Ear mites-Maltese ear problem

I have 3 wonderful maltese. They have been scratching at their ears constantly lately. I had been lax about plucking the hair out of their ears the last few months and now there is quite a bit of a smelly, gooy mass in their ears. Someone told me it is ear mites and they have heard there is a home remedy to take care of the problem without taking them to the vet. Does anyone know of such a remedy? I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks..
Lynn Gratteau

• There are several ear mite products that you can buy over-the-counter. I don't have names immediately handy but do know you can find many of these in the dog supply catalogs. What you need to look at is where mites comes from and cure that also. Mites are typically carried by fleas. So in addition to treating the ears for mites you are going to need to get fleas under control or you will continue to have a problem with mites.
  Bobbie Linden - Bhe-Jei Maltese

• The best advice I can give you is take your dog to the vet. You could be dealing with a yeast infection in the ears and not even have mites. Thus you will be treating your dog for something he does not have. The problem will remain and could actually rupture the ear drum!! Most likely your dog will have to have a ear cleaning solution PLUS antibiotics to fight this infection. Alot of times the vet is not sure until he looks under a microscope to see what the cause is exactly. The longer you wait the more severe the problem will get.
  PUG

• The problem you mentioned could be EITHER ear mites OR a yeast infection, as PUG said. Naturally, without prior experience with your individual dog you would have no idea if the are prone to developing a yeast infection - so the Vet IS the best place to go.

  For future reference the best remedy we have found for ear mites is TRESADERM which can be obtained from your Vet. The best remedy for a Yeast Infection in the ear is CONOFITE, also available at the Vet's office. Maltese with very tiny ear passages often are likely to develop Yeast Infections and keeping the ear passges free and clear of hair is a real "must". Ear mites are not an uncommon problem but they can be a real challenge to get rid of completely as they are very quickly and easily passed between dogs. Sometimes you must almost treat all of your dogs at once otherwise you'll just chase the mites from dog to dog.

  Good luck - but that trip to the Vet should not be put off.
  Larry Stanberry - Divine Maltese

• I agree with all those whom have answered your question. I too, have had both my Malteses sick with ear infections when I thought/told it was ear mites. I immediately went to the Vet where the ears were cleaned, medicaton was given, the ears were packed and I returned within a week and continued for another 10 days putting medication in their ears. Please do not delay and run to your Vets.
  Pat