The photo below shows what an adult Otodectes cynotis tick looks like under a microscope:
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Otodectosis is a chronic disease, and its danger to the dog’s health is higher, the longer the life of the ear mite continues in the pet’s ear canals.
The animal frantically scratches its ears, further injuring and polluting them, which causes areas of bacterial growth to arise, often turning into purulent otitis media. Followed by severe inflammation eardrum, its perforation occurs (holes form in it), and inflammation progresses to inner ear, and then to meninges. Usually, if otodectosis is left untreated, dogs die due to purulent meningitis.
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The eggs are whitish-gray, oval in shape, reaching 0.3 mm. The female deposits them in the ears or on the fur of a sick dog. After a short period of time, small larvae emerge from them; they are distinguished from adults by three, rather than four, pairs of legs.
The photo below shows ear mites at the site of infestation:
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Ear scabies manifests itself as a sharp, systematic itching in the area of the auricle and ear canal. Because of this, the dog shakes its ears and head vigorously and frequently, and scratches its ears with its paws. Sometimes the disease quickly progresses to the stage of purulent otitis media.
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Although ear scabies and purulent otitis are often identified, it is relatively easy to distinguish them even at home (this can be important for choosing the direction of treatment, since before starting it, it is necessary to understand what exactly caused the disease). Classic otitis is not preceded by prolonged itching; animals do not scratch their ears, as they experience severe aching pain in the ear canal. The nature of the discharge from the dog’s ears is also significantly different: when infected with ear mites, a dark brown viscous mass is present, it smells bad, crusts form, while with otitis media, the discharge is usually relatively liquid and is a derivative of suppuration.
If the disease is not detected on initial stages, inflammation can lead to perforation of the eardrum. Inflammation will follow inner ear, and behind it - the upper membranes of the brain.
The following are the main symptoms that appear when a dog is infected with ear mites:
- animals shake their heads sharply and often scratch their ears;
- whine;
- observed pathological changes in head position (dogs tilt their heads, turning sore ear down);
- the pet becomes irritable;
- sleep is disturbed, the dog does not eat well;
- puppies do not gain weight;
- Sometimes there is also an increase in body temperature.
This is interesting
The disease often occurs in chronic form. Itching may occur sporadically due to the temporary activity of mites. Sometimes the symptoms of otodectosis in a dog are very mild, but it can infect other dogs with which it comes into contact.
When treating otodectosis in dogs, you should not rely only on your own strength or seriously rely only on traditional methods treatment - it is important to consult a specialist in time. The final diagnosis is made after laboratory research discharge from a dog's ear (mites are found in it using a microscope).
How does infection usually occur?
Otodectosis in dogs is constantly recorded in all corners of Russia, but this disease does not reach epidemic proportions. Usually, foci of otodectosis are distributed locally, their boundaries correspond to farms, fur farms, as well as residential areas where a large number of stray animals gather.
This tick-borne disease It is not seasonal - dogs get sick at any time of the year.
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Lack of seasonality in life cycle ear mites are an additional problem in the prevention and treatment of ear and subcutaneous acaroses, since infection can occur even in winter, when there is severe frost outside.
However, despite the fact that ear scabies does not show signs of obvious seasonality, greatest number cases of dog infection still occur in autumn-spring period when the air is sufficiently humid. And among urban animals living in apartments, the peak of infestations occurs in summer time when pets are actively taken out for walks in nature.
Otodectosis occurs in different dogs age categories. Young animals aged from 1.5 to 5 months are most severely affected, and the disease in puppies often occurs in a complicated form. Puppies usually become infected from their mother.
The most susceptible dog breeds to ear mites are: long ears, especially hunting ones, to which the tick can pass from foxes, arctic foxes, ferrets and other predators suffering from otodectosis. Ear mites are also relatively common in:
- dachshund;
- Spitz;
- French bulldogs;
- chihuahua;
- Yorkies;
- German Shepherds.
Healthy animals in apartments and farms become infected through:
- contacts with sick dogs and cats (even short contacts on the streets during walks are enough - for example, when sniffing);
- care items that touched infected animals (ticks and their eggs remain on combs, bowls, bedding, toys of cats and dogs, so if there are several animals in the apartment, then an individual approach to their hygiene is very important);
- clothing and skin of a person who touched animals with ear scabies;
- flies and fleas, which are mechanical carriers of Otodectes cynotis eggs.
