My Dog Won't Stop Scratching Their Ears, Could It Be Ear Mites?

If your dog has been shaking their head nonstop or scratching at their ears like something’s driving them crazy, you might be dealing with ear mites. It’s an unsettling thing to notice, but it’s also very treatable – and once you know what you’re looking at, you can move quickly.

This guide will help you figure out what’s going on, whether you need to get to the vet today or can wait for a regular appointment, and what treatment looks like once you have a diagnosis.

What are ear mites in dogs?

Ear mites are tiny parasites, specifically a species called Otodectes cynotis, that live inside your dog’s ear canal. They feed on the wax and oils naturally found there and reproduce quickly. A small infestation can become a bigger problem fast if it goes untreated.

They’re more common in cats than dogs, but dogs absolutely get them, especially puppies, dogs who spend time around cats, and dogs who aren’t on a regular parasite prevention routine. They’re also highly contagious between animals, which is why treating every pet in your household at the same time matters so much.

The mites themselves are too small to see without a microscope, but the mess they leave behind is hard to miss.

Signs and symptoms of ear mites

The signs of ear mites in dogs are pretty hard to miss once you know what to look for. Here’s what you’ll likely notice:

• Constant head shaking: Your dog is trying to shake the irritation out. If it’s happening repeatedly and for no obvious reason, take it seriously.
• Scratching at the ears: Vigorous, persistent scratching – sometimes to the point of causing sores or scabs around the ear.
• Dark discharge that looks like coffee grounds: This is the most distinctive sign of ear mites. The dark, crumbly buildup in the ear canal is a mix of dried blood, wax, and mite debris. If you see it, call your vet.
• Redness and inflammation inside the ear: The ear canal may look irritated, swollen, or raw.
• Unpleasant odor: A noticeable smell coming from the ears, which can signal a secondary infection developing alongside the mites.
• Scabs or raw skin around the ear: Caused by repeated scratching. In severe cases, the scratching can break the skin.
• Head tilting: Less common, but it can happen if the infestation is severe or has moved deeper.

Should I go to the emergency vet, or can this wait?

Ear mites are uncomfortable, but they’re not an emergency. You don’t need to rush to urgent care in the middle of the night. That said, you shouldn’t leave it for weeks either.

Schedule a regular vet appointment soon if:

• Your dog is scratching or head-shaking repeatedly
• You see dark discharge or redness
• Symptoms have gone on more than a day or two

Move faster, or consider urgent care, if:

• Your dog has broken the skin
• There’s a strong smell with significant swelling
• They show pain when the ear is touched
• You see head tilting or loss of balance

Ear mites vs. ear infection: how to tell the difference

Ear mites and ear infections look nearly identical from the outside. Both cause head shaking, scratching, discharge, and odor. The coffee ground discharge is a strong indicator of mites, but it’s not a guaranteed diagnosis. This is why going straight to an over-the-counter product isn’t a great idea. Treating for mites when your dog actually has a bacterial or yeast infection won’t help, and could make things worse.

How do dogs get ear mites?

Ear mites spread through direct contact with an infected animal. A quick sniff or a play session is enough. Common routes include:

• Contact with infected cats, who are the most common carriers
• Dog parks, boarding facilities, and shelters
• Contaminated bedding or grooming tools
• Transmission from a mother or littermates to puppies

Dogs without monthly parasite prevention are at higher risk, and some preventatives also cover ear mites.

How are ear mites diagnosed?

Your vet will start with a physical exam and use an otoscope (a small, lighted instrument used to look deep into the ear canal) to check for mites directly. They’ll also swab the discharge and examine it under a microscope to confirm Otodectes cynotis and rule out bacterial or yeast infections. It’s a quick, non-invasive process most dogs tolerate well.

Treatment options

Prescription treatments work significantly better than over-the-counter options. Most OTC products only target adult mites and miss the eggs entirely. Your vet can prescribe something that addresses the full lifecycle, and in some cases, a single dose is all it takes.

Here’s what your vet may recommend:

• Selamectin (Revolution): a topical spot-on applied to the back of the neck. It kills mites and provides ongoing protection against fleas and other parasites. Because selamectin doesn’t kill mite eggs on its own, your vet may recommend a second application a few weeks later.
• Moxidectin (Advantage Multi): another topical spot-on that works similarly to selamectin, covering a range of parasites alongside ear mites. In dogs, this use is considered extra-label, meaning your vet is applying it outside its formally approved indication, which is common practice and legal when prescribed by a licensed vet.
• Oral isoxazolines (Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Credelio): the same chewables many owners already use for flea and tick prevention. They’ve shown strong effectiveness against ear mites, and some can clear an infestation in a single dose. Use for ear mites is considered extra-label in dogs. Prescription only.
• Medicated ear drops: sometimes prescribed alongside a systemic treatment, or to address a secondary infection at the same time.

