The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
I have recently discovered that colloidal silver works with ear mites, fungal infections, parasites, and many other issues that come with cat care. You can mix it with water and mist the ears for a cleaning solution or you can put it directly into the ear. I had a cat that had ear mites very badly. They smelled and looked like coffee grounds. She was suffering. I used olive oil to suffocate the ear mites treating each ear twice a day. Now my cat was not at all cooperative but I invented a type of papoose board that I have to use when doing this. Yes, sounds traumatizing but what is worse the constant ear mite and infections or a couple minutes swaddled? After 3 days I started using the colloidal silver. I mixed 2 drops into 1 tsp. Of distilled water and put it in the ears. She was cleared up in 3 days. No coffee grounds or foul odor. I now give the colloidal silver to all my animals. 20 cats and 6 dogs and not one has suffered from any ear mites, infections, or skin issues and it's been 3 years!
DISREGARD the above post!! IT is a ridiculous statement! And posting it in all-caps did not make it any more believable or less fictional. I am embarrassed for this poster. Please only share your ignorance with your family members from now on. Unless this a pharma employee since no useful anecdote or stort was shared. He only left a negative-implant of stupid based information. This post is to negate that.
Diamotaceous Earth is comprised of Diatoms, and it is mined from dried up saltlake beds (not the above ridiculous theory). It does indeed look like glass shards under a microscope, which is how it messes up parasites, worms, insects, etc.
The above-post just goes to that we need to read ALL the posts for a particular treatment, since there are misguided people spouting wrong or harmful info (like the lady below who used poolgrade d.e. IN her dog's ear! ; do y'think she'd come back to update if her mistake turned out to be deadly?). We're not all rocket-scientists here, so ya need take the totality of the information in and not just one post.
Posted by Just One Seabird (East Coast USA) on 07/20/2023
I know this is an old post, but it needs a response for the sake of people reading nowadays.
Zoonotic diseases are the ones that CAN be transmitted to humans, the term means "of animal origin". It's also used for diseases we can give to animals. COVID is zoonotic, we can give it to our pets.
Scabies can infest both pets and people. The mite is Sarcoptes scabei. There are variants within the species that prefer different hosts, so you have Sarcoptes scabei var. hominis in people, Sarcoptes scabei var. suis which infests pigs and is used to test human remedies for scabies, and others.
There are also other species of Sarcoptes mites. They're nasty things.
In general, it's unhelpful to tell someone with a skin condition that they are imagining it. Please google "A Filamentous Borrelial Dermatitis" using Google Scholar.
Many people suffering from Morgellons, who were told this was not a real disease and they were imagining things, actually had a Borreliosis that was not Lyme disease but was caused by a related organism. The infection caused skin sores AND interfered with normal skin collagen production so that those sores contained fibers.
So all those people had a real disease. But they were told they were imagining it, some of them were even accused of causing their own wounds, and they were given tranquilizers when they needed antibiotics. And their doctors often refused to look at any fiber samples they tried to bring to the doctor's attention.
Please do not tell people they are imagining things. Please take them seriously. All of those people had wrong diagnoses on their medical records and were labeled as needing psychiatric medications. There was nothing at all wrong with them except that they were infected with a previously unidentified species of Borrelia, and their doctors wouldn't pay proper attention to them.
Posted by Helen (Sioux Falls ) on 07/10/2023 ★★★★★
I mixed diatomaceous earth, 1 teaspoon with his food, because I thought he might have a parasite. The next day he threw up this mucus and it had a little bit of blood in it and there was a worm. I think it was a tapeworm that came out about 12 inches long. So I took him to the vet and I put what he threw up in a baggie and we were in the room waiting for the doctor to come back in and I asked her what it was and she says we don't know what it was and I ask her can I have it back so I can find somebody that knows what it is and she said that they had already thrown it away. Every time I take my dog to a vet I tell them about the diatomaceous earth, and they're all against it but after my dog did the diatomaceous earth, he gained weight he was healthy, running around like a wild dog. He was having fun again.
Also, my Maltese had ear mites, and my Dog Groomer said to use diatomaceous earth and I did and they're all gone now.
I"m so sorry that happened. I was thinking at this point since he may not let you treat his ears you could try Revolution... it's not natural, I know but it is effective on ear mites. you might be able to sneak onto his back at least once...it last for 30 days. But you'll need a prescription for it. Is it possible to get him into a carrier to go to the vet? or if you know a vet real well maybe the would just give you a script for it. To win him back try some extra tasty food like rotisserie chicken or small amount of tuna ...or some cat nip and bring a new super comfy bed. Don't lose hope... he will eventually come around but working on his ears may be a deal breaker for him.
My indoor only cat has somehow gotten ear mites in his left ear with the classic coffee ground look and very crusty by the edge. It also smells.
