The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

I have some family friends (I've know them my entire life, and their dog since they rescued her) that have a spaniel mix that is in desperate need of having the underside of her ears shaved. They have been all gunho for me to do so, and I am perfectly willing. The problem is, she has ear mites. It's no use waiting for the mites to clear up, it has been months, they really just aren't consistent enough, I'm afraid. My hope is that it will help air out the ears (she has cocker ears) and therefore help with the mites. By I want to be a hundred percent sure that I will not be passing these on to my dogs. Thus far I have been cleaning the blade with warm soapy water and drying it thoroughly. Is this enough? For my two I believe it is. But, I refuse to pass on mites to my boys, any suggestion of good blade cleaners? (Julie, Jucy D., other professional groomers?)

I think I would have a talk with them about caring for the dog. Not giving a dog the care they know he needs is as bad as neglecting the pet IMO. I would wipe everything down with alcohol anyways to be sure they are cleaned but I would not do it in your home and risk them being infected.

Sanitizer is not what you need. Mites need insecticide. No how, no way would I touch a dog I knew had ear mites. They are HIGHLY contagious and a bugger to get ride of.

However, if they treat their dog for fleas they should treat with Revolution. It will kill the ear mites as well.

The 'cocker ear' (hate that term cause it doesn't have to be) they have is likely from the mites. Mites eat, mites poop. The gunk in their dogs ears is mite poop. Maybe that will get them on a steady treatment.

First off, thank you both for your replies.

Deborah, they have been trying their hardest to get ride of the ear mites ever since she contracted them, but a day of missed treatment and that's all takes. They might have them mostly gone, but I haven't talked to them about the mites for a couple of months, that being the last time I saw them.

Julie, I will let them know about Revolution, I am sure they treat for fleas and ticks. By 'cocker ear' I meant literally the shape of the ear. I was trying to indicate that they are long, hanging ears and since they aren't shaved on the inside, HAIRY! It's a wonder they can tell apart the mite leavings from her black hair. Sorry to give you the wrong impression, and for the record, my family has had to this date, three cockers (only one ear infection, between the three) and an English Springer Spaniel mix, no ear infections from her. And perfectly clean ears for the two and a half months we fostered a cocker. So I agree about the clean ears.