Healthcare | Hunting Dogs - Training

One thing that every hunter needs when out with their gun dogs in the field is a first aid kit for dogs.  You can find a first aid kit for dogs that has everything that you need to help your dog in case he get injured in the hunt.  Many hunters do not even carry first aid kits for themselves when they are out in the field.  We often think that nothing is going to happen and do not think about first aid until we are tearing something up to try to bandage a wound. 

 

The care of your gun dog rests in your hands.  It is your responsibility to make sure that you do your best to take care of him while both in the field and off.  First aid kits for dogs are practical and very inexpensive.  They should contain the items that you need in case your dog gets injured when you are hunting. 

 

Some of the most important items that you should look for in your first aid kits for dogs include the following: 

 

Dog First Aid Guide

A dog first aid guide that teaches you the basics of how you can help mend your dog until you can get him to the veterinarian is crucial in a first aid kit.  This guide will teach you how to use the items that are contained in your first aid kit and why.   This guide is meant to be used for emergency situations when no vet is present.  You should not use a dog first aid guide as a way to treat your animal when you are at home. 

 

Tweezers

Dogs can get splinters stuck in the pads of their paws that can be very painful.  Tweezers or a splinter remover can get the splinter out of his pad and will make him feel more comfortable.  Just like humans, splinters should be removed from your dog at the first sign so that they do not get buried deep in the skin.  If untreated, a splinter can sometimes cause an abscess, an infection that can run through the entire body and can even cause death.  Make sure that your dog first aid kits have tweezers or splinter removers. 

 

Hydrogen Peroxide

This is meant to clean out a wound and ward off any further infection.  You should use hydrogen peroxide with a sterile gauze pad before you treat a wound or a splinter.  You will want to make sure the area is clean before you begin using tweezers on your dog. 

 

Iodine

If your dog gets a splinter or small cut, iodine is one way that you can prevent it from being infected.  Again, the cut should be cleaned out with hydrogen peroxide and then the iodine administered to the cut.  You can then bandage the cut with gauze and tape. 

 

Antibiotic Ointments

These are used in case your dog gets stung by a bee or other insect.  You will want to make sure the stinger is out and apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent an infection. 

 

Eyewash

If your dog gets something in his eyes, you will want to be able to clean them out using a sterile eyewash.  This can make him feel much better in no time. 

 

Trauma Pad

 If your dog gets injured to the point where he cannot walk, you can place him in a portable heavy trauma pad and transport him to the car.  Before you do this, you should make sure that your gun dog has been

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Heartworm is one of the most serious diseases your bird dog can face and quite often is fatal.  The good news is that heartworm can easily be prevented by giving your dog a prescription that you will get from your vet.   This pill is given once a month and should be given all year long to gun dogs. 

 

Heartworm is a parasite infection that is transmitted to dogs in various different ways.  The primary carrier of this type of infestation are mosquitoes.  However, dogs can get heartworm from foxes, coyotes and even other dogs.  Heartworm is difficult to detect in early stages and is often fatal in dogs. 

 

How To Protect Your Dog From Heartworm

 

You can protect your dog from heartworm by taking him to the vet and making sure that he gets yearly heartworm protection.  This is usually administered orally and is taken once a month.   Pets usually get this preventative treatment in the warm months when they are most likely to get bitten by mosquitoes, but gun dogs come into contact with other animals more often and spend more time outdoors, so it is imperative that you protect your dog from this parasite.  Prior to giving your dog preventative treatment for heartworm, the vet may require a blood test to make sure that your dog does not already have the condition.   Any type of dog is susceptible to heartworm.   Prevention is the best option as this parasite is very difficult to treat. 

 

Symptoms of Heartworm

 

Loss of weight is one of the earliest symptoms of heartworm that you can notice in your dog.  You may also notice that he is coughing after exercise.  This usually occurs because the parasite has infected his lungs.  Heartworm stays in the system for six months before becoming active, at which time the worms begin to manifest and work their way into his organs.   If your dog has not been protected against heartworm, you should not wait for symptoms to appear.  Take him to the vet, get a blood test and begin protection. 

 

Diagnosis of Heartworm

 

Heartworm is diagnosed with a blood test.  However, this test is not always accurate.  If the heartworm is a male infection, then it is more difficult to diagnose in a blood test.  As is the case if the count of worms is low or just beginning.  This is why it is so important to prevent the infection from occurring. 