I have a bottle of Nutribiotic Grapefruit Seed Extract ear drops. Can I put a few drops directly into his ear canal or can I only wipe the inside of his ear flap with the GSE and a cotton ball? Please advise.
Diet plays a significant role in dog ear troubles. My dogs had itchy and inflamed ears, especially in the summer, until I put them on a freeze-dried raw food diet. Issues went away within a week. But they still needed a good ear flush from time to time. I used Epiotic advanced cleaner for that with very good results.
Also, Gentian Violet diluted down to 0.5% with water works excellent for fungal infections in the ears for both human and animals. By I think it may be banned in Australia…. But double check me on that.
Posted by Darinka (Adelaide, South Australia ) on 09/10/2022
Can I use fresh garlic juice mixed with olive oil or coconut oil for my dogs ears? He hasn't got mites but painful ear constantly and the vets are useless with their ear drops. Thank you
Darinka
Hi, it's great to hear the success stories here but I was shocked to read that Borax is potentially deadly to cats.
I had a flea issue to deal with and one of my cats had horrible itchy scabs from his reaction to the fleas. Solution? Flowers Of Sulphur! 😃
I mixed 1 part Flowers Of Sulohur to 2 parts corn flour and worked it onto their skin, being careful not to make a dust cloud near their faces. I also treated their ears as I suspected mites too.
Result? Fleas slowing down or dying so it was easy to comb them out of my cats' fur with a flea comb.
Also, within a week the itchy scabs were gone.. the Flowers Of Sulphur is a great skin soother. It also deals with fungal issues.
Now my cats seem much happier and if they're happy I'm happy.
EC: Thank you for your great feedback!
Regarding borax and cats: we have a borax and peroxide feedback section for cats with mange that has posts from readers who had favorable results, so what you read about borax in another post might not be correct.
I know this article is from some years ago, but just in case someone like myself click here looking for some advice on a cat issue & thanks bathing their animal in peroxide would be a good idea, STOP! Aside from using hydrogen peroxide from helping a dog induce vomit, it is never safe for your animals. And cats are especially sensitive to it it can cause bleeding of the stomach or at the least irritation and is known to be FATAL! Do not use witch-hazel or alcohol either. I'm not going to make any suggestions, but I would probably go with something from the vet or at least go to an affordable site like chewys.com. They have a variety of baths for cats and dogs, you can find something safe for a bath instead of home remedies for the situation. I'm all for home remedies but just make you do your homework thoroughly first. Our animals rely totally upon us and it's our job to make sure they're safe in everyway.
EC: Hi Barbie, the poster is referring to Ted's Mange Cure, a combination of borax and peroxide highly diluted in water. It has been tested on thousands of dogs and cats worldwide since 2004 when it was first posted on this site. It is indeed a safe remedy.
Neem oil (and most all natural oils) is toxic to cats - they do not have the liver enzyme or metabolic enzymes as we do. As well cats have systems like camels - so any dry food harms them greatly (they derived from the desert and their intestines are designed to draw water out of the food to store it. (very simply put).
I once did research on what is in many common pet foods and it will make you well disgusted... even rubber hardeners and other nasty garbage. I use Wysong products (great and low temperature as high temperature destroys enzymes and other nutritional qualities). I add this to a raw diet along with certain home grown herbs and plants chopped and slightly wilted (warm water poured over the food) I add natural sea Vegetables as well (make sure a dog or cat search on any plants that are toxic to them. Or other products).
A great book is "The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs and Cats by Diane Stein and one can search for such other great books. I have had mine for decades and resort to it frequently. Dr. Mercola (Human MD) has great books and products for cats (dogs).
My background was in research (legal and medical) and many other areas. I went holistic as a young child after reading my mothers medical books - although her Merck manual from 1953 is full of natural remedies that work. Rx for people and pet's took over.
I love that product and used it since the "hippy days" well for me post. That said Lavender and most essential oils are toxic to cats - many will get by but again why risk it as they do not have the same detox (metabolic and other) enzymes that we humans have. I think this product comes in NO fragrance.
Soaps such as "Dawn" and any other synthetic fragrance products (made from petroleum) are toxic to cats.
Dont' use q-tips - most cause the infection to go deeper into the canal. The skin tissue in the ear is thin, delicate and easily damaged. Use cotton balls soaked with what ever you use, then soft tissue to wipe out the ear (or cotton balls).
Please don't fashion a "cone of shame" - just watch for scratching - like YOU having something in your eye or eat and you can't get at it. Their symptoms of scratching means something is wrong - terribly wrong. A product should soothe this reaction, not aggravate it.
I wrap my cat in a towel while treating then let him bask in the sun (window). It's pretty traumatic for them. He does not scratch after his treatment.
Yes, I was wondering also! I thought my male shorthair had mites, he was digging at his ears and shaking his head a lot, he was miserable!