The photo below shows a cluster of ear mites in a sample of dog ear discharge:
When treating dogs for ear mites, various acaricides are used, and the first thing you should pay attention to is the variety of drug forms.
Thus, there are four main types of anti-tick medications:
- sprays;
- drops;
- ointments;
- powders.
Most of them are quite suitable for use at home, but before using this or that drug, you should definitely consult a veterinarian. Firstly, only a specialist can make a final diagnosis, and secondly, the choice of drug and concentrations will largely depend on the intensity of the infection (how advanced the otodectosis is). Thirdly, it is often also necessary to remove accompanying symptoms diseases caused by its complications.
Despite the significant difference in approaches to treating ear mites, there is a certain algorithm of action that should be followed.
First, you need to limit the contact of a sick animal with healthy ones. It is helpful to wash your dog regularly and thoroughly, but make sure that water does not get into the ears. Before entering medicinal preparations, the ear canal needs to be cleared of secretions and crusts. To do this, you need to pour into your ear saline(either a chlorhexidine solution or a special lotion for cleansing the ears), wait about 5 minutes, and then very carefully massage and clean the softened mass with a cotton swab. Only after this can you begin to administer the drug.
An example of a good lotion for cleaning the ears of cats and dogs is Otifri:
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It should be taken into account that in a dog suffering from otodectosis, massage in the area of the auricle can cause significant painful sensations Therefore, this procedure should be carried out as carefully as possible, without excessive pressure.
Drops are introduced into the ear canal with a pipette, after which the base of the ear is again exposed light massage. If ointment is applied, this is done using a tampon. The powders are carefully poured into the auricle and distributed with a cotton swab (without going deep into the ear canal). Also very convenient are sprays that are sprayed into the ear and onto the animal’s fur according to the instructions.
Most effective drugs against ear mites, drops and sprays are considered to give quick results, since they contain a high concentration of active substances and effectively penetrate into the source of the disease. In some cases, it is possible to combine products - for example, the simultaneous use of a spray and ointment.
Don't forget about possible complications diseases due to concomitant microflora. In some cases, in addition to the external use of acaricides, it may be necessary intramuscular injection antibiotics.
On a note
It is worth mentioning separately about some folk remedies, which are often used to fight ear mites. For example, you can often find recipes based on oily substances (olive and sunflower oil, kerosene), which are mixed with caustic components (garlic juice, iodine). It is assumed that the oil, getting into the ears, will envelop and suffocate the tick, and garlic or iodine will disinfect sore ear from bacteria.
Thus, when a dog is infected with ear mites, the most effective, safe and quick treatment option would be to use medications. Without the intervention of a veterinarian, the disease can lead to serious complications, often leading to disability of the dog and sometimes death.
Let's now look at examples of some of the drugs that are used today to treat dogs with otodectosis.
Effective drugs used to treat otodectosis in pets
This list contains just a few of the truly effective and time-tested medications that can quickly cure your dog of ear scabies. Moreover, this does not mean that they the best way are suitable specifically for your case - only qualified treatment under the supervision of a specialist will help you achieve the desired result in the shortest possible time.
Measures to prevent otodectosis
Besides drug treatment, it is also necessary to remember about the sanitary condition of the apartments, since ticks and their eggs very quickly disperse throughout the entire room, and if they are not destroyed here, then after some time the infection of a seemingly already cured animal can occur again.
It is useful to boil all the animal’s fabric items (bedding, clothes, toys), wash and dry all the bedding in the house in the sun. Conduct general cleaning twice a week, using available disinfectants.
Do not allow the animal undergoing treatment to come into contact with bedding. Ventilate your apartment more often. In winter, “freezing out” large long-pile carpets, sofas, and armchairs can be effective. Kennels and dog care items should be treated with any acaricidal agent. To avoid re-infection, it is necessary to monitor the dog during walks and not allow it near stray animals.
if you have personal experience treating a dog for ear mites – be sure to share the information by leaving your review at the bottom of this page. How the disease progressed in your pet, whether you went to a veterinarian or treated it yourself, what medications you used and whether you managed to cure the dog - any information will be useful to subsequent readers...