 

Treating Heartworm

 

Heartworm is a very serious condition that can be spread from one dog to another.  Treatment depends on the stage of the infection and how much damage the parasites have done to his organs.  Your pet has to be entirely healthy to be treated for heartworm.  If you have other dogs, they should be tested for heartworm as it easily spreads from dog to dog. 

 

In order to treat heartworm in dogs, all of the organs should be well functioning and healthy.  The vet will check his heart, liver and kidney to make sure that they are healthy.  If there is any damage to these organs, it must be rectified before the treatment can begin. 

 

The substance that is used to treat heartworm is arsenic based.  This can make your dog tired and cause him to lose energy.  He will have to rest for several weeks and expel the heartworms in his stool.  Follow up treatment is necessary, once your dog is strong enough, to insure that there are no remaining worms. 

 

Heartworm is a deadly parasite that can be prevented with proper maintenance.  Make sure you talk to your vet about obtaining heartworm prevention medicine. 

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Dogs get skin conditions like other types of mammals, including humans.  One of the most common types of skin conditions that some bird dogs get is ringworm.  Ringworm can be caused by a fungal infection as well as an infection from a parasite.  In most dogs, ringworm is caused by fleas. 

 

Symptoms of Ringworm In Dogs

 

Dog skin conditions such as ringworm are very common.  It is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition so that it can be remedied.  Ringworm is uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to more serious complications.  Signs and symptoms of ringworm in dogs include:

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  Loss of hair in a circular fashion, usually on the head and legs
  
  


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  Circular patches that are red and may have a dry crust
  
  


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  Excessive scratching, usually at the head and legs
  
  

Diagnosis of Ringworm

 

If your dog exhibits any type of skin condition that is persistent, it is your obligation to take him to the vet so that he can be treated.  Only a veterinarian can diagnose ringworm in your dog; this is not something that you should attempt to do on your own.  

 

Your vet will take a look at your dog and normally make a clinical diagnosis based upon the condition as presented.  Other tests that can be done include blood tests as well as skin scrapings that will be able to determine if the condition is caused by skin parasites.  Most likely, your vet will want to rule out any underlying conditions that can cause this type of rash. 

 

Treatment of Ringworm

 

If the ringworm is caused by fleas, as it often is, the fleas will have to be eliminated to clear up the problem.  This is often done with a flea bath that will kill these parasites.  If infection is also present, then the dog will most likely be given antibiotics.  The sooner you get your dog to the vet for the treatment of ringworm, the better off he will be.   It can take several weeks for the ringworm condition that is caused by fleas or ticks to heal.  

 

Prevention of Ringworm

 

While you cannot prevent all skin conditions and gun dogs, in particular, may be prone to other parasites that can cause this condition, such as ticks, you can take preventative measures.  Examine your dog for signs of infestation and keep his coat clean and groomed.  Flea powder can be used in some cases as can special types of dog soap that is designed to keep his coat shiny and ward off infestation. 

 

If you suspect your dog has ringworm or some other type of skin condition, do not ignore it.  Take him to the vet, get a diagnosis and begin treatment.  The sooner that you get your dog in for proper treatment, the easier it will be to get rid of the ringworm.  Skin is his largest organ and often, things that may be wrong with your dog will reflect upon his coat.  If your dog loses patches of hair, is scratching, or has a rash, it is best to get him checked out by the vet. 

 

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Just like humans, dogs also get ear infections, a condition known as Otitis.  There are a number of different reasons why dogs get ear infections and certain gun dog breeds are more prone to ear infections than others.  Labrador Retrievers and Springer Spaniels are two breeds of gun dogs that often develop this condition.  This is because these dogs usually have a lot more hair in and around their ear canal that can promote the growth of yeast or bacteria that may result in an infection.  In addition, Retrievers can pick up ear infections by coming into contact with bacteria found in water.  Any dog, however, can develop ear infections which is why you need to know the symptoms of ear infections in dogs and how this condition is treated. 

 

Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections

 

Ear infections are painful for your dog and can, in some severe cases, lead to deafness.  Some of the symptoms that you should look for are both clinical as well as behavioral.  Signs and symptoms of dog ear infections include:

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  Discharge from the ears that may be yellow or green in color and foul smelling
  
  


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  Excessive scratching their ears or pawing at them
  
  


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  Shaking their heads excessively
  
  

The above are early signs of a dog ear infection.  If untreated, the infection will usually move from the outer ear to the inner ear.  Signs and symptoms of inner ear infections in your dog include:

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  Disorientation
  
  


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  Falling or uneasy gait
  
  


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  Decreased ability to hear
  
  


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  Unusual eye movements
  
  

It is important that you take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect that he is suffering from ear infections as this is not only uncomfortable for your dog, but can be more difficult to treat as the infection progresses. 