Decided a trip to the vet was necessary and found out he didn't have mites, he had a nasty yeast infection in his ears! Much better now, with ear wash prescrip, and an antifungal ear med! Poor guy!
Posted by Raquel (South Carolina) on 09/06/2018 ★★★★★
I have cured my Siamese cat and 2 cats I fostered of ear mites using a mixture of a boric acid solution and ACV which I placed in a dropper bottle. I believe the amount of boric acid I used was 1/4 tsp. in 1/4 C. filtered water. I usually put the water in a heat resistant glass measuring cup and bring it to a boil in the microwave then add the boric acid and stir or put back in the microwave for several more seconds until dissolved. I then allow it to cool (or if in a hurry place the cup in the freezer for 5-7 min.) and add about 1 tbsp. of ACV.
I first clean the cat's ears with a cotton ball with coconut oil (makes it easier to remove the dirt) and then moisten a couple of cotton balls with the solution I prepared and press it on each of the cat's ears so some of it goes in the ear. The cat will shake but this mixture works fast, relief of the itching is almost immediate. It must be applied at least 2x/day, usually only 3 days are necessary but I believe the first time I did it for a whole week. Anyway, when the ears remain clear and the cat's not scratching anymore you'll know he's cured.
NOTE: Borax can be used in place of boric acid, I think it's more stable, boric acid tends to lose potency after a couple of days.
Warnings on Tea Tree Oil and other related products - for cats.
Warning:
Using Tea Tree Oil topically on a cat.
Tea tree oil, which contains phenols (as does its neighbor, turpentine! ) is very toxic to cats because they do not possess the enzymes to metabolize it, so it is stored in the liver and can cause irreparable damage over time.
Most veterinarian medicines are prohibitively expensive, harmful or outright poisons. If health is a business, let the buyer beware. However, I would see a vet just to determine if the cat has also an ear infection as well as ear mites. Antibiotics have a long-term damaging effect on the body and some cats do not recover well at all.
In reply to Ruthann - regarding "rushing" to a vet. Ear mites can eventually kill your pet. At some point - "the body does not lie" one does need to see a professional.
Not sure why only ONE star, but you are correct - alcohol and the other ingredients are not suitable for sensitive ear tissue (as well cats have no metabolic system for many chemicals).
The ear (like the mouth area) is thin and all put into it is absorbed into the blood stream. (Pre vet and other areas in human health care).
Posted by S.F.Hyde (Deridder, La.) on 07/01/2018 ★★★★★
IVOMEC is awesome stuff! For EARMITES, two to four drops in the ear canal, gently massaged in for good coverage. Wait a week, gently clean the ear. Any brown stuff should be considered ear mite waste and may be full of viable eggs, so be prepared. Have a folded paper towel or a zip lock waiting to catch the used Q-tips or whatever. After cleaning, reapply IVOMEC same as before. Wait a week & clean. Was there any brown stuff in the ear canal? Yes? Treat again. No? Your probly clear, but should treat one more time to be confident any hatchlings get killed. Check ear canals weekly for six weeks for any signs of the "Tell Tale" brown waste. Always check your pets ears at least monthly, even if they are not acting distressed. Why make them suffer when we can prevent it?
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
A stray cat decided it wanted a home. It seemed perfectly healthy and energetic and was very sweet.
Recently noticed he would walk with his ears back. Didn't think too much of it at first thought it was strange. A few days later he started walking with his head tilted.
I googled and it came up with ear mites. I checked the ears and it looked like the pictures. I used Olive oil for a week one ear that wasn't that bad looks pretty clean now but the bad one, the one he was tilting his head on still looks like a lot of gunk inside. The cat didn't mind the olive oil. Was really good about letting me put in with a dropper, esp. Considering its a stray. No scratching or trying to bite. Just shook his ears and wanted to get away after his treatment.
I tried the diluted 50/50 apple cidar vinigar and water and it hurt him really bad. He meowed a bunch of times then got really crazy and got away still didn't scratch or bite..poor thing. I felt horrible.
I figured the week of olive oil would've healed up any open sores.
He doesn't come when I call.and just wants to hide all.day. totally different personality.
I'm not sure if I should give the olive oil more time on the bad ear or try something else. I don't want to hurt him again.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
You might make up a small batch of Ted's Mange remedy and use that to flush our your cats ears. Make sure you warm the solution up before using. If you can hold your cat in place with an ear filled with solution so much the better, but chances are they will not tolerate it and just shake their ears to get the wetness out. Enough of the solution may remain to be effective. It is cheap and cannot hurt and can be very effective if you can get the solution in the ears. I might treat 4x day with the solution in the ears, and may be 4 days in a row - and then go to every 2 days IF you see results, and then to every 3 days. You may find you have to treat long term - every 3 days for 30 days- to eliminate the mites.
