Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Can I treat my dog's and cat's ear mites at home without a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 50 lbs

My friend has 2 dogs and 3 cats all with ear mites. I dont think they'll be able to take all of them to vets. I was wondering if there was something they could do at home to help clear them up? They have alcohol wipes, neosporin, hydrogen peroxide, vaseline n a few other things. And I heard oils could help, but dont know if sesame, or vegetable would be appropriate. Or is there a medicine we could get from somewhere besides a vet? I feel bad for the itchy eared critters

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 3rd, 2019

No, do not put oil in their ears! That will make things so much worse! Unfortunately no, this cannot be treated at home, they need medication from the vet to treat the ear mites. Revolution is an excellent product that kills ear mites. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 7th, 2018
Ear mites are transmitted from animal to animal either when the cat shakes its head and mites are thrown around or when direct contact occurs between an infected animal and a non-infected animal.

Your carpet and furniture can receive ear mites from your pet, but chances of their survival are minimal. The ear mites can only live in the ears and a few other specific parts of the body. These mites cannot survive for a long period of time in external environments off the host animal.

I personally would not worry about this being an issue but if would make you feel better to treat the environment then I would use this product. It does not specifically state on the label that it kills ear mites but I assure you it will.

http://www.allivet.com/p-1389-knockout-es-area-treatment.aspx

I hope this helps. Best wishes.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My cat has ear mites, Revolution isn't working. Need OTC help!

Cute kitty! It may take 3-4 weeks for the revolution to completely rid the infection. You can purchase Eradimite or Otomite without a prescription and this may help rid the infection more quickly. Not sure if the Zymox you’re using is the treatment drops (which are great) or the cleanser (also a great product) but if it’s not the cleanser you are using already, then get some type of ear cleanser to help break up the “gunk” and get them out of there. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has very bad ear mites in both ears. How can I treat them?

Canaural (medication with Diethanolamine Fusidate, Framycetin Sulphate, Nystatin and Prednisolone) can be used safely and effectively to get rid of mites in few days. I would recommend to take Joy to your veterinarian and have him treated appropriately. Unfortunately home remedies are not that effective in this case. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has dark ear wax, coffee grounds. Ear mites? OTC treatment?

It could be ear mites, and unfortunately I can't diagnose Peaty online because I can't see him in person or examine the wax coming out of his ears. Revolution treats ear mites, but I do highly recommend a vet visit for this problem. This is because ear infections in dogs can also be caused by yeast or bacteria, and in order to treat him properly, the cause needs to be diagnosed. I certainly don't want you to spend money on a treatment that ends up being ineffective because it isn't the correct medication for the ear infection (Revolution does not treat yeast or bacterial ear infections). I would make an appointment for him to be seen by a vet for this problem so it can be treated correctly the first time. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

How can I safely treat ear mites on my aggressive dog at home?

If you can get a muzzle on him, then you can treat the ears. Discuss mild sedation or tranquilizers with your veterinarian. Either may make it easier, and safer, to treat Diesel. Revolution topical will also treat ear mites in dogs.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Kitten ear mites: Can I treat them if her ears are scratched?

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You may want to consider treating the ear mites with a different medication which is applied to the base of the neck instead of inside the ears. This product is called Revolution and is a prescription medication you can get from your veterinarian that can be used to treat ear mites in cats. Might be a better alternative in Muffin's case. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat is lethargic after ear mite treatment. Can I treat at home?

I would be very concerned that Molasses is lethargic from giving her ear medication with pyrethrins. Cats are exquisitely sensitive to pyrethrins, and if you notice her having fully body tremors, I would have her seen by a vet immediately. Given than you've tried Revolution at home and it hasn't worked, she does have to see a vet. I would recommend trying any more treatments unless under veterinary supervision, as you may accidentally do more harm than good. It's important to have any ear problems examined and treated promptly by a vet, as leaving it untreated can lead to hearing loss. I would have Molasses seen by a vet tomorrow.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Can I use Revolution on my cat with ear mites and an ear hematoma?

Yes, it's safe to use Revolution on cat with ear mites, but your cat will still need to see the vet the aural hematoma. Revolution will not treat that, only the ear mites, and the hematoma will likely need to be drained and the ear flap sutured to prevent it from reoccurring. Please take your cat into the vet tomorrow if possible.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share