Surfaces affected by mites become compacted and covered with dried crusts. I must say, the disease looks unpleasant and, when they see formations in a pet’s ears, owners most often think that his ears are simply dirty. In fact, this is far from the case.
As already noted, tick saliva is an allergen for the animal, but not only it, but also all other products of its vital activity are toxic. Getting on the skin and its inner layers, they lead to the appearance of microscopic tears, causing itching in the dog. The pet constantly scratches and shakes its ears. Scratches and wounds appear in the ears and on the outside of the ear. Earwax mixes with lymph, tick feces and forms brown crusts.
In addition, a number of other symptoms are added:
- the dog begins to eat poorly, sometimes at all;
- the pet does not sit still, behaves restlessly;
- with severe damage, the dog may constantly tilt its head towards the affected ear.
In a clinical setting, the resulting material is studied under a microscope. If it really is a tick, then you can see tiny gray-white specks moving.
Consequences of neglected otodectosis
A tick bite is not only discomfort dog, but also possible reason various kinds of complications. If your pet is not treated, this can lead to the following consequences:
- suppuration of the resulting wounds;
- development inflammatory process in the ear - ;
- damage and further destruction of the eardrum;
- downgrade or complete loss hearing;
- inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord– meningitis.
Statistics indicate that complications develop in one out of ten cases of otodectosis. Naturally, this is not a reason to panic, but a warning - a sick animal must be treated in a timely manner.
Treatment of ear mites in dogs
There are many reasons why you should not engage in training without experience. self-treatment four-legged friend:
- Only a specialist after complex diagnostics can confirm that your pet has otodectosis.
- When selecting a drug, the doctor takes into account the individual characteristics of the dog (breed, tendency to allergic manifestations, advanced disease) and prescribes the optimal remedy.
- An experienced veterinarian will be able to calculate the required dosage, as well as the duration of the course.
Before applying external products, it is necessary to clean the ears from accumulated wax, leaked exudate, and crusts. To do this, you can wrap a piece of gauze or bandage around your index finger and wipe the inside of the sink. The bandage can be moistened with a solution boric acid, furatsilin or hydrogen peroxide. In the latter case, it is necessary to prevent the drug from flowing into the ear.
You can supplement the procedure by applying vegetable oil to the baked crusts or treating them with freshly brewed tea leaves. For this it is convenient to use cotton buds and change them as often as possible.
For the same purposes, you can purchase special lotions at a veterinary pharmacy, for example, Epi-otik or Otodin, which will facilitate the removal of crusts and eliminate bad smell, in addition, they have a pronounced antipruritic effect. They can also be used as a prophylactic agent.
For the treatment of ear mites in dogs, they are usually prescribed medicines in the form of drops. It is necessary to instill in both ears, strictly taking into account the prescribed dosage.
Among the well-known ear drops for otodectosis in dogs are the following:
- "Amitrizan Plus";
- "Otovedin";
- "Surolan";
- "Otibiovin";
- "Tsipam";
- "Aurikan";
- "Leopard".
For external processing The veterinarian may prescribe ointments:
- "Oridermil";
- "Amidel-gel";
- "Sulfuric ointment";
- "Colloidal sulfur";
- "Aversectin ointment";
- “Balsamic liniment according to Vishnevsky.”
Ointments must be warmed until room temperature, apply to the affected area with lightly massaging movements so that the medicine penetrates into the deeper layers of the epidermis.
If, after completing the therapeutic course, the subcutaneous mite appears again, it means that we are talking about incorrect or insufficient treatment, or the dog has reduced immunity.
Preventive measures against ear mites
If brownish wax begins to form, it means that the animal has become infected with ear mites.
Like most diseases, otodectosis is very easily cured at the very beginning of its development. At this stage, regular ear cleaning and the use of special drops will help relieve your pet of the disease.
If we reveal subcutaneous mite If it did not succeed, and it caused significant damage to the dog, then not only otodectosis will have to be treated, but also the secondary infection that has joined. This will require more effort and time.
