from Renton, US replies: "I always used mineral oil for any animal that I have had for ear mites. Just use an eye dropper and put about 5 or 6 small drops in each ear. Check the ears each day. As long as you keep seeing the blackish or dark color,looking like the ears are dirty then keep doing it until that goes away. The mineral oil will suffocate the ear mites.This has always worked for me. Good luck. Hope the cat gets better soon."
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[YEA] 07/11/2008: Linda from New Caney, TX writes: "To treat ear mites in dogs I have very successfully used injectable Ivomec. Using a 1cc syringe, without a needle, you administer .25 for each ear. Ivomec can be found at feed stores, such as Tractor Supply. A bottle might cost $30 but last a real long time and can be shared with friends. Ivomec can also be used to prevent heartworms. I do have a chart if anyone wants it."
Replies07/18/2008: Dar from Montgomery, Texas replies: "Wow, does it only take one treament? Also would love to have the chart for the heart worms. Thank You"
08/28/2008: Lisa from Theodore, Alabama replies: "While I have used Ivomec in the past to (succesfully) prevent heartworms in larger dogs, I have never attempted the ear mite remedy here described. Also, at this time I am the owner of a guinea pig sized "dog" whose tiny weight makes me apprehensive to attempt the application of Ivomec to protect his tiny self from heartworms. A chart would be GREATLY appreciated!"
10/28/2008: Linda from South Bend, IN replies: "I would like the Ivomec chart that Linda (BertsBabe2008) talked about Thanks so much."
02/04/2009: Katherine from Dallas, GA replies: "i would love to have the chart. i tried almost everything on my dog but is taking a long time. i clean his ears with mineral oil and yes it leaves the ears so clean."
02/21/2009: Joanna Wessel from Grand Haven, MI, USA replies: "i would love the chart also. can you use the paste and if so can you mix it with water or somthing else?
joanna"
03/21/2010: Carol from Castle Rock, Washington replies: "this is in response to Yea of 07-11-2008They suggested Ivomec for ear mites.1/2cc per ear. I got a generic brand of the same thing at the feed store for $37.00. The brand name is almost 50.00. It did in fact all 4 of my dogs ear mites that did in fact spread really quickly. After using the Ivomec the next day I put 2 drops of mineral oil in each ear because mites deposit droppings that can cause other infections. The mineral oil helps to clean out the ear canal an keep it clean it also soothes the red ears that the mites caused in the first place."
03/27/2010: Astralclean from Atlanta, Ga replies: "Earmites-Just pop open a capsul of 1000mg Garlic and squeeze the oil onto a q-tip or if it is really bad just squirt a little bit into the ear everyday. The amount doesn't matter-garlic will not hurt the ear."
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[WARNING!] 05/15/2008: Merit from Phoenix, Arizona writes: "I used too much lanolin-based ear miticide (Zema) in my cat's ear. He continues to shake, now 12 hours after treatment. I know I have used rubbing alcohol to get water out of my ears. Can I use that on him to try to draw out the extra Miticide in the inner ear?"
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[YEA] 04/19/2008: Samantha from Sarasota, FL writes: "Well yesterday my cats ear swelled up. She had been lying around for about 2-3 days. Kind of depressed. For a small time before that every so often she would scratch her ears. Im in my early 20's and this is my first cat. Though its like she had always been there. Anyway, so yesterday her left ear swelled up . I called a emergency vet because it happened to be later on the weekend. But I really couldn't afford a emergency vet visit. So I went to the store and I bought Hartz Guard w/ Aloe. But first I put a small amount of Hydrogen Peroxide in a dropper to clean out the ear wax (which the mites feed off of.) So I put the peroxide in her ears and massaged it and then used a cotton ball. The cotton ball thing is alot more difficult then it sounds!! After administering that I gave her some time because if anybody has ever had peroxide in their ears you know it starts crackling as it eats the ear wax. Then I put one drop of the Hartz on the outer part and 5 drops on the inner, because she is a runt and under 15 pounds. It tells you on the back how much based on their weight. But it is a pesticide so I advise against putting too much in the ear. Well that was last night so we went to bed and this morning she's not 100% but she's up running around holding her head up. She seems happy again. Now I know what I need to do and how frequently. Please don't be as ignorant as I was to let it get that bad. We all love our kitties or we wouldn't be here. I got the idea for the peroxide off of this site. Because it was so late I had to go to Wal-Mart and all they had was the Hartz and no cleaning solution I needed something so thanks!"
