How do dogs get infected with ear mites

If you’ve ever watched your dog paw at their ear like it’s on fire, then noticed dark, crumbly gunk—like coffee grounds—when you peek inside, you’re probably dealing with ear mites. A new dog parent in Illinois texted me last week, confused: “My puppy’s never met another dog, but the vet said she has mites. How is that possible?” Ear mites are tiny, spider-like parasites that thrive in warm, dark ear canals, and they’re sneakier than you might think. Let’s break down how these little pests find their way to your pup, why some dogs are more at risk, and how to keep them away.

First, what are these troublemakers? Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are barely visible to the naked eye—about the size of a pinhead. They feed on ear wax and skin oils, laying eggs that hatch in 3-4 days, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. The real problem? They’re master hitchhikers. Unlike fleas, they don’t jump—they crawl. So your dog doesn’t need a direct playdate with an infected pup to pick them up. A 2022 study in Veterinary Parasitology found that mites can survive off a host for up to 6 days, lurking in carpets, bedding, or even grooming tools. That means a pup can catch them from a contaminated dog bed at the park, a shared brush at the groomer, or even a stray cat that wandered through your yard (cats get ear mites too, and they’re often carriers).

Puppies and shelter dogs are prime targets. Young pups have weaker immune systems, making it easier for mites to set up shop. Shelters, with lots of dogs in close quarters, are hotspots—mites spread like wildfire through shared spaces. My friend who fosters in Georgia learned this: “I brought home a litter, and within a week, my own dog was scratching. The mites hitched a ride on the foster’s bedding.” Breeds with floppy ears (like cocker spaniels or basset hounds) are also more at risk—their ears trap moisture and heat, creating the perfect mite paradise.

So how do they actually get in? Direct contact is the biggest culprit. A quick sniff with an infected dog at the park, a shared water bowl, or even nuzzling a stray cat—mites crawl from one host to another in seconds. But indirect contact is common too. If an infected dog shakes their head, mites can fall off into grass or onto a couch. Your pup rolls in that spot later, and the mites crawl into their ears. A golden retriever owner in Colorado found this out the hard way: “We visited a friend with a mite-infested cat, and a week later, my guy was scratching. The vet said the mites probably hitched a ride on our clothes.”

Preventing them starts with awareness. Check your dog’s ears weekly—shine a flashlight in, and look for that telltale dark crumble or red, irritated skin. If you spot it, hit the vet—they’ll confirm mites and prescribe medicated drops or a dip. Don’t try home remedies like olive oil or peroxide—they can irritate the ear and make it harder for meds to work.

Make ear checks a positive ritual. Dogs hate having their ears touched, so pair it with treats. Gently lift their ear flap, say “good boy/girl,” and offer a tiny piece of cheese. Do this for 10 seconds a day, and soon they’ll lean in instead of pulling away. Scolding them for squirming only stresses them out, and stressed dogs are less able to fight off pests—kindness goes further here, just like with training.

Let’s tie this to real-world norms. Legally, keeping your dog’s rabies vaccine current (required in all U.S. states) is key—healthy immune systems fight off mites better, and regular vet visits help catch infestations early. When at the park, avoid letting your dog sniff or nuzzle unknown dogs with crusty ears—polite distance prevents more than just mites. Always clean up after your pup, too—feces doesn’t spread mites, but good hygiene keeps shared spaces safer for everyone (fines for skipping poop bags hit $200 in Seattle).

In apartments, wash your dog’s bedding weekly in hot water—this kills any lingering mites. If you groom at home, disinfect brushes and combs with hot, soapy water after each use. And be neighborly: if your dog has mites, skip the community dog run until they’re treated—no one wants to spread the problem.

At the end of the day, ear mites are a nuisance, not a disaster. With quick treatment and a little vigilance, you can kick them out and keep them away. And the next time your pup tilts their head, ears perked, you’ll know those ears are happy—and mite-free.