What kills mites naturally on dogs

Mites on dogs: How to recognize and treat these parasites

Discovering mites on dogs is always going to be alarming. On the one hand, it means these tiny arachnids are living on your pet, causing discomfort, hair loss, inflammation and itching. On the other hand, it also means theyre in your home, with the potential of infecting you and the rest of your family. Feeling grossed out all of a sudden? Weve got you.

Since mites are microscopic (theyre smaller than the width of a human hair, near-impossible to see with the naked eye and look like small black dots), they can be easily missed until you begin to notice the symptoms. Left untreated, they can cause two separate skin diseases in dogs: demodicosis and scabies.

Since mites can be passed from dog to dog either directly or indirectly, you may find you have an even larger problem on your hands if you have more than one pooch at home. In any case, although you can use the best dog shampoo to keep coats clean and smelling fresh, you shouldnt attempt to directly treat mites yourself. Home remedies are ineffective and they can also harm your dog.

Instead, regardless of which species of mite is causing your dogs skin problems, you will need an accurate diagnosis and veterinarian-prescribed treatment if you want to eliminate mites. To that end, its a good idea to check out a vet's guide to mange (the name for an itchy skin condition caused by mites) as well as the advice from our expert vet Dr Catherine Barnette below.

Catherine Barnette DVM

After graduating from the University of Florida, having gained a B.S. in Zoology and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), pet lover and expert Dr Barnette went on to rack up 15 years of clinical experience working as a small animal veterinarian, treating fur friends including dogs, cats, and occasional exotic patients. Dr Barnette now creates educational copy for PetsRadar and content for fellow veterinarians and pet owners, working as a freelance veterinary writer.

Types of mites on dogs

Two common mites affect dogs: Demodex canis (often referred to as demodex) and Sarcoptes scabiei (often referred to as sarcoptes).

Demodex canis

Demodex mites cause a skin condition referred to as demodicosis or demodectic mange. Demodicosis is most common in young puppies (whose immune systems are not fully developed) and in dogs that are immunosuppressed due to stress, immunosuppressive drugs, or an underlying illness.

Most young puppies are infected with a few demodex mites by their mother when they are very young but, as a puppy grows and matures, their immune system keeps these mites in check and prevents an active, overwhelming infection. In some cases, however, the dogs immune system fails to suppress the mites, allowing the mites to proliferate within the hair follicles. But demodicosis is not a contagious skin condition; your dog cannot become infected with demodex mites through contact with an infected dog.

Sarcoptes mites

Sarcoptes mites cause a condition known as scabies or sarcoptic mange. Scabies is a contagious skin disease. This infection spreads from an infected dog to an uninfected dog. In rare cases, even cats can be infected with scabies. Scabies typically spreads when two animals are in direct contact with each other, but the mites can also survive on bedding and other surfaces for several days and be passed in that way.

Can you see dog mites with the human eye?

Some animal mites can be seen with the naked eye, such as Cheyletiellia, also known as walking dandruff. This mite is most common in cats and rabbits, but it can occasionally infect dogs.

Demodex and sarcoptes, the two most common mites in dogs, however, are very small, measuring between 0.5 and 2.0mm in length. That makes them virtually invisible to the naked eye. If your dog has demodicosis or scabies, youll tend to only see evidence of the damage caused by the mites.

Symptoms

Demodicosis and scabies affect the skin of infected dogs and, since there can be significant overlap between these two conditions, its important to work with a veterinarian to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

The most common sign of canine demodex is hair loss. Demodex mites live within the hair follicle, resulting in inflammation that causes the hair to fall out. This hair loss may affect a single part of the body (localized demodex) or may be widespread (generalized demodex).

Some affected dogs also develop itching and redness of the skin. Itching and inflammation may indicate the presence of a secondary bacterial infection.

The most common sign of scabies is severe itching. The saliva and fecal matter of scabies mites trigger a severe itch response in most dogs; affected dogs may be so itchy that they seem unable to get comfortable. While scabies mites do not affect the hair follicles, affected dogs may scratch themselves so vigorously that they scratch their hair out. The skin is often red and inflamed, and dogs may be especially itchy around their ears.

Can I catch mites from my dog?

The zoonotic (animal to human) transmission potential of mites depends on which mite your dog is infected with. Demodicosis is not contagious to humans. We have our own species of demodex mite but we cannot become infected with canine demodex mites.