Replies05/26/2008: h8erboy from Jerome, ID replies: "Funny how some people are seeking products with pyrethrin because "it's natural and comes from chrysanthemums" and others here are wanting to avoid Hartz Mites Drops because "it's pesticide." Newsflash folks, the active ingredient in Hartz drops is pyrethrins, same as the natural cures you're paying so much for. And yes pyrethrins do come from chrysanthemum flowers."
[SIDE EFFECTS] 06/30/2011: Ebeth from Abernathy, Usa replies: "Our cat had been diagnosed with Ear mites so we started treating him Pyrethrins as Vet prescribed. So the next morning I squirted some Pyrethrins on both ears he didnt liked it at all, as the Vet directions just " squirt it into his ears". He got soo sick since then, didnt want to eat, he wobbles and vomiting, when I let him outside the wind blows and he just fell into the ground. So I stopped the medication immediately and decided to let him get well first before I would do anything. After 3 days he is well and eating and not wobbling anymore, I just feed him as long as he wanted to eat so he can have his strenght back.Anyway, I didn't use that Pyrethrins again, I know there is someone here in the board saying that Pyrethins is from crysanthemums and it is not a chemical , I know that too cos I read the ingredients after my cat got sick. Not all Natural remedy are good for every cat, or chemical/pesticide in that matter. Just like us people some medicine may work for you but not to everyone.
I started using coconut oil after I read a lot of remedies here, Im using VCO and he likes it when I massage his ears, but after 5 days I decided to switch to hand sanitizers cos seems like I didn't really see a big difference using coconut oil (i know it will take time) but I want him to feel better sooner. So far I see some improvements, he is more happy and alert and playful and dont shake his head often but probably a couple of time in a day. So I will continue to use Hand sanitizer and see what happens its been 3 days since I started using it.
Thank you so much for this very helpful message board."
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[YEA] 04/16/2008: Tim from Winters, California writes: "While trying to find out more about tea-tree oil's medicinal applications, I came upon the threads on Earth Clinic about ear infections in pet animals. I was disturbed and alarmed by the degree of inaccurate and incorrect information I encountered. Particularly of concern were the readers' comments soliciting unapproved and off-label uses of unknown parasite control products, especially in exotics.
A basic issue is the prevalence of ear mites. While very common in cats, it is virtually nonexistent in dogs under most circumstances. The people posting comments about the pros and cons of various treatment protocols for ear mites in dogs are most likely not even dealing with mites. And treating ear mites in cats these days is extremely simple and not worthy of prolonged discussion; a one-time (two at most) application of feline Revolution or Advantage Multi for cats should eliminate the pests. While a good product for flea control, Frontline is probably completely ineffective against mites.
I would recommend that this site be refereed by a competent veterinarian who embraces integrated (Eastern and Western) responsible practice.
Respectfully,
Tim Krasnansky DVM
Berryessa Veterinary Services
Winters, CA 95694
(530) 795-6090
BerryessaVet.com"
[NAY] 04/19/2008: Stella from USA replies: "re: Feline Mite Remedies. My feline had a scary seizure type reaction from a single dose of Revolution. I will never use it again. It is not worth losing my friend over, especially when there are safer methods for prevention and eradication."
05/01/2008: M. R. from Odessa, Missouri replies: "I appreciate the vet comments on 4/16. There are several items available like Revolution. Milbe-mite is one. I have one indoor/outdoor cat and 8 barn cats. Revolution, Advantage, and Milbe-mite range in price from $20+. I cannot afford these things. So I welcome affordable alternatives. Does any one have info about what to do about a kitten while treating the other cats?"
11/20/2009: Sophie from Friday Harbor, Wa replies: "Call me ignorant, but Revolution doesn't always work and it's extremely expensive (speaking from experience). Also, why would I poison my kittie's entire body just to kill ear mites? Much too dangerous...."
03/30/2010: Thomas from Sarasota, Fl replies: "I wrapped my kitty in a blanket like a taco and after the first cleaning she trusted me from then on, but before I thought of that she would hiss and scratch and bite so just take your time and wrap her up in a blankie"
05/16/2010: Lisa from Warrens, Wi replies: "CAUTION: Cats and tea tree oil. I used to use tea tree oil in my cats ears faithfully until I talked with a herbalist (might be the wrong title) who works with essential oils. She told me that cat's bodies don't tolerate tea tree oil well. I'm suspecting my use of tea tree oil in one of my cats possibly caused him neurological or slight brain damage. He was the only one I had a problem with. I never confirmed this so this is ONLY my unprofessional gut feeling based on my conversion with the herbalist. To this day I do not use tea tree oil on my cats anymore. Love it for myself and my horses tho."
