EAR MITE.
Cats usually have more of a problem with ear mites than dogs, but it's not unknown for dogs to have them too. Ear Mites are quite different from the mites that cause mange. Ear mites can sometimes be seen without a microscope when in clusters and are visible under a magnifying glass. They live deep inside the ear canal in the lining of the skin, and like to feed on ear wax and tissue fluids, while the mites' saliva tends to increase the amount of ear wax avaiable to feed on. Some cats don't seem to be bothered by the presence of ear mites while others itch intensely causing ferocious scratching at the ears. Many older cats seem to build up immunity to the ear mite infestation, which is why young cats frequently show greater signs of discomfort.
Ear mites are contagious and are frequently transmitted from momma cat to the kittens, as well as to any other animals in the household, including dogs, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and any other furry mammals, caged or otherwise. Multiple pet households should watch for and treat for ear mites in all their animals if ear mites are found in even one of their pets.
Dogs can get ear mites at any age but younger pets are more susceptible. Ear mites are found more often in long-eared dogs, which have more of a problem than other dogs.
Ear Mites canresult in severe damage. The telltale indicators that your pet has ear mites can be itchy ears and it scratches at the base of its ears or shakes its head a lot. Yet, when you look closely you cannot see any evidence of fleas that you think might be causing the itchiness. You need to suspect Ear Mites. Another indicator is when you rub your animal's ears hard it shakes its head vigorously when you stop rubbing. Another indicator of the presence of Ear Mites is a discharge or build up of ear wax in the animal's ears that looks like coffee grounds, and the ears have an unpleasant odor.
Constantly scratching its ears can cause damage to the tiny blood vessels inside the animal's ears that can lead to swelling, and possible infections from the broken blood vessels which can lead to eventual hearing loss or deafness. If the condition appears severe it's best to take your pet to the vet and have its ears checked and cleaned out professionally. It is not suggested that an owner try to clean out their pet's ears themselves because damage could be done to the ear canal or the ear drum.Anotherr problem that shouldbe checked out by the vetis when the animal's hair around the ears gets balled up inside the earcanal, and the treatment remedy cannot get to the source of the mite infestation.