I have 12 cats, and ear mites. Some of my cats groom each other and I don't want to use anything not safe. What can I do that is safe and afforable, my husband is the only income.
I would caution against using Milbo-mite in certain cats, especially if they are older, sick, sensitive etc. I just read where a woman gave it to her cats and the one who was 14 ended up having to be put to sleep because of it. After using it in her ears, she became lethargic and slowly started going downhill. I think it's a neurotoxin and harmed the cats nervous system. Her other 2 cats who were younger were ok. The 14 year old was perfectly healthy..eating, playing right before the Milbo- mite. Certain cats can be pretty sensitive. Also, don't use the "natural " Pyretherins made from the chrysanthemumflower, they are supposedly ok for dogs, but toxic to kitties.
CY Gabriel soap is very effective for most skin problems including scabies. We also treat the affected area with warm coconut oil. Dip a piece of cotton in the oil and swab on the affected are start from the outside boarders. We make our own coconut oil so I'm not sure if supermarket bought vco's will work the same.
Posted by Amanda (Wichita, Ks) on 09/14/2017 ★★★★★
Ear mites DE treatment
I've found to use a makeup brush to apply DE to dogs ears works very well, especially with animal that doesn't cooperate. Be sure to tap off brush before applying it. Doesn't take much to be effective.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
Your dog may have fleas, that or you both have sarcopic mange. Ted's Mange Remedy can help with the sarcoptic mange, and you might consider a lamp flea trap to see if your house is harboring fleas as well.
My dogs have mites on back of ears..the inside is clean I used a ear mite liquid from Wal-Mart..the back of ears are crusted n they r irritated.nothing is working . what can I do...also I have scabies. Help us plz
omg. I have to learn this but I'm not sure 🤔 how. It is sooo much to take in at once like instructions to something u cant understand.... like in what order do I do this and what brands do I buy and where and mix what first and what do I do first.
Hi. I read your posts and wanted to warn you and others to not ever use swimming pool grade DE for pets or people, especially if they can lick it and ingest it. I've heard of this killing some people's cats! (It has very toxic chemicals ). I appreciate your warning about the extra fine flour grade getting into the air and harming the lungs. I've read that one person's cat died from inhaling it. I see that you care and love your furry babies an awful lot, and it's refreshing to see someone trying so hard to make them comfortable. I hope you've found a remedy that at least works for a while. One trick to help keeps mites to a minimum on pet bedding, is to enclose cat beds in a zippered pillowcase, or two. That way you can easily just wash the pillowcases and changed them out fast without doing a ton of laundry (or put a folded up blanket or quilt inside the pillowcases). You can even use a big role of clear scotch tape to take the mites off and also some mineral oil to see if there are any on there with a magnifying glass. I hate ear mites!! Best of luck!
Many, many years ago, I found someone at a cat show who was selling a special powder for treating ear mites in cats. It was in a sort of small squeeze bottle that had a narrow funnel with a small hole at the tip that you would attach in place of the cap. The powder was blown (sort of puffed) into the cat's ear, so that it probably spread around well, contacting the mites.
Of course, my cats hated having anything blown into their ears, however gently, but it worked beautifully in a short time and was minimally messy. The powder contained 3 ingredients, and I only remember that boric acid was one of them. I wish I remembered the other 2, but in any case, the person that was selling the powder mix didn't say what proportions they were in. I have been searching online in hopes that someone will have posted about something like it.
Hi, Alcohol works but use wet on Qtip or damp on cotton ball and has to be done very carefully without filling ear because it can go into the eyes or nose of your pet through ear canals. Alcohol in eye or nose is painful and burns. It hurts to breath alcohol. Try saline solution or salty like the ocean if you mix yourself with a little baking soda but again don't fill ear with solution. Apply with Qtip And dry with Qtip and tissue to get rid of moisture. To prevent ear aches from the moisture.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
You will need to bathe your cat in a mild shampoo to break up the oil barrier in her coat - once you do that she can be rinsed and then dipped in the mange remedy. You might also consider following up with a good dusting of food grade diatomaceous earth; I will put some in a pillow case, put the cat in the bag with the head out, and then manipulate the dust in the bag to penetrate the fur. Some folks use DE in the ear for mites so you might consider that also, however IMO the liquid remedy is more effective at penetrating all areas of the ear. Do keep in mind that treatment [bathing/dusting, treating both ears, treating all animals in the house, daily washing of bedding] needs to be continued for 3 weeks to eradicate the mites.
Posted by Beth (Austin Texas) on 03/30/2017 2 posts
I've been using Ted's solution on my cat's ears ...very much improved. Warning note for others: my grey fluffy cat's hair around the infected ear is turning a pale shade of orange from the peroxide.