09/15/2010: Cat from Memphis, Tn Usa replies: "Since you are a vet, I would not expect you to have any other opinion. Being someone who has lost a few pets to a vet's incompetence, I am always looking for alternatives to the exorbitant and overkill methods presented by the veterinary profession."
06/29/2011: Ken from Malinalco, Mexico Mexico replies: "I was alarmed and confounded to find that my 2 cats were infected with ear mites as I had faithfully been applying on each (on the nape of the neck as instructed), a dose of Revolution on a monthly basis for 2 years. What gives?"
08/25/2011: Valerie from Indianapolis, Indiana, Usa replies: "Hi Ted,First off, Revolution offers a money-back satisfaction guarantee if purchased from a veterinarian. Download the form from their website. Fill it out and send in with necessary information. They will require a phone call from your vet, with a Case Number your vet needs to assign to your case, and probably the medical records indicating that your cats are on Revolution, and yet still got ear mites.
(Their own website states that if the product is used over a long period of time, the fleas, mites, etc. can become resistant to it, and it won't work anymore.)
Make sure to read the fine print at the bottom of the form. You should be able to get your money back. Here is the manufacturer of Revolution (Pfizer's) website address to get the form: https://animalhealth.pfizer.com/sites/pahweb/US/EN/contact/product_information/Pages/VMIPS.aspx
The above page is in a .pdf format, and most all computers can open a. Pdf form. On this page, just click on (EXPAND) next to where it says "Revolution Satisfaction Forms". Then click on "download form". Once downloaded, just click on it to open the form, print it out on your printer, fill it out, and take it to your vet.
What really gets me is, on this same page, where it says "How to report a product issue", if you click on that, it says " To report an adverse event such as your pet's reaction to a medication, the product not working as expected, or a quality issue such as leaking or damaged product, contact your Veterinarian. " What the heck???????
If the product causes an adverse reaction, or does not work as expected, YOU SHOULD BE CONTACTING THEM!! , not your VET! They should be taking responsibility for their own product, not pawning it off on your vet! Yet another reason NOT to use these products!
Revolution (and all other animal flea, tick, & parasite control products) is EXTREMELY TOXIC to pets and humans. Read the label!! The fact that it even HAS a MSDS (material safety data sheet) for humans should tell you all you need to know. If it is not safe for human skin, it is not safe for animal skin!
There are many, many all natural treatments for fleas, ticks, ear mites, and such, that work just as well, if not better, and will not harm you, your pet, or the environment.
My dog and cat currently have ear mites. I am treating them myself using natural cures, and herbal cures. Google "natural and herbal cures for ear mites" and see what you find. There are differing opinions on almost every treatment, so you need to decide which one will work best for you.
But firstly, you need to clean out the gunk (greasy, dark, and/or smelly earwax and such). You should do this on a regular basis anyway. It is easy and inexpensive. All you do is use either olive oil, or Almond Oil (available at most natural health food stores), and a bottle of 400 IU Vitamin E softgels. You mix 1/2 ounce (1 Tbsp. ) of either oil with one Vitamin E softgel capsule (prick with a pin and squeeze the oil out). You will need a dark colored small glass bottle with a dropper screw top (also available at any health food store), and a tiny funnel that will fit into the top of the bottle (both inexpensive). I quadrupled the amounts so I could use it later. Then once mixed, whenever you are ready to use it, sit the bottle in a bowl of hot water (don't cover the top part), to warm to body temperature - just a few minutes should be enough. Test a drop on your arm to make sure it is not too hot. Have someone else holding onto your pet, and lift up your pet's ear, and place 1/2 dropperful into ear canal (make sure not to go too far down with dropper so you don't damage the ear canal). Immediately (without letting your pet shake the oil out first) begin massaging the outside of your pet's ear canal to make sure the oil gets down inside, for about a minute or so. Then let your pet shake it's head, while still having someone hold onto your pet. Then, just use a soft cotton pad or cotton ball, and wipe out the entrance of the ear canal, to get the wax out.
It sounds more hard than it is. I have done it by myself without someone else to hold the pet. It is trickier with a cat, as most will not sit still to let you do this. I just covered my cat's body with a bath towel, on top of my bed, and used my own body to pin her down (without hurting her). Leaving my hands and arms free to administer the drops and massage them in, then clean them out with the cotton.
This oil also suffocates the mites, while soothing any swollen or inflamed tissues in the pet's ears. You need to do this once a day, every other day for 6 days (a total of three treatments). Then you let them rest for three days.
The second half of the treatment is necessary due to the fact that mites eggs can hatch out every 4-6 days, and you need to make sure you kill them also. There are several methods for this also. Diatomaceous Earth (must be Food Grade! ) can be purchased at specialty pet food stores, and it it CHEAP.
Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth
- Do not use pool-filter-grade diatomaceous earth near your pets. However, the food-grade product will not harm them. Just put a pinch of the powder into the ears daily for a month to kill existing and newly hatched mites. or you can mix it with warm water, and use a dropper to administer.
Yellow Dock Root Extract
Make by mixing a tablespoon of olive or almond oil with nine drops of Yellow Dock Root extract. Use one half of an eyedropper of this in each ear, every three days for six weeks will kill ear mites.
Yellow Dock Root Extract (or Essential Oil) is available in most health food stores.
The label for Revolution also states: REVOLUTION may be irritating to skin and eyes. Reactions such as hives, itching and skin redness have been reported in humans. Wash hands after use and wash off any product in contact with the skin immediately with soap and water. If contact with eyes occurs, flush eyes copiously with water. In case of ingestion by a human, contact a physician immediately.(What if your cat licks any of this stuff off of its skin while grooming? Cats lick their paws, and their fur, while grooming themselves, including the fur on the back of their necks...... Then it is ingested by the cat, and will kill them, without immediate (and expensive) veterinary intervention. Even then, they still may die. It is highly poisonous, even says so on the label.)
Label also states: Flammable - Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames or other sources of ignition. AND.......
Following treatment with REVOLUTION, transient localized ALOPECIA (hair loss) with or without inflammation at or near the site of application was observed. Other signs observed included vomiting, loose stool or diarrhea with or without blood, anorexia, lethargy, salivation, rapid breathing, and muscle tremors. There have been reports of PRURITIS (chronic itching), URTICARIA (hives, or itchy, red welts on the surface of the skin), ERYTHEMA (which has many different types and can cause - redness or rash or raised spots or other lesions on the skin, fatigue, fever, flu-like symptoms, & itching, Joint pain, Arthritis, sensitivity to sunlight, sudden outbreak of tender spots, bumps, lumps, or lesions, usually on the legs, knees, and feet, target lesions - spots surrounded by rings of normal and red skin, looking like a target, rash on the face, Clusters of nodules (small round masses) and lesions on shins, forearms, thighs, and trunk, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), the most severe forms of erythema have a different set of symptoms. Target lesions on the trunk, hacking cough, fever, and blisters around the mouth, eyes, nostrils, and anal and vaginal areas are the key symptoms of SJS, TEN will have symptoms of SJS that worsen to include peeling and detachment of the skin, pus-like infections, fluid loss, and even death.), ATAXIA (is the inability to maintain normal postures and perform normal movements. Movements are jerky and uncoordinated, without the smooth flow of normal motion. Ataxia may affect any part of the body. Ataxia occurs when there is breakdown in communication among the brain centers responsible for coordinated movement. These include areas responsible for sensation and balance. Symptoms may include tremors, involuntary back-and-forth eye movements, Postural instability, swaying while standing, wide-based gait, sometimes likened to a "drunken reeling", uneven stride, with steps of different lengths and not always straight forward) FEVER, and reports of DEATH. There have also been reports of SEIZURES in dogs.
In the above paragraph, the words in italics were added by me, to describe what all of these conditions THEY list, really are, and what they can cause. The words in capital letters are the only things they listed, failing to mention what they are.
Believe me, I know from personal experience. The damage caused by these products, and the damage caused by annual (unnecessary) vaccinations, has been DIRECTLY CONNECTED to many, many health problems your pet may develop immediately after use or further down the road, by numerous studies and personal experiences of some of the most notable homeopathic vets in the country.
The evidence is overwhelming if you care to read it. The two best homeopathic vets are Dr. Richard Pitcairn, D. V. M. , Ph. D, (who has written 2 books) and Dr. Martin Goldstein, D. V. M. (who has written one book). I have all three books, and they are real eye openers! Dr. Goldstein's book in particular (which was a bestseller), has a whole chapter devoted to the "Dubious history of Vaccines", and also talks specifically about commercial pet parasite control products and their dangers to both animals and humans. Annual vaccination of pets has lead to more deaths, than any other single pet disease in the US, and had even been given a name.... Vaccinosis. Google that word, and see how much info shows up........ TONS. And, not only for pets, but humans also.
They also have websites. Dr. Goldstein's is : http://www.drmarty.com/
and Dr. Pitcairn's is : http://www.drpitcairn.com/
You can purchase used copies of all of their books on Amazon.com cheaply ($5. 00 or so). And they are VERY WORTH the money, if you care about your pet's health.
Good Luck!
Valerie J."
