Does it seem that whenever you turn around your pet is busily scratching her ears or shaking her head? Take a good look inside her ears. Do you notice a dark-brown, sometimes pungent-smelling wax, or a crusty residue that looks a little like coffee grounds? If the answer is yes, your dog or cat may have mites. These tiny, almost invisible eight-legged parasites feed on the lining of your pet's ear canal and cause great irritation. When your animal companion attempts to get some relief by scratching, the ear canal becomes inflamed.

Left untreated, the infection could spread to the middle and inner ear, resulting in more serious problems. Also, excessive scratching and shaking could cause the blood vessels inside the ear flap to rupture and leak blood between the two surfaces. This results in a swelling called an aural hematoma, which usually requires corrective surgergy.

Your veterinarian can confirm the presence of ear mites with an otoscope. He or she will clean the ear canals and prescribe medicated ear drops, and also recommend that you treat all the animals in your house. Remember, mites are easily passed from one pet to another. These hearty parasites also can live outside the ear, so your veterinarian may recommend an insecticidal shampoo.

If your veterinarian prescribes medicated ear drops, you'll need to clean your pet's ears before giving the medicine--or the treatment could be prolonged or ineffective. You'll need to put the drops directly in your pet's ear canal and massage the ear for a couple of minutes. At this point your dog or cat will probably shake her head, which will send some of the liquid flying; be sure to wipe up any excess. If directed by your veterinarian, you can soothe irritated ears with a few drops of mineral oil. The liquid also acts to smother some of the mites.

Your pet should see some relief in about 10 days. But you'll need to treat her for at least 3 weeks, as it takes that long for a mite to grow from egg to adult. ASPCA experts suggest that you treat your pet's bedding and favorite hangouts in your home with an appropriate insecticidal spray or powder, since mites can live for several months without a host.

You can prevent parasite problems in the future with a once-a-month ear cleaning. Use a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide to gently clear out your dog's or cat's ear canals, but do not insert the swab too deeply, as you may injure the delicate tissues and cause an ear infection.