Which leads to my question. While I haven't bathed her in the borax/peroxide/water solution yet, I'm still planning on it. She is very fluffy, looks like she might have Norwegian Forest Cat in her. My plan is to fill a mop bucket with the solution, then put her in the bucket and literally soak her. Trying to get it to the skin and then have it dry is going to be a challenge because of the under-floof in her coat. And liquid tends to run off. I figured I would then put her in a cat carrier for an hour to give the skin a chance to absorb the solution before she could dry herself. Does this sound like a reasonable plan to anyone else? Would appreciate any input anyone else has.
Posted by Beth (Austin, Texas) on 03/21/2017 2 posts ★★★★★
Hi everyone!!! I am very very very grateful for all of you, your comments, and this site. @nycandre, thank you for all the details and the follow-up on your beautiful cat, Ted, thank you for being so gracious to share and share again.
I noticed my beloved fur ball Violet had gunk around her one ear. Not really scratching at it, but also recalling last year when this happened it was ear mites, which I took her to the vet for. We did that gel, plus Revolution. Right now a $200+ vet bill is out of the question. So I googled. And y'all came up. And I started reading ... and cleaning her ear .. and reading.
I started with colloidal silver in the ear, and internally. Kept reading. Saw the olive oil/garlic. My husband is a naturopathic GP ... so we have lots of remedies around the house. Grabbed the ear drops that had the olive oil and garlic, plus something else. At this point her ear starts to look worse. She's scratching more, and the exterior in front of the ear is looking really irritated. So I keep reading, and reading, and reading. Ted's formula keeps coming up. I had to get to the store to get Borax, but I had peroxide at home. So I started cleaning her ear with straight 3% peroxide. As a rule, I don't like peroxide on an animal's ears. It's very very drying to tender skin. BUT ... I needed to get something going better. I used cotton pads (Shiseido, expensive but worth it. They don't shed, they're strong, and they are SUPER soft.) soaked but not dripping, then q-tips. It hurt. Her ear was bright red and I thought I did some real damage. I left her alone for the night and checked her the next day. Blood crusts, her ear was loaded with them. Which told me something in the right direction was happening. I bathed her using Dawn, paying attention to butt and feet. She has long hair - we think Norwegian Forest cat- so you have to work thoroughly to make sure it gets to the skin.
I got the borax, and read more. I needed to know if I could use it directly in the ear. Yay Ted!! YES I COULD. I mixed up a 1/2 batch, storing it in a glass jar in a drawer. For the last 3 nights I've soaked cotton pads and worked them inside her ear to loosen everything, then used q-tips. Violet has a "pocket" in her ear that was holding a lot of crust. The first night she wouldn't let me get anywhere near this pocket. The next night I started on the pocket with a q-tip before cleaning the ear with the pads. Success!!! She was in less pain, so I had more time to work with it. I pulled out a lot of crust. After cleaning it as thoroughly as I could, I took a dropper and put in 3 or 4 drops in the ear directly -- 2 into that pocket -- and massaged the ear then let her shake. Last night, very little crust, pocket still pretty clean. We're in the right direction.
My husband is going to fashion me a "cone of shame" so we can make sure she stays wet long enough for the solution to dry into the skin (which is what Revolution does). Then the dog will get done. I plan on keeping this up for at least a month, and treating the carpet.
I just noticed behind the ear she had matted hair "dred locks" and she's scratching behind that ear .. so it's going to be a Ted bath tonight. At least I know this is the right direction. If it happens again .. and it probably will .. I will go straight for Ted's solution. I don't think the oil etc did what was needed. So thank you one and all for all of your comments!!! Your comments gave me the direction I needed to go in!!!
My vet helps with cheap remedy for rescues he recommends 50/50 vinegar and rubbing alcohol he recommends a hair color bottle with tip. he says squeeze generous amount in each ear and rub it around till it squishes loudly then let them go so they can sling their heads and sling all the junk out of their ears. do it several days in a row
Posted by Eva Diaz (Albuquerque) on 02/21/2017 ★★★★★
I have a cat refuge... the ear mites are constant. I do not believe in Vets or M.Ds.. they kill too many things... I am a naturopath... and it works. My main medicines are apple cider vinegar (rubbed on the body it stops congestion.. around the neck and in the ears and on the ruff... dilute to 1/2 with distilled water). You can also put some on their paws or drops on gums and into ears. IT IS A MUST FOR MOST THINGS. I also used Aloe Vera in their ears to help heal.
PRIMARILY, I USE 500 PPM COLLOIDAL SILVER... (a teaspoon in their gallon water. I clean with Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) and vinegar.
NEVER USE CHLORINE!