The mite Otodectes cynotis lives in the external auditory canal of many carnivores (dogs, cats, ferrets, arctic foxes). It feeds on blood, lymph, earwax and skin particles, constantly releasing, of course, its waste products.
Ear mite affects animals of various ages, but young animals from 1.5 to 6 months suffer more.
How does infection occur, how is ear mite transmitted?
Ear mites are transmitted when healthy dog comes into contact with an infected person. Cases of infection through individual items (shoes, etc.) are recorded, but more often this is true for small dogs and animals with weakened immune systems. In young puppies, the source of infection is often the mother.
Symptoms
Ear mites cause an invasive disease in dogs, which, as a rule, is chronic. In the habitats of ear mites, the following occur:
- redness,
- swelling,
- during inflammation, a characteristic liquid is released, which, together with dead skin particles, earwax and mite waste products, forms black-brown crusts in the dog’s ear,
- when complicated by secondary microflora, the process moves to secondary and internal care and then to the meninges (this happens rarely).
- constant itching: the dog tries to scratch its ears on objects or intensively scratches them with its paw claws (often until it bleeds),
- the dog’s head position becomes unnatural: the head is lowered or tilted towards the affected ear,
- at neglected form diseases in the auricle, pus forms, which glues the hair on the lower edge of the ear,
- in the event of inflammation spreading to the meninges, they develop nervous disorders, during which the dog dies.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is made on the basis of signs characteristic of the presence of ear mites, as well as mandatory scraping. To do this, use an ear stick to collect dirt from inside auricle and place them on a glass slide. Press down on top with a cover glass and look under a microscope. If the dog really has ear mites, then it will be clearly visible, it will look like in the photo.
Once it is confirmed that the dog has ear mites, appropriate treatment is prescribed.
Treatment
Treatment with special preparations is carried out only after preliminary thorough cleaning of the auricle from all contaminants. There is now a large selection various means from a tick, which differ active substance, manufacturer and, of course, price. It will not be possible to remove ear mites immediately, so it is important to be patient and observe the specified interval between the use of various medications.
There are no folk remedies for the treatment of otodectosis in dogs. Applying various decoctions and infusions, you will only cause the dog unnecessary suffering and delay treatment, which will really help get rid of the tick.
Veterinary remedies for ear mites
Drops in the ears "Anandin"
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Drops against ear mites "Amitrazine"
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Drops "Bars"
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Ivermec gel
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Otovedin
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Tsipam
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How to clean a dog's ear?
Many dogs are not very fond of ear cleaning, so your pet will have to be restrained. Small breeds can be wrapped in a towel or blanket with only the head sticking out. To hold large dog Most likely, you will need a second person to hold the dog's body. The person who will directly clean the ears should sit on a comfortable chair and try to fix his head between his legs. If the dog is likely to bite, it makes sense to tie a tight bandage over the muzzle. It is also important to provide good lighting for more thorough and effective cleaning.
It should be noted that some pets, on the contrary, begin to worry more if they begin to be restrained and some kind of pressure is applied. Therefore, for starters, you can try to clean your ears without any coercive methods. At severe itching When cleaning its ears, a dog may reflexively produce characteristic movements hind limbs.
- What to clean with? You can clean your dog's ears with regular ear sticks or with a cotton pad wrapped around index finger. Application medical instruments(for example, a clamp can comfortably hold a cotton swab) requires some experience.
- How to start? With your left hand, holding it, straighten the dog’s ear. Right hand begin to clean out impurities from all anatomical recesses in the ear, gradually going deeper towards ear canal. The movements should be from top to bottom so that the dirt is lifted outward and not pushed even deeper. Don’t be afraid to insert the ear stick too deep; a dog’s ear is designed differently than a human’s and you won’t damage the eardrum.
- To cleanse the ear of dry debris A cotton swab can be moistened in a solution of hydrogen peroxide or Chlorhexidine bigluconate 0.05%. It is also permissible to use these drugs if the dog has abrasions in the ear from scratching with its claws.
- Use of lotions. There are many special lotions for hygienic cleaning pet ears. Such lotions have a softening effect: they reduce itching and redness in the ears. Certainly, correct application They will greatly facilitate the cleaning process, but they are more expensive than conventional products (peroxide and chlorhexidine). A few drops of lotion are placed inside the dog’s ear and massaged. auricle within a minute. The components of lotions soften all accumulated impurities, and they fall away almost by themselves. The dog is allowed to shake its head, after which the remaining lotion and dirt are carefully removed with a cotton pad.