Ear cleaning before and during treatment

Before treatment can work well, the ears need to be cleaned. The buildup creates a barrier that keeps medication from reaching the mites. Your vet may clean the ears at the appointment and send you home with instructions and a vet-approved cleaner.

How long does it take to get rid of ear mites?

Most dogs improve noticeably within the first week or two. Full treatment typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, because it needs to cover the full lifecycle of the parasite, not just the adults. Follow the complete course even if your dog seems better before it’s done.

Secondary ear infections

Ear mites often irritate the canal enough that bacteria or yeast move in. If your vet finds a secondary infection, they’ll treat it alongside the mites, usually with antibiotic or antifungal ear drops.

Treat all pets in the household – at the same time

Ear mites move freely between dogs and cats, so if one pet has them, the others have almost certainly been exposed. Treat all pets at the same time, even if the others seem fine. Ear mites don’t generally infest humans, so you don’t need to worry about treating yourself.

Home care during treatment

Medication does the heavy lifting, but there are things you can do at home to support the process and prevent reinfestation:

• Wash bedding in hot water: Mites can survive briefly off a host, so washing your dog’s bedding (and any shared pet bedding) in hot water during treatment helps eliminate stragglers.
• Vacuum regularly: Vacuum carpets, furniture, and anywhere your pet spends time. Daily is ideal during active treatment.
• Use a recovery cone if needed: If your dog is scratching hard enough to break the skin, a cone (also called an e-collar or Elizabethan collar) prevents further self-injury while the ears heal.
• Keep up with ear cleaning: As directed by your vet, continue gentle cleaning throughout the treatment period.

What about home remedies for dog ear mites?

You’ll find natural suggestions online: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, herbal preparations. There’s very little evidence any of these clears an ear mite infestation on their own. Some oils may offer temporary relief or smother a few mites, but they don’t address the full lifecycle and won’t touch a secondary infection. Using them instead of veterinary treatment can delay effective care.

What happens if ear mites go untreated?

Left untreated, ongoing irritation leads to chronic inflammation, which can cause:

• Severe secondary bacterial or yeast infections
• Skin damage and scarring
• Thickening and narrowing of the ear canal
• Hearing loss in serious cases

Ear mites are very treatable when caught early.

Ear mite prevention in dogs

Once you’ve cleared an infestation, you’ll want to keep it from happening again. Here’s what actually helps:

Monthly flea, tick, and parasite prevention

Several of the most widely used monthly preventatives – including products containing selamectin or moxidectin, and oral isoxazolines like NexGard and Bravecto – also provide protection against ear mites. If your dog is already on a regular monthly flea and tick prevention routine, you may already have a layer of ear mite protection built in. Ask your vet which product makes the most sense for your dog’s lifestyle.

Weekly ear checks

Make it a habit to take a quick look inside your dog’s ears once a week. You’re looking for unusual discharge, redness, odor, or anything that just doesn’t look right. Catching a problem early means treating it early – which is always better.

Regular ear cleaning

Ask your vet how often to clean your dog’s ears and what product to use. Not all dogs need the same frequency, and over-cleaning can actually cause irritation. But for dogs who are prone to ear problems, a regular cleaning routine with a vet-approved cleaner keeps the canal healthier and makes it easier to spot changes early.

Extra caution for puppies and multi-pet households

Ear mites in puppies are especially common – their immune systems are still developing, and they haven’t started parasite prevention yet. If you have a young dog or a household with multiple pets (especially cats), keep a closer eye on everyone’s ears and talk to your vet about the best prevention plan for each animal.

Does pet insurance cover ear mites in dogs?

Ear mites usually mean at least one vet visit, a prescription, and potentially follow-up care. And if you have multiple pets who all need treatment at once, costs add up fast.

If your dog develops ear mites after your Lemonade pet insurance policy is active, a base accident and illness policy covers the vet visit, diagnosis, and prescription treatment. That includes prescription preventatives like Bravecto or Simparica when they’re being used to treat an active infestation. If your dog develops a secondary ear infection alongside the mites, that’s typically covered too, as long as it’s a new, acute infection and not tied to a pre-existing or chronic condition like allergies.

The one thing to know: if your dog already had ear mites, or showed signs of them, before your policy started or within the first 14 days (the illness waiting period), that would be considered pre-existing and wouldn’t be covered.

If you don’t have coverage yet, it’s worth getting a quote, ideally before your next dog park visit.

Before we go

If your dog is scratching or you see that dark, coffee ground-like discharge, don’t wait it out. A quick vet visit gets you a confirmed diagnosis and a treatment plan that actually works. Treat every pet in the house, finish the full course of medication, and use this as a nudge to get everyone on a monthly parasite prevention routine.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC.  The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.