 

How Dog Ear Infections Are Diagnosed

 

The vet will examine the ears of your dog with a special scope to see the infection.  Often, the vet will have a scope with a camera end that can reflect what is inside the ear on a computerized screen.  The inside of the ear will be very red and may have puss present.  Your vet will want to rule out the presence of ear mites in the examination.  In most cases, the clinical presentation will be enough for your vet to make a diagnosis and advise proper treatment. 

 

Treating Dog Ear Infections

 

In most case, the vet will prescribe medication, usually ear drops, that are placed in his ears and then the ears massaged.  Your vet will most likely clean out his ears at the office and then give you drops to use at home.  In some cases, the vet will need to flush the ears out, which usually requires the dog to be sedated.  In most cases, the condition will clear up quickly with this treatment. 

 

If your dog continues to suffer from repeated ear infections, your vet might want to do a blood test to see if there are any underlying causes, such as parasites.  In most cases, however, the condition will be cleared up quickly, however the sooner you act, the better for your dog. 

 

There are many homeopathic remedies on the market today that are used to treat dog ear infections, however, it is not recommended that you try to treat your dog for this condition in this manner as some ear infections that are caused by parasites or bacteria require medical care.  You can help prevent dog ear infections by using an ear wash that is recommended by your vet and keeping his ears clean. 

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Roundworm is another name for heartworm, a very serious condition that can affect your dog.  Gun dogs, especially, are prone to this condition as they are often outdoors and in wooded areas.  Not only can roundworm affect your dog, but it can be transmitted to humans as well.  Although humans do not exhibit the same symptoms of this disease, they can transmit the disease to other dogs. 

 

Roundworm is a parasitic disease that is spread to dogs usually through mosquitoes.  Gun dogs, however, may get roundworm from being around other dogs that are infested as well as coming into contact with other animals often found in the woods such as coyotes or foxes.  Prevention of roundworm is essential in your gun dog as treatment can be very difficult.  Often, roundworm leads to death. 

 

Prevention of Roundworm

 

Roundworm, or heartworm, should be prevented by giving your dog a tablet that he will take every month.  You should mark this date on your calendar each month so that you do not forget to give him the pill. This simple pill can potentially save the life of your dog.  Often, by the time that roundworm is discovered, it is too late to do anything to treat the animal. 

 

Dogs that are pets are often treated to prevent roundworm during the summer months for those that are living in four season climates as the primary carrier of the disease are mosquitoes.  Gun dogs, on the other hand, should be given preventative tablets all year long as they are more likely to come into contact with other animals that may carry the parasite. 

 

Symptoms of Roundworm

 

Early symptoms of roundworm are usually not detected as they are very subtle.  The roundworm will remain in the system of your dog for six months after infestation, after which they will begin to spread through the other organs, including the brain.  Many times, the symptoms will present as a cough.  You will find your dog coughing and not having the same amount of energy as he once had.  He may also start to lose weight.  This condition can persist for months before it becomes noticeable.  Eventually, roundworm often leads to heart failure. 

 

Diagnosis of Roundworm

 

Roundworm can be diagnosed by the use of a blood test.  There is a difference between the female roundworm infection and the male infections with the male infections easier to treat.  The earlier you get the diagnosis of roundworm for your dog, the better his chances of getting the treatment he needs to save his life.  It is possible to treat and cure roundworm in your dog. 

 

Treatment of Roundworm

 

The treatment of roundworm is very extensive and costly.  The roundworms must be destroyed and this is usually done with a prescription.  This is also very taxing on your dog.  After this treatment, your dog will begin to excrete dead worms in his stool.   Follow up treatment is often necessary to make sure that all of the worms are out of his system. 

 

The problem with treating roundworm is that damage is often done to the organs that have been infested.  Treatment for roundworm in your dog depends on the amount of damage that has already been done to your dog, the age of your dog and his general health. 

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Hunting dogs are exposed to dangers on virtually every excursion.  Whether this be from the actual prey defending itself, to environmental dangers that a hunting dog is exposed to, it is important to know how to respond should your dog become injured while in the field.  Being prepared is essential.