READ AND RESEARCH WHAT ALL THESE THINGS DO! Make an ear wash with a dropper of colloidal silver in chamomile and green teas (1 glass) and use it to wash their ears out. Then you can use the ACV to kill mites... just make sure that infection is killed with CS and that the ears are not inflamed. Use Aloe Vera to put in ears to heal and sooth. I work everyday with one cat or five.
The other thing I use is sulpher in oil to kill mites. Mix an organic cat vitamin and mineral supplement in foods (powder). MAKE SURE THEY GET PURE NON-POLLUTED WATER OFTEN FOR OXYGEN AND HEALTH. THE Apple Cider Vinegar and CS will not harm it. Watch your animals. Get a book on using herbs etc., on yourself and animals.
Live with the EARTH and the Sun and Moon. I am Native American.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
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ACV is great for the ears, but will sting ears that are sore from being scratched. Consider using garlic infused olive oil, or other remedies for ear mites first: https://www.earthclinic.com/pets/ear_mites.html.
My dog mixed breed, has ear mites badly, I sprayed mixture peroxide, acv, water in his ear, that was very red, very sore. I don't know how many times a day would do?
Boric acid, it's not dangerous I used it for eye wash whenever you get a fungal infection in your eye the reason it works for cockroaches is it dehydrates it's outside skeleton then anything else it will kill it. Just because it has acid in its name it is not dangerous. For instance it could also be used on baby blankets, babies pajamas as it makes it fire retardant. In a new Foster I'm using boric acid and peroxide carefully with an eyedropper to get rid of the infection and then I'm going to be using it oil to break down the wax sand to smother the mites.
It's the peroxide that can blind a cat if too much gets into this it's just like the peroxide washes for contacts if you don't give it to 12 hours to break down it burns your eyes like crazy.
There are two kinds of DE (Diatomaceous Earth). One is food grade and just as it says, food grade and when it is viewed under an electron microscope, you can see the razor blade sharpness of the long ago diatoms. Pool grade has been heated and is smooth and not to be used except for what it says, pool grade. The way the food grade DE works is by slicing into the breathing portals of fleas, flies, ticks, ants of any kind, termites and the list goes on. They say it is even good as a wormer when put in an animal's feed and if flies are a problem due to feces, the fly larvae can't live. I can't testify as to this but have read about it many times. I have eliminated huge red ant beds by putting maybe half a cup of food grade DE around the ant's entrance and if it rains, replace the DE. I often dust food grade DE on the shoulders and at the base of the tail for fleas during the summer and this will kill ticks if they walk though it.
This is for the lady with the balding Maine Coon...... Diatomaceous earth is generally safe for use on pets, so long as it is food grade. BUT, some cat breeds are more sensitive to certain treatments, especially when they are used long term. Maine Coons, Persians and Himalayan breeds are especially sensitive. I would suggest cutting out the DE for now. Second, loss of hair to that extent and at such a rapid pace points to secondary health problems. These can include, but are not limited to ringworm infection, vitamin deficiency, diabetes, mange, or allergic reaction to something in his environment or on his skin. Take him to a vet and get him looked at to determine what exactly is going on.
Ivermectin is a dangerous drug for certain breeds, certain animals, and it is easy to overdose. Some things are not worth the risk. It is better not to use it. Revolution from your vet is good for ear mites and so is advantage multi. I however believe those two drugs can cause heart failure due to the possible raise in blood pressure. It is especially dangerous for elderly cats (7 yrs, and up) and overweight cats. Cleaning your cats ears and mineral oil should do the trick. Ear mites can make you itch and you will think you have scabies. They do not infest a human but they certainly crawl on them and attempt to bite. Hydrogen Peroxide is supposed to be very bad for the ears especially if it gets past the ear drum. This is something I read, but I myself as a teenager used it in their ears often and saw no issues but cleaner ears. All of the drugs I mention and my opinions of them are based on years of personal experience with the drugs.
You need to take your kitty to the vet. From my experience with a dog it was inner ear infection and it's deep into the ear. A vet has to look at it. Don't forget that cats are good at hiding pain, I am sure at this point that your kitty is in a lot of pain. I wouldn't hesitate, I would try to get it seen as soon as possible.
If you have been dealing with it that long it probably needs antibiotics...
Always dilute vinegar for use on a dogs fur or in his ears. No more than 50% vinegar. If the skin is broken, dilute it more. I wouldn't use more than 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a cup of water if skin is broken.