Ear hygienic cleaning products
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Lotion Bars for cleaning ears, Russia. Price 110 rubles |
Lotion 8 in 1 EXCEL, USA The cost is about 270 rubles. |
Otifry, Poland Price 480 rubles. |
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Price 900 rubles. |
Hydrogen peroxide solution Price from 10 rubles |
Chlorhexidine bigluconate solution 0.05% Price 20 rubles |
How to apply ear drops or ointment?
In long-haired dog breeds, it makes sense to cut off the hair during treatment. inner surface auricle, otherwise medications will not reach deeper sections and the meaning of treatment disappears.
The dog's auricle is straightened towards the back of the head (as if turned inside out). The nozzle from a tube of ointment or from a bottle of drops is immersed as deeply as possible, but so that you can see how much of the drug you will inject. After which the ear is returned to its natural position and massaged for a minute to distribute the medicine evenly.
Some drugs can cause discomfort (burning) to the dog, this is especially true if there are wounds in the ear. Therefore, it is necessary to be patient with the dog and at the end of all procedures, reward the pet with a treat or distract it with a toy.
Many owners believe that if ear mites are found in dogs, they can treat it themselves. And often pets are healed really quickly, without any health consequences. But the owner is not always able to accurately determine the cause of the disease, and this is lost time. What symptoms do ear mites cause in dogs and what can be done to overcome the disease at the very beginning of its development?
Otodectosis affects all pets, regardless of breed, age and living conditions. A dog can become infected while walking, through the owner’s hands and clothes, or by interacting with a stray. In addition, cats pose a danger - they are more susceptible to otodectosis and are more often carriers of this disease. in dogs raising offspring, this is one of the reasons for the slow development of puppies, which inevitably become infected from a sick mother and suffer the disease more severely than adult animals.
If, for example, Demodex in dogs causes symptoms throughout the body, then ear mites are localized only on the inner surface of the ear and inside the auricle. These mites eat, live and reproduce in the dog’s ear, without spreading to the muzzle, chest and other parts of the body (i.e. if the pet is bothered not only by the ears, this is not otodectosis).
Read also: Gastritis in dogs: forms, symptoms and manifestations
Symptoms of otodectosis
Over time, the pet scratches its ear more and more often and more violently, tearing the skin until it bleeds. The ear feels hot to the touch and the skin color turns bright red. More often, the disease begins in one ear, and the second looks absolutely healthy, but after a few days (rarely up to 2 weeks), ear mites in dogs also show symptoms on the second ear. Bacteria penetrate into the wounds left by claws - the skin becomes inflamed, smells unpleasant, becomes covered with crusts and ulcers. The pet continues to tear its ears, holds its head unnaturally (tilting towards the affected ear), shakes its head, rubs its ears against furniture, carpet, etc.
Infection with ear mites (i.e. otodectosis) is naively considered by some owners to be a “trifling” disease that does not pose a danger to the dog. But that's not true. The pathology may well lead to complete hearing loss or sepsis. Therefore, for treatment and prevention, ear mite drops for dogs are definitely needed.
Finally, let’s define what is dangerous for dogs:
- The risk of otitis media increases almost 100%.
- Possible.
- The danger increases sharply.
- Sick animals experience a significant decrease in immunity.
How to properly bury a dog's ears
Now we’ll tell you how to properly bury your dog’s ears. In order for the drug to show maximum effectiveness, you must first clean the ears using cotton swabs or disks moistened with sterile vegetable oil or 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Having instilled the medicine, you need to fold the auricle in two and massage its base: this way the medicine will be better distributed throughout all the “nooks and crannies” and will no longer flow out of the ears.
List of drugs: their advantages and disadvantages
So, on the pages of this article we will describe the main means used in the treatment and prevention of otodectosis in dogs. Of course, it is unrealistic to present the entire list of drugs within the framework of the material (there are a lot of them), but we will describe the main and most effective remedies.