Before departing for any hunt, you should carry a first aid kit- not just for yourself and those in your hunting party, but also one that is specifically for dogs you will be using to flush, track, or retrieve prey.  Your canine first aid kit should contain Vet wrap, Bacitracin or other antibacterial ointments,  bandages and dressings/pads, hydrogen peroxide, and children’s chewable pain relievers.  Some kind of inert, sterilized wash or solution should be carried as well.  For long excursions, it may be wise to pack and become knowledgeable in the use of inject-able penicillin, anti-venom, and leg splints.

Injuries typically occur in the following areas:

Eyes:
As a dog roars through the underbrush chasing prey, branches whipping past may cause injury to the eyes.  The prey itself may scratch or bite the bird dogs eyes in an attempt to defend itself.  Unlike our own eyes, dogs’ are much more impervious to injuries.  However, should this happen, it is important to note that injured eyes are prone to infection.  Being that it is nearly impossible to “dress” an eye, special attention must be paid to injuries of this sort.  They should be kept clean with sterilized solution, and antibacterial ointment that is safe for eyes should be applied regularly.  A veterinarian should be consulted immediately after the hunt.

Ears:
Some dogs have had their ears shredded or even ripped off while in the pursuit of prey.  Fortunately, the ear is simple to treat.  Wounds to the ear should be cleaned thoroughly, and treated with antibacterial ointment to prevent infection.  Dressing the wound carefully will prevent further injury and promote rapid healing.  This can be accomplished with sterilized wound pads, secured in place with vet wrap.  The vet wrap can be wrapped around the head for added security.  Prevent your dog from scratching at the area in order to avoid further irritation or infection.

Lips/Nose:
Injuries to the lips and nose are not easy to treat in the field.  If severe enough, your dog may need to be temporarily relieved of his hunting duties for emergency treatment.  Keep the affected areas clean, and seek veterinary care upon your return.  Remember that, especially with scent hounds, immediate treatment and rest of these areas should be a priority, as they are very highly developed and sensitive organs.

Feet/Legs:
Injuries to the feet and legs are common, and can be severe.  Broken legs must be treated immediately by a professional.  A splint can be used, but care should be taken when applying one that you do not get bitten by your dog.  A solid field wound care manual is essential to understand how to appropriately apply a splint.  Broken toes are not as severe, and in most cases a veterinarian will not do more than provide pain medicine, and ask you to keep your dog still for some time.  Lacerations or cuts can be treated almost entirely yourself.  As with all wounds, the affected area will first need to be cleaned.  This may involve cutting or shaving away sections of hair.  Remove any particles or debris from the wound, rinse with inert solution, and apply antibacterial ointment.  Dress with a wound pad, and secure with vet wrap.  For wounds that require stitches, you can purchase tape that will actually act as a stitch.  Close the wound using the tape, and then dress as you normally would.  Remember that bandages need to be kept dry, and should be changed twice a day.  If infection sets in, it is vital to seek veterinary care, as a dog can quickly become septic in the field.

Although you cannot foresee every possible scenario, you can be as prepared as possible.  Talk to your vet and have them help you put together a canine first aid kit, and instruct you in its use.  Train your dog to hunt in a controlled manner so as to limit its own potential for injury.  Being prepared is the key, however, we all know that our dogs quite literally go into different worlds when they are on the hunt, and sometimes even they do not know when they have been injured.  For this reason, you should regularly check your hunting dog’s ears, eyes, face, feet, and legs for injuries.  If you’ve planned right and prepared accordingly, you can mitigate, limit, and treat injuries in the field effectively and safely.

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Although dental care for dogs is a relatively new concept for most people, it is quickly becoming an important and growing field of medicine.  This is because people are recognizing its inherent value in providing healthier and longer lives for our beloved animals.   If you are new to dental care for your own dog, or if you are a new dog owner, then it might prove useful for you to have a general understanding of canine dental care. 
Dogs may be an entirely different species than humans, however, we share some common issues.  As a human, you know that brushing your teeth, going to the dentist, and having regular oral care is an extremely important part of your health.  The same is true of dogs.
Just like a human, if a dog’s teeth are neglected, over time they will deteriorate.  A lack of dental care will cause pain, discomfort, and illness for a dog; in almost the exact same way as it will in a human.  This occurs in three stages:

Plaque builds up on the teeth. 

