Ear mites?

[Nehelenia]

My dog had been showing some irritation in his ear for some time now and at first I didn't think of it as anything. I didn't see anything in his ear when I checked, etc. But today after greeting him, I noticed redness in his ear. Upon further expection I noticed that he had brown build up of some kind and apparently he must've scratched himself roughly because he's broken some skin. I did some research online and his symptons point to ear mites.

Here's what his ear looks like now:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...a/IMG_1351.jpg

Has anyone experienced this before? I know this calls for a vet visit, but as I won't be able to do so for a few days, what can I do to clean out his ear and make him more comfortable? What does the vet prescribe for ear mites and how long would it take for him to get better?

Thanks for any help, it's very much appreciated.

EDIT: His behavior hasn't changed. He'll shake his head at times and make an attempt at scratching himself, though I stop him. I just don't know what I can do for those times I'm gone. :(

[luv4gsds]

Mix together some distilled white vinegar, water and betadine. Clean the dog ears out with this using a cotton ball or a clean cloth.

[DiggityDogs]

I'm pretty sure some of the large chain pet stores also carry an over the counter ear mite remedy. I'm not sure how effective it is, but it's worth a shot. The picture you posted wouldn't come up for me, but usually ear mites are accompanied by a brown buildup that is often described as looking like coffee grounds. It could either be mites or an ear infection, but if he's shaking his head and scratching at his ears a lot then you're probably right about the ear mites.

[Ingemor]

Hello & welcome. I would definitely encourage the vet visit as soon as you have an opportunity. I'm currently treating my dog for a yeast infection in her ears with Otomax drops from the vet. The reason I mention this is that her symptoms were similar to those you describe: shaking her head, scratching at her ears, and a brown build-up. Regular cleaning (at least weekly) with Epi-Otic or a similar retail product was recommended to follow the antibiotic treatment. There's an interesting discussion of ear problems, treatments, and food allergies here at:
http://www.discussdogs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=261

Your vet will be able to tell you what exactly you're dealing with and what to do with about your dog's ear problem.

Hope your puppy feels better soon.