Equine Ear Mites: What to Watch For & What to Do Next

Spot the signs early. Loop your veterinarian in. Keep your horse comfortable while you sort it out.

Ear Mites 101 (Plain English)

Ear mites are tiny external parasites that can irritate the ear canal. They’re not always obvious at first, so knowing the tell-tales helps you act early with your veterinarian.

Common Signs & Symptoms

• Head shaking / ear rubbing: Frequent, sometimes forceful.
• Dark, waxy debris: Coffee-ground look or odor from the ear.
• Sensitivity to touch: Resists haltering, ear handling, or clipping.
• Crusting / hair loss: From persistent rubbing around the ear base.
• Redness / swelling inside the ear: Irritated canal tissue.
• In advanced cases: Balance changes or head tilt—time to call the vet fast.

What Your Vet May Do

• Confirm the cause: Swabs / visualization to rule in mites or find what else is going on.
• Clean the canal: Gentle cleaning to remove debris before meds.
• Targeted therapy: Prescription options (including acaricides) as directed by your veterinarian.
• Address secondary issues: If present, your vet may add ear-safe antibacterials/antifungals or anti-inflammatories.
• Follow-up: Re-checks to be sure everything clears and comfort returns.

Barn Management While You Treat

• Handle gently: Avoid poking into ears; let the meds do the work.
• Hygiene: Clean halters, grooming tools, and stall areas that contact the head/ears.
• Isolate if advised: Follow your vet’s guidance if multiple horses are affected.
• Monitor: Track changes daily—less shaking, cleaner ears, improved mood.

This guide is informational and not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions for ear care.