This is essentially the decomposition of sugars and other food particles, and it creates bacteria.  This is occurring constantly, but is lessened by eating certain foods, chewing, and drinking water. 

Plaque solidifies into tartar. 

Tartar is a very hard, mineralized substance that adheres to the teeth.  The tartar build-up eventually causes Gingivitis, a disease characterized by red or swollen gums, bad breath, and sometimes slightly bleeding gums.  

Periodontal disease sets in. 

When tartar builds to a certain level on the teeth, it begins to settle under the gums, creating pockets between the teeth and gums.  These pockets are ideal environments for bacteria to proliferate in.  Damage from periodontal disease is permanent, and can include abscesses, infections, and tooth loss.     

The underlying danger with Periodontal disease is the opportunity for bacteria to leak into the bloodstream.  If this occurs, the dog could experience infections in the cardiovascular system and kidneys.  The older a dog is, the more dangerous this situation becomes.   Left untreated, your dog could die from complications related to poor dental health.  This is why dental healthcare for your dog is so important.

Your dog’s dental healthcare begins with you, at home.  You should give your dog regular oral exams; preferably every day for active dogs or dogs who chew a lot.  Look for signs of disease or injury: reddened or bleeding gums, chipped or cracked teeth, swollen lips or gums, etcetera.  Anything abnormal should be reported to your veterinarian.  Next, brush your dogs teeth; every day.  You can get supplies to do this at any pet store, online, or through your veterinarian.  Provide your dog with toys and food that will aid in tartar prevention.  

In addition to regular home exams and care, your dog needs consistent visits to the veterinarian.  Your vet will provide you with routine dental cleanings, which will consist of the following:

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  An oral exam.  Similar to what you do at home, only more thorough.  


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  X-rays.  Radiographs will check for any abnormalities that might not be visible otherwise, and will be used to ensure that all the teeth are strong enough to withstand a cleaning. 


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  Ultrasonic cleaning. (Some vets still use manual scrapers and tools.)  Your dog will be under anesthesia for this procedure, which is very simple.  This removes the tartar that has accumulated on the teeth.   


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  Polishing:  Rotary cleaner heads buff away scratches and imperfections in the teeth, areas that bacteria thrive in.

By being diligent with your dog’s dental health care, you are providing your pet with a healthy and happy life.  To aid you in this dedication, health and dental insurance is available for your dog.  Inquire with your current  insurance company, or type “Pet Health Insurance” into your favorite search engine.  And don’t forget to brush!

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The complete life span of a flea can last anywhere from 2 weeks up to 8 months. Once eggs are laid, they will hatch in 2 days to 2 weeks. Now you have larvae, which can take several months to develop. Flea larvae live in sand, gravel, loose dirt, cracks and crevices, rug edges, and in furniture. The larvae wrap themselves in a cocoon for 5 to 14 days. While in the cocoon, the developing pupa is completely resistant to insecticides. Once the pupa stage is over, an adult flea emerges.

Flea bites cause all kinds of problems for pets and people. Intense itching can lead to skin problems, hair loss and infections. A bad infestation can lead to anemia and tapeworms. Allergies to fleas saliva can cause flea dermatitis.

Luckily, today’s bird dog  owner has an arsenal of flea treatments at their disposal. Pyrethrin is a safe and widely used insecticide. Methoprene and Fenoxycarb are insect growth regulators (IGR) which prevent eggs and larvae from developing into pupae. Always treat pets and their environment at the same time.

Home and Yard
Fleas thrive in pet bedding, furniture, cushions, and thick carpeting. Vacuuming everything before treating your home makes immature fleas more accessible to insecticides. Be sure to dispose of the bag immediately since fleas will feed and grow in the bag. Wash pet bedding routinely in hot water.

In the yard, fleas live in wet, shady areas like dog houses, flower beds, and under decks or porches. Treat any location where your pet spends alot of time. Mow and rake your yard thoroughly. Clean up leaves in flower beds and under bushes to increase the areas exposed to insecticides.The garage, basement and other places with non-carpeted floors should be thoroughly mopped to get rid of flea larvae hiding in crevices. Wash pet carriers and vacuum the car!

There are many foggers and sprays that are effective treatments of your home and yard. Read and follow the directions carefully. Heavily infested areas should be re-treated in 2 or 3 weeks.

