Ear mites in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs

By: Dr. Roy Kraemer |
DVM, Bulldog Specialist Veterinarian
Last updated by Roy Kraemer, DVM

bulldog ear mites guide with original Vet4Bulldog clinical imagery

Subject: Urgent: Consultation Needed for Milo’s Ear Mites 🐶👂🔍 Dear Dr. Kraemer, I’m writing concerning my 9-month-old French Bulldog, Milo. 🌟 Unfortunately, he’s been showing signs of an ear infection, my cat “Mint” had ear mites last year and I was wondering of bulldogs can also get them. Thank you for your prompt attention! 🙏 #EarMites #BulldogHealth #VetConsultation Best regards, Tami and Milo 🐾

Introduction To Ear Mites in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs

Contrary to common belief, ear mites are relatively uncommon in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs. While these breeds are indeed predisposed to various ear canal problems, particularly otitis externa, ear mites are rarely the underlying culprit.

Bulldog Ear Mites  5 X MUST KNOW

  1. Ear mites Otodectes cynotis is not common in bulldogs.
  2. Ear mites pass from one infected pet to another and can easily be diagnosed with a microscope
  3. Itching, rubbing redness, and inflamed ears with dark discharge are commonly observed.
  4. Treatment includes bully therapeutics, cleaning wipes, and ear rinses.
  5. Prevention includes Dr. Kraemer’s Ear Mites Care Bundles 

Welcome to our “Prevention Over RX” bulldog community Bulldog Ear Mite Bundle - Ultimate-001

Ear mites in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs / CAUSE

The medical name for ear mites in bulldogs is Otodectes cynotis. Ear mites are highly contagious, typically transmitted from one household pet, such as a cat or dog, to another. bulldog ear mites Other more common causes of bulldog ear disease (otitis) are.

bulldog baby bold spot on forehead

What Are The Symptoms of Bulldog Ear mites ?

  • Dark Ear Discharge and debris
  • Head-Shaking
  • Itching, scratching, rubbing and pawing at the ears
  • Redness and inflammation of the Ears and Ear base
  • Bad odor from the ears

Bulldog receives antiseptic ear rinse from gloved hand. Text: "V4B Yeasty Bully Antiseptic Ear Rinse."

Ear mites in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs / DIAGNOSIS

  • Dr. Ear Exam (Otoscopic)
  • Microscopic: checking the ear debris for mites
  • Allergy Testing
  • Skin Scrape: of patch hair loss skin areas

Does your bulldog have yeasty ears

How To Prevent Ear mites in Bulldogs?

  1. Flea/Mite Preventives: Some topical and oral flea preventives also prevent ear mites
  2. Ear Mite Contact Prevention: Prevent contact with mite-infected animals and pets
  3. Disinfection: Wash any towels and dog beds used by your mite-positive bulldog
  4. E-Collar: Buster collar protector to prevent trauma secondary to itching

Ear mites are not considered contagious to humans

Bulldog Ear Mite Buster Collar

Bulldog Ear mites Prevent and Care THERAPEUTICS

Use a bully ear rinse and cleansing wipes to remove all the debris

Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Bulldog Therapeutic Topicals

#1 EAR RINSE:

  • V4B Bully WaxLess Ear Rinse
  • V4B Bully Yeasty Bully Antiseptic Ear Rinse

Bully WaxLess Aloe Vera Ear Rinse, close-up product photo on white background. #2 CLEANSING WIPE:

  • V4B Bully  Ear Cleansing Wipes

Bully Advanced Ear Cleansing Wipes, close-up product photo on white background.

Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Bulldog Therapeutic Supplements

Bulldog Immune Support Plus Chews, close-up product photo on white background.

Bulldog Ear Mite Prescription Medication

Usually topical drop is sufficient but they are also other preventive and care prescription you can implement #1 TOPICAL RX: There are various prescription topical medications. #2 MITE PREVENTIVES: There are a few topical and oral flea & mite ones that also help prevent and treat ear mites

Ear mites in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs WARNINGS:

Below is a selected list of ear mite warnings courtesy of Dr. Kraemer

#1 Bulldog ear mite COMPLICATION WARNING

If left untreated, an ear mite infestation in Bulldogs can trigger a cascade of problems. The constant irritation often leads to chronic otitis which in turn predisposes the ear to secondary yeast otitis and bacterial infections. Persistent scratching and head shaking may also cause trauma to the ear flap, sometimes resulting in a painful aural hematoma. Bulldog Aural Ear Hematoma In severe or long-standing cases, the ongoing inflammation and damage can even progress to partial or permanent hearing loss.

#2 Bulldog ear mite CONTAGIOUS WARNING:

Although ear mites are rare in bulldogs, they are highly contagious among pets and can easily spread from one household pet to another, including cats.

 

A word on using this page

To be clear: supplements or topicals are not substitutes for prescribed treatment. If your dog is unwell, is being treated for a condition, or is already on medication, review any supplement or topical with your veterinarian so it fits the plan you are already following. This page is educational and is not a diagnosis or a treatment plan for your own dog.

By Dr. Roy Kraemer

Roy Kraemer, DVM is the founder of Vet4Bulldog and the V4B line of preventive care products for Bulldogs and French Bulldogs. A Tufts University veterinary school graduate, he built and ran a Southern California veterinary hospital dedicated exclusively to these two breeds, and spent over 20 years working almost entirely with them, including years of rescue work alongside So Cal Bulldog Rescue. In practice he combined conventional medicine and surgery with regenerative therapies including stem cell treatment, PRP and therapeutic laser, alongside nutrition, topical therapy and supplements. His emphasis throughout has been preventive care and longevity rather than treating problems once they take hold. He has been asked to comment on Bulldog and French Bulldog health by Business Insider, HuffPost, The US Sun, NBC Los Angeles and the OC Register.

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The information provided on this platform is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian regarding any medical condition. It's important to always consider professional medical advice promptly and not to delay seeking it based on information you've read on this platform. Any reliance on the information provided here is entirely at your discretion.