I see a lot of post using EOs and garlic which is very dangerous for cats. I can't speak for dog as I'm a cat lady.. :) Anyway, I just wanted to share what I use for my cats ears and my daughter (who is a dog person) uses on her dogs. I came upon this concoction in the 70's, it was given to me by my pediatrician. You see, every time I turned around I was taking my son to the doctor for his ears.. I said to my wonderful pediatrician, Dr. Richmond, "what am I going to do, I can't be bringing this boy in here every time I turn around" He stood there a minute, then he turned to his prescription pad and wrote this; 16 oz bottle of 91% or better alcohol + 1 T white vinegar.. Distill 2-3 drops to infected ear. Here's the theory behind this concoction; the vinegar creates an acidic environment that bacteria (and apparently bugs - such as mites) cannot survive in and the alcohol, a drying agent, assures your not leaving the ear canal wet - the perfect breading ground for bacteria.. Please keep in mind, more is NOT better where the vinegar is concerned - it is acidic - stick to the recipe, please!! 1 Tablespoon only.. Hope this helps.. Stay away from EOs where cats are concerned.. Garlic too.. Their livers don't process things like we humans and dogs do..
Kathryn, for over 40 years, I have always used olive oil, just a couple of drops inside ear and then massage ear to work it down and it has always worked with a return very rarely.
I read where you used 'flower of Sulphur, mixed with Linseed oil'. Did you use this on the skin/fur only? or can it be used on EAR MITES IN DOGS? I have tried everything and nothing works for long. Would love a reply back asap, thanks. Kathryn
Hey,m ear mites is a zoonotic disease which means it can't be transferred from animal to human, so you might just be so sympathetic you're imaging your symptoms or maybe you have an ear infection. Either way I hope you feel better soon and I hope it's a load off that you know it can't be ear mites anymore.
If you have itching with what looks like red streak that travels across the skin it could be larva migrans also. It's caused by hookworms that get under the skin and are trying to get into internal organs. You can take horse or cattle wormer paste orally (same dosage as large animals, just scale down for weight) and it will kill it. Buy online or at feed/pet store. Safeguard brand is good, inexpensive and safe for you, cats or dogs. It doesn't taste bad and has the same ingredients the MD would give you. If it comes back take it again. Actually, one tube will last you a long time, and you can use it to worm your animals a few times a year, which is always a good idea anyway. (Just don't give anything with ivermectin, or anything with "ectin" in name to cats or Collies.) If you are just itching all over, it could be bedbugs.
I have tried a solution recommended to me a year ago for killing ear mites. It is a combination of Borax Powder, 70% Alcohol and drops of Gentian Violet (purple dye with antifungal properties). Initially this treatment worked but it can be very messy! You have to worry about the purple dye getting on fabric, cabinets and furniture as they shake their heads out. I would warm it up and use a stopper syringe to apply a few drops in each ear. I have been treating them since mid-December with a break of one or two days then the mites have returned with a vengeance.
I am trying the mineral oil treatment now which the cats tolerate far better. I first clean their ears with witch hazel to get all the debris out. I have 12 cats and this is becoming a daunting task as a few of them are half feral and don't take kindly to being held. I have only been using the mineral oil treatment for the second day now. I read a post that said someone combined mineral and olive oil... I wondered if they applied them simultaneously or if they mixed the two together?? Also to those who have been using Neem Oil, this sounds like it may be more effective than Mineral Oil whereby it sounds like it actually KILLS the mites opposed to slowing them down. Where can one pick up NEEM OIL... health food store I am guessing. Thanks for all the blogs as it does help when people have tested and tried effective methods. Also the person who said they applied both mineral and olive oil I think she applied olive oil at night also? Please clarify if you can, thanks!
I've been dealing with cat's ear mites for months...now going to try mineral oil. But I have question & concern & can't find any information on my cat's issue. He has daily discharge of mites' gunk in his eyes every morning...just like in his ears. Has anyone experienced this problem with cat's eyes? It's definitely the mites coffee ground/dark discharge coming from my cat's eyes. Any advice and/or similar experience with would be appreciated. Thanks! Roxanne
I had my cat Sooty to the vets twice with ear mites in 1 month, she had severe ear mites, I never thought of checking her little ears and felt terrible when I noticed little grey blisters and white specks seen by the naked eye and scabs. I was horrified. Sooty is indoor cat and didn't catch from another pet directly. One thing I've noticed that hasn't been mentioned is visitors visiting the house, you may be the cleanest person but visitors may live differently I know there pet as had them but don't know about having to vacuum the house and keep things sterile as they're like a human scabies.
If a pet at home as them or think they have dealt with it but don't realise they live on the animals body and make there way back after treatment and on bedding your clothing pet hair and u go to a friends house and there pet sits on your knee get the picture transmitted. I let people know and warned them when they came in and insisted they washed there hands and use hand sanitizer before leaving as only fair not infest there pets also its a kind way of saying these are contagious and report back or check your pet the suffering they go through and what there hear and endure is devastating. Prescriptions didn't work, expensive solutions did t work, if u ask I will tell u what iv used the list is endless.
