Tiny Red Mites on the Tips of a Dog's Ear Flaps

Tiny red or orange specks clustered on the ear tips, with intense itching, are often harvest mites (chiggers). These are the larvae of a mite that lives in grass and woodland, especially from late summer into fall, though in some areas from spring onward. They also like the feet, belly and armpits. Ear mites, by contrast, live inside the ear canal and are almost never seen on the tips, and look like tiny white specks rather than red ones. Very young ticks can also look like tiny red dots.

Please see your vet rather than using home remedies. Your vet can look at the specks under a microscope to confirm what they are. Some flea and tick products can help protect against these mites, so ask your vet which is suitable for your dog. Your vet can also relieve the itch, which can last after the mites drop off. Mange can also cause itchy, crusty ear tips, but those mites are invisible to the eye. Sarcoptic mange is contagious to people and other pets, which is another reason to get it checked. Home remedies such as oils or vinegar don't reliably kill mites, and some essential oils are toxic to dogs.

Meanwhile, try to stop him scratching, because constant scratching and head shaking can damage the skin and cause an ear hematoma.

See mange in dogs and ear hematomas in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.