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[YEA] 02/26/2008: Lisa from In The Country, Massachusetts writes: "Ear Mite Remedy - Perfection. Here is one I heard from a vet....who also admitted they will never tell you this in the office since it will cause them to lose out on some profit. This worked for my male adult cat who would never let me near his head - ever. Take the flea and tick medication (I cannot for the life of me remember which brand I used) and put one drop and one drop only in each ear. I did this for my cat, literally all I did was put one drop in each ear, no rubbing, no rinsing, nothing. The ear mites disappeared, never came back again, and he was a brand new cat that just loved attention! Give a try and see for yourself!"
Replies02/26/2008: CECILY from SONORA, CALIFORNIA replies: "PLEASE PLEASE....THERE ARE SO MANY POSSIBLE REMEDIES FOR EAR MITES FOR MY CAT...BUT I JUST CANNOT GET THEM IN HER EAR....SHE WAS AN ALLEY CAT IN HER FORMER LIFE AND DOES NOT ALLOW PEOPLE TO TOUCH HER THAT MUCH AT ALL.I LIVE ALONE WITH NO ONE TO HELP ME TO HOLD HER DOWN...I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW OF ANYTHING I COULD PUT IN HER FOOD TO CURE IT AS HER EARS ARE A MESS AND I FEEL SO BADLY I CANNOT GET TO HELP HER. THANKS FOR ANYONE TO SUGGEST SOMETHING."
03/06/2008: Lyn from Salinas, CA replies: "Lisa from In the Country, Massachusets: PLEASE revisit and tell us exactly WHICH medication you used. I doubt that all of them are effective and some are significantly more expensive than others."
03/16/2008: Timothea from Newberry, FL replies: "To Lisa from In the country, massachusetts--Please come back and tell us exactly what flea/tick med you use-one drop /ear to end mites. Thanks."
03/25/2008: Sue from Shrewsbury, MA replies: "I read a posting from "In the Country" MA regarding one drop of flea and tick treatment to rid cats of ear mites. Is there any way you can contact her to find out what product she used? If not, would it be safe for me to try ONE drop in each ear of Frontline on my cat for ear mites? Thank you for your help!"
04/29/2008: Tia from Auckland, New Zealand replies: "Hi Cecily, and others with similar problems, I know how this is going to sound, but when we love our cats sometimes we have to do things they hate in order to help them, what I've done with cats that I've rescued and needed things like ear drops, pills, etc, is to use the sleeve of a thick coat, and literally put the cat through it so the head only comes out the end, and YES the cats in question would dislike me for a few days, but with patience and treats they always trusted me again.You can buy a cheap thick coat at an op shop, ones with liner are better, as it helps get the cat in and out, and you can cut the sleeve off with extra material around the entrance."
06/16/2008: Meredith from Greenwich, CT replies: "I know that I'm not supposed to mention a product name, but perhaps the filters will let this through for the sake of information. Revolution kills ear mites. I have used it with great success (and no harmful side effects) on two of my cats. My mother is a vet tech, and she advises 2-4 drops in each ear. Be advised that Frontline does not kill ear mites, so make sure that you buy Revolution. The good news is that even though it's expensive, you only need to apply it once. For the cat who will not suffer ear drops, you can apply Revolution topically to the neck (a normal application as described in the Revolution info packet) and it should kill the mites. This is, of course, not a holistic remedy. However, when cats have chronic ear problems, it really affects their quality of life. Sometimes you need to bring out the big guns. Hope this helps!"
EC: We've had a lot of requests for the name of the medication from Lisa (who never responded to the questions), so thanks for this...
08/24/2008: Margaret from Upper Darby, PA replies: "RE: Holding down a cat:
An easy, friendly way to hold a cat so that you don't get shredded during care is to toss a quillt over their back, as they are unsuspecting, then wrap them up in your arms and hold them like a baby. you can hold them with one hand and give care with the other. Have all your supplies on a table beforehand, so you can easily grab them with your one hand. Eventually your cat will know that when you do this he/she does not need to be scared. My cat no longer needs to be wrapped up when I cut her nails. She growls quietly, but is never violent."
11/22/2011: Animegirl from Milford, Oh replies: "hi, I have a four month old munchkin male kitten. I just got him neutered, but the vets office said he had ear mites. I just got him a little over a week ago when this happened. I have another cat and two chihuahuas I know it can spread. The vets office did say the treated the ears, but I still see the black looking stuff in his ears. I do own zymox will that kill ear mites? Also I see the same black stuff in his nose is that ear mites as well? My brother told me I could use alcohol and peroxide- will that work or will it hurt his ears since he has been itching them?"
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