It is important though to get the vet to do a check and then when your confident what your dealing with take it from there. After confirmation from the vet and there Prescription med as been used and it sure will continue mine did even after second visit and frontline and antibiotics they continued and constant daily ear cleaning before medication applied. She started September 2015 and think where nearly there feb 2016. Ear mites are very clever and when the ears have had server attack for some time there are deap scabs inside right to the eardrum packed with thousands of them buried in the wax and debris. I found the best solution was mineral oil and olive oil was the best for treating these poor ears its kind and gentle and stops the mites nibbling on there flesh and drowns them and softens the debris working its way out of the ear drums. Yes in the end I used q tips which this is when I noticed things where getting better. I didn't go into the ear canal totally just at the entrance and where the back of the ear is because this is where the hide out and just at the beginning of the ear lobe and if your gentle and your cat is showing no sign of discomfort your ok. If u go further down the canal u are causing damage cause you're pushing the debris back what is trying to work its way out and it will work its way out but not in a day this called TLC tender loving care. Alls you can do is make your cat as comfortable as possible till u have managed to clear most of the debris. I found Johnson ear mite treatment to be safe to use twice a day. Id put a drop on the qtip and apply it in all the hidden cracks and little lobes they have that mites tuck them selves under when the ears become clean this is when u cant see the mites by the naked eye and hidden eggs. I found that when I trusted the medication from the vet using the cream for 2 weeks to treat the yeast and bacteria infection which is always there when there is mites due to there poop and goop was another infestation so more damage was done should of stuck to the ear flushing daily and dosage of olive oil and mineral oil twice daily. Use plenty cover the whole ear inside out and wash with around the ear the cheeks and under the chin ensuring when they shake there head your stopping them from hiding in there fur. Iv bathed sooty twice with a cat shampoo and neem oil 100% pure neem only needing small amount its safe just make sure u completely rinse them off yes the neem is pleasant but the mites hate it. Verbac house spray is good stuff 10.00 amazon or ebay for bedding carpets soffo tables chairs where ever the rub pass basically every where.
At the moment now most of the debris as gone still little bits still coming that's from the eardrum airer so u can imagine how sore and packed and recaring ear mites go on for sept to feb. That's because they hide in all nicks and crans and live under scabs so don't be upset when u think everything is failing and can be a long process.
Now I've started to put day time colloidal silver in, first I flush her ears with home made solutions... mixture, Chamomile tea bag in a cup of hot water add 1 drop ONLY... LAVENDER oil high quality only ensure it recommend for pets first from the supplier. Never use tea tree oil as its poisoning to cats and 500ml vitamin e oil capsule and 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil 100% pure pressed looks like lard but melts down fast mix it up take the chamomile tea bag out and transfer into your own bottle ... your own solution. When I apply it its just luke warm I fill her ear and hold for as long as possible stroking her head I let go and let her head shake it out and wiped the ear clean. At the present I'm not using the ear mite ointment I only use it when her ears are twitching and constant shaking when this dies of I go straight back to the oil treatment I hope I'm not confusing u guys when you read this ... feel free if I can be any help in advice in any way and if u have any good ideas I'm also interested. So iv flushed her ears done a gently wipe pure clean today gentle qtip ensuring she is dry and clean in little curves u cant see let her go feed her 2 teaspoons of natural yoghurt its like pro biotic for a cat I also put 1/2 teaspoon a day of apple cider vinegar in her wet food to help flush any toxins from the ear mite treatment iv used as cats livers aren't as good as a humans or a dogs so all products for dogs may not be suitable for a cat. After her ears are dry I apply colloidal silver its a 25ml bottle with an ear dropper and apply 1/4 and massage... mites come alive at night..Night time I clean her ears gently with a qtip with the oil I put in for the night which is extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil mixed together as I say I oy used the q tip checking theres no loose debris which as worked out of the canal. I got a little scab tonight but I no its from the ear canal and I'm close to the end. I'm ready for and eggs if they have managed to hatch any this time cause I've been thorough for solid 3 weeks constant cleaning and ensuring her ears or fully oiled to drown them. I've got the neem oil if there is another infestation. When the neem applied in their ear it will make the mites disabled so they can't reproduce and no more chemicals as this is a big concern with cats best to be chemical free when possible. She always runs of fast when I finish treating her, then 5 mins after she comes back smothering me in kisses. We're getting there, keeping positive.
Mineral oil is a petrochemical product and has undesirable side effects. Instead a low percentage of hydrogen peroxide (less than 3%) and or warmed olive oil with garlic are usually helpful.
Neem oil is excellent for ear mites and needs only a few applications for the removal of mites.
Posted by Andy (Pleasantville, New Jersey) on 01/29/2016
Hello, I'm a big supporter of the more naturalistic methods when it comes to any sort of health as a first resort. I want to give the mineral oil a go for my cats, I use it for my own ears every so often. But for pets, is there a certain brand or specifications I should look into for mineral oil? Your guidance is appreciated!
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