Surolan
The drug has not only an acaricidal effect. It suppresses the activity of microbial microflora, accelerates the healing of mite-affected tissues, and also prevents the development of allergic reactions. The medicine is specialized, used only for the treatment of otodectosis. The composition contains miconazole and prednisolone (the latter has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect).
For two weeks, five drops are dripped into each ear of a sick pet once daily.
The use of the product is strictly prohibited if the dog has a damaged eardrum (or there is a suspicion of it).
There are no other contraindications; drops can be used to treat even pregnant and lactating bitches.
Read also: Glycopene for cats: principle of action, indications for use, dosage
Oritsin
As in the previous case, the drug not only destroys mites, but also suppresses inflammation, constricts blood vessels (which also helps against inflammation and allergic reactions), suppresses the development of fungal microflora, and also has a local anesthetic effect. Ivermectin is the main “impact agent”; tetracaine is used as an auxiliary anesthetic substance.
A weekly treatment period is indicated. The medicine is dripped twice a day, every day. Any damage to the dog's eardrum is also a complete contraindication to the use of the medicine. In addition, other acaricidal drugs, especially those based on ivermectin and its analogues, should not be used simultaneously with Oritsin. This is done to avoid damage to the liver and kidneys.
Stronghold
These are also drops, but not ear drops (for application to the withers). The drug is very “versatile”: with its help you can treat not only otodectosis, but also protect the animal from other ticks, other bloodsuckers, as well as worms. The advantage of the medicine is that it can be used to cope with almost any case of ear mite infestation. The main component is selamectin.
Let us emphasize once again - the drops can only be used externally; instilling it into the ears is strictly prohibited! It can only be applied to the base of the skull, between the shoulder blades, and along the vertebrae. Can be used once. You can re-treat your pet, but only after a month.
Contraindications
In the case of “Stronghold”, contraindications need to be listed separately:
- Treatment of pets under six months of age is prohibited.
- Do not treat weakened pets or sick ones.
- Medicine and moist skin are incompatible!
Selamectin is quite toxic, and therefore it is strongly recommended not to eat, drink, smoke, etc. during treatment. In addition, it is forbidden to allow the dog near children for two hours after treatment.
"Leopard"
Helps destroy ticks, and also relieves inflammation and suppresses the development of secondary pathogenic microflora. Diazinon is used as the active ingredient. The treatment is two-fold: on the first day, three drops of the product are instilled into each ear once. A week later, the procedure is repeated, the dose is the same, but the treatment is carried out twice a day. If necessary, a second course of treatment can be carried out after another two weeks.
The medicine must not be used to treat dogs with mechanical damage ear canal (components of the product may enter the bloodstream).
Otoferonol Gold
A specific drug used only for the treatment of otodectosis. Has a powerful acaricidal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. Includes alcohol infusion propolis, the main active ingredient is deltamethrin, as well as cycloferon.
Read also: What to feed a kitten with diarrhea: a list of healthy and healthy foods
The course of treatment is five drops in each ear, once a day with an interval of one week. If necessary, the therapeutic course can be repeated.
Amitrazine
These drops are used as aid in the treatment of otodectosis. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, soften the skin and accelerate regeneration processes, suppress the development of putrefactive and fungal microflora in the lumen of the ear canals.
Contains: amitraz and dimexide. Apply six times, every other day. Five drops are placed in each ear. Strongly not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Aurikan
One of the most the best drugs. These drops have a combined effect, allowing you to simultaneously destroy mites, suppress inflammatory and allergic reactions. In addition, the product is characterized by a weaker antifungal effect. The drug is specific, intended specifically for the treatment of otodectosis. Contains lindane and prednisolone.
For small dogs, five drops are instilled into each ear, for representatives of medium breeds - 15 drops, for large animals - 30 drops. In the first week of treatment, the medicine is used daily, once a day. The next month - once a day, twice a week. It is strictly forbidden to treat dogs with these drops if their eardrum is damaged.
Amit Forte
Contraindications
- Treatment of pregnant and lactating bitches is strictly prohibited.
- Puppies younger than one month old should not be treated.
- They should not be used on pets who are sick or recovering from infections.
As with Stronghold, you should not drink, smoke, or eat while using the drug. During the day after treatment, the dog should not be allowed to come into contact with small children.
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