Ear mites and sneezing in dogs and cats
Everything about ear mites and sneezing: symptoms, causes, treatment and when to see the vet.
Ear mites and sneezing are common complaints. Ear mites are a parasite that mainly affects young animals. Sneezing can be harmless but may also indicate a respiratory infection or allergy. Here is an overview.
🦠 Ear mites
What are ear mites?
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are surface mites that live mainly in the ear canal but also on skin around the ears. The mite is barely visible to the naked eye. Highly contagious through direct contact between animals.
Symptoms
- • Intense ear scratching and head shaking
- • Dark, granular discharge (like coffee grounds)
- • Hair loss and crusts around ears from scratching
- • Ear mites can also live on skin around ears—treat all pets in the household
Treatment
First thoroughly clean ears with an ear cleaner. Then anti-mite products: ear drops or a spot-on on the neck (e.g. Stronghold, Advocate). With bacterial infection: additional medication. Check after a month if mites are gone. Ask your vet for a complete treatment plan.
Prevention
Have new animals checked before they meet other pets. If infected: treat all pets in the household at once.
🤧 Sneezing
When is sneezing normal?
Occasional sneezing is normal—just like us. Dust, perfume or cigarette smoke can cause sneezing. Ensure good ventilation.
Causes of persistent sneezing
- • Respiratory infection – Viruses (herpes, calicivirus in cats; kennel cough in dogs) or bacteria. Often with nasal discharge, watery eyes, fever.
- • Allergy – Pollen, dust, mould or household products. Can be seasonal.
- • Foreign body – Grass awn or something else in the nose. Often one-sided discharge, sudden sneezing.
- • Other causes – Dental problems, fungal infection (Cryptococcus), nasal tumours. Let your vet investigate.
Cat flu (feline upper respiratory infection)
Cat flu is a contagious respiratory infection in cats, caused by herpes and calicivirus. 80–90% of cats carry herpes latently—stress can trigger an outbreak. Symptoms: sneezing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, fever, not eating. Dangerous for kittens. Prevention: FVRCP vaccination. Treatment: supportive care, antibiotics for bacterial infection. Recovered cats can remain carriers.
When to see the vet?
With persistent sneezing and nasal discharge (coloured or thick), watery eyes, lethargy or not eating: see your vet immediately. Consider making a video—sneezing can be confused with coughing or reverse sneezing. With fever or stopping eating: emergency.
🩺 This information is general. Contact your veterinarian for a consultation and tailored advice.
More about health
View our health guide for eye and ear care and more.
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