Ear mite infections are a big problem for both cats and dogs. If you watch your cat or dog and notice some changes in behavior it could be that your pet has ear mite problems.

If your pet starts shaking his head violently or won't stop scratching at his ears, even to the point where he is crying out because it is painful, you are probably dealing with ear mites.

You are probably asking what an ear mite is. Deep in the ear canal is the home of small parasites known as ear mites.

Feeding on blood, they bite through the lining of the ear, which creates swelling and discomfort for your animal.

Yeast and bacterial infections are in store for your pet if you don't take action against an ear mite problem.

And if that doesn't scare you, maybe the fact your pet will lose his hearing and will need a costly operation will.

Ear mites are like fleas - they will easily find another host if one is available.

Remember this if your pet is in contact with others, for example at playtime, in a kennel or if there are multiple pets in your family.

So if you have more than one animal it is wise to treat them all as if they had an ear mite infection.

Although both dogs and cats may contract ear mites, you should take special car if you are the proud owner of a spaniel as their glorious long haired long ears are especially attractive to ear mites.

Ear mites can be dispatched easily and quickly. The first issue to to keep the ears clean - this is where products such as PNP Healthy Ears Ear Cleanser for Dogs can help, as its gentle cleaning properties will remove debris, wax and dust from the animal's ears.

It can help prevent ear infections, and is easy to apply with a specially designed nozzle. Use regularly and apply after swimming.

Lambert Kay Ear Rite Insecticidal Ear Wash is another great ear cleaner product in the battle against ear mite infections.

Ideal for cleaning the outer surfaces of the ear, it makes your dog's ears less hospitable for opportunistic infections. For dry ears, ClearQuest Ear Powder comes strongly recommended.

Designed for cats and dogs equally, the dry powder neutralises odor and maintains a non damp environment, thus avoiding years problems.

Ear wipes from ClearQuest make quick work of keeping your pet's ears healthy.

Made with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ingredients, these wipes will stop any yeast or bacterial infection in its tracks. They are quick and simple to use, come in a tidy resealable container, so every time you get a perfect wipe.

Dr Golds Extra Gentle Ear Therapy for dogs and cats is another option to clean your pet's ears quickly, cleanly and effectively.

Made with Tea tree oil and witch hazel, natural disinfectants and astringents, odor problems will be resolved and the ears will be kept clean and dry and safe from yeast infections.

A stronger alternative is Gimborn R-7M Ear Mite Treatment for Pets.

It contains a natural miticide that will dispatch ear mites and ticks promptly leaving your pet pain and infection free. Popular among breeders and showers.

If the situation has gotten really bad and your are struggling to cope with repeated or severe infections you need something with some punch, such as Zymox OTIC Solution with and without Hydrocortisone.

Use once a day for seven days for acute symptoms and double the time for chronic infections.

As you see there are plenty of products available to keep your pet's ears clean and mite free.

Don't leave ear mite and yeast problems to sort themselves out, inevitably they don't and that just isn't fair on your pet.