Ear mites are exactly what their name suggests. They are mites that live on the ear canal surface and are not visible to the human eye. Ear mites move into a clean ear canal, wreak havoc, and move out leaving behind a secondary infection that stays until treated. Common symptoms of ear mites are brown ear wax, itchy and/or irritated ears, and shaking head. Ear mites are very contagious from one pet to another. If you think your pet has or had ear mites bring them into All Animal Clinic for an ear examination and treatment; course of treatment varies with stages of ear mites.