Shampoos and Dips
Bathing your dog with a flea shampoo will immediately kill any adult fleas. Flea dips are extremely strong. Read and follow directions carefully. Dips leave a lot of chemical residue. Only use it for extreme flea infestations. Don’t use a dip if you have small children.

Topical Flea Treatments
These flea treatments are applied between the shoulder blades and must make contact with the skin. They last up to 1 month. There are many brands. All kill adult fleas. Some inhibit the growth of eggs and larvae as well. Most can’t be used on puppies under 8 weeks of age. Frequent bathing reduces this treatment’s effectiveness.

Oral Flea Treatments
This pill treats fleas for 1 month. It’s basically flea birth control. Fleas bite your dog and become sterile. They die without reproducing and eventually you have a flea population of zero. This treatment doesn’t wash off and is good for pets that are indoors most of the time.

Natural Flea Control
Looking for a natural way to control fleas? First, vacuum everything thoroughly and often. This includes carpet, furniture, pillows and pet bedding. Dispose of the bag right away. Next, wash everything you can in hot water. Finally, sprinkle dried pennyroyal, pyrethrum powder or diatomaceous earth into rugs, under cushions and mattresses and in pet bedding. (Don’t use pennyroyal if your pet is pregnant.) After a few days, repeat the whole cycle.

When bathing your pet, add a few drops of a herbal flea repellant oil to the rinse water.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth over the lawn. Reapply in 7 – 10 days.
Plant Pennyroyal.
Try an herbal flea collar.
Add a little vinegar to your pet’s water.

Getting rid of a flea infestation is tricky. But these tips will help your pet and your home stay flea free.

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Ear mites are tiny parasites that live and proliferate in the ears and on the skin of some domesticated pets; especially cats, and sometimes dogs.  These mites feed on ear wax, tissue fluid, and tissue debris.  They do not bite the dog, but their presence cause a moderate to severe allergic reaction.

Ear mites live their entire lives on their host.  An adult ear mite does nothing but eat and produce offspring.  An adult ear mite lives for around two months, and can survive off of the host animal for long enough to transfer itself to another host.  In fact, ear mites are highly contagious in many mammals, with the only thing needed for transmission is close contact to an infected animal.

Adult female mites lay approximately 4-8 eggs every day.  These eggs are deposited onto the surface of the ear canal, and are held in place with ear wax and tissue secretions.  After laying, the eggs hatch within four days, emerging as larvae.  Over the subsequent three weeks, the larvae develop into two different stages of nymphs, the later stage developing enough to mate with adult males.  These nymphs are genderless until they have been mated with.  Once the mating occurs, the nymph will either emerge as a pregnant female, or a male ready to mate with nymphs.

Over time, the continual life cycle of the mites create waste buildup from their excrement, decaying bodies, and other debris in the ear canal.  This results in a severe irritation for the animal, and causes a thick black discharge to appear.  The irritation and discharge cause the body to send red blood cells to fight off the attacker.  This results in tissue bleeding, swelling and inflammation, and general discomfort for the dog.  Eventually, there is the possibility that the mites could break through the ear drum, creating further complications, including hearing loss.
Symptoms of ear mites include:

• Scratching at the ears.  In addition, mites can live anywhere on the body, and cause irritation there as well.


• Head shaking.  This is a sign that the dog is trying to dislodge the buildup it feels in its ears.


• A foul odor emanating from the ears.


• A thick, black discharge in the affected ear.

It is important to note that ear mites can be easily confused with other ear conditions, especially yeast infections.  The treatments for different ear-related ailments vary greatly, and a treatment for one condition will most likely not be effective for a different condition.  For this reason, it is important to consult with a veterinarian.  Furthermore, the only way to effectively diagnose ear mites is with an otoscope, or via an examination of suspect discharge under a microscope.

Treatment and prevention is similar to the treatment for fleas.  Infected dogs should be treated for several weeks with a commercial insecticide specifically formulated for ear mites.  This can be obtained at a pet store, feed store, or through your veterinarian.  Typically, treatment consists of placing a few droplets of medicine in the dog’s ears each day.  Keeping the ears dry and free of debris will aid in the treatment.  It should be noted that, due to the extreme level of contagion associate with this particular parasite, you will need to treat all of your pets simultaneously.
Prevention can be achieved by having your dog wear a flea collar, or giving it any of the oral medications designed to break the life cycle of a flea.  Prevention should be coupled with regular home examinations of your dog’s ears, tail, face, and feet.

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