Scabies, in contrast, is a zoonotic parasite. You can become infected with scabies through contact with an infected dog. Fortunately, the scabies mites that live on dogs do not survive on humans for very long. (We have our own human-specific scabies mite that causes human scabies infections.)

Dog scabies can trigger intense itching in people, but this is often short-lived and will resolve within a number of days. Canine scabies does not typically cause long-lasting infections in humans.

When to see a vet

If you suspect that your dog may have mites (or any other skin condition), schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. You will be asked a number of questions in order to gain an understanding of your dogs history. Your vet will also perform a thorough physical examination, including a detailed evaluation of your dogs skin. Based on your dogs history and clinical appearance, the veterinarian will recommend appropriate diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your dogs skin issues.

Demodicosis is usually easy to diagnose using a test called a skin scrape. In this test, your vet obtains samples from the deep layers of the skin and examines them under the microscope. Seeing demodex mites on the skin scrape confirms a diagnosis of demodicosis.

A superficial (shallow) skin scrape may be beneficial in diagnosing scabies, but sarcoptes mites are not always easy to find. In some cases, repeated skin scrapes may fail to find mites in dogs infected with scabies. Therefore, scabies is often diagnosed based on clinical appearance and response to appropriate treatment.

How to get rid of mites on dogs

Your veterinarian will prescribe an appropriate treatment, depending on whether your dog is diagnosed with demodex or scabies. It includes oral medications, spot-on topical products, or medicated shampoos. If your dog has developed a secondary skin infection as a result of mites, your veterinarian may also prescribe an antibiotic to give with your dogs skin mite treatment.

If your dog is diagnosed with scabies, you can expect to see a response to treatment within a few weeks, and the mites will likely be cleared within six to eight weeks. Demodex often requires a more prolonged course of treatment. Dogs are typically rechecked once monthly during treatment (to assess response to therapy) and treatment may be continued for six months or more.

Mites are not the only living nuisances affecting dogs. You can find out how to treat a dog with worms and learn how to get rid of fleas in your home and on your pet.

How to Get Rid of Mites on Dogs: A Vets Guide to Dog Mite Infestations

Fleas and worms are often the first things we think of when it comes to parasites in dogs. However, they arent the only critters who can cause trouble for your pet. In this article well guide you on dog mites, signs of mites, how to keep your dog protected, and mite treatment.

Mites cause a range of problems in dogs, and some species of mitescan also be transmitted to other pets and our pet parents! So, lets find out everything you need to know about mites on dogs.

Highlights

• Dog mites can cause skin problems and can be passed to other pets and humans.
• There are various types of mites, each requiring specific treatment plans.
• Intense itching and skin irritation are common signs of a dog mite infestation.
• A vet can diagnose mites using a skin scraping and provide effective treatments.
• Preventing mites involves cleanliness and regular pet care routines.

The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to our disclaimer for more details..

What is a dog mite?

Image credits: Pixabay

Dog mites are tiny creatures that can live in a few places on your dogs body, such as their ear canal, skin, and in their fur. Some species even burrow into your dogs skin.

Depending on the species, they can be passed from one dog to another or they can be transmitted through the environment.

This means, that if your dog has contact with another dog who is infested, you have good reason to suspect that your dog is also infested.

Mites are very small and can be hard to see, depending on the species,and your dogs coat. However, dont worry, there are a few things to know about dog mites, to help you understand the symptoms ofmite infestations and when to act.

Are there different types of mites?

There are several species of mites, which have their own preferred place to live on your dog, different manifestations, and specificities when it comes to treatment and diagnosis.

Well go through them in detail now and have included a summary table at the end of the article.

Ear mite

Otodectes cynotis mites can live in your dogs ear and are especially irritating. This means that your dog is likely to itch, scratch, or shake their ear to try and relieve itself.

Its good to know that this speciescan also infect cats, so if your vet diagnoses your dog with ear mites, its best to ask them about getting some treatment for your cat too if needed.

Sarcoptic mange

Sarcoptic mange is also known as scabies and these mites cause sarcoptic mange. The females of the species that cause it (Sarcoptes scabiei), lay eggs in the tunnels they make in a dogs skin.

The poop from the mites is what is thought to cause the strong urge to itch that is often associated with these kindsof mites. Such intense itching can lead to irritation of the skin and secondary bacterial or fungal infections. However, it doesnt always show symptoms.

Its good to know that thesemites can cause pet parents and other animals in the household to become infected.

It must be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian, who will ask you lots of questions about your pet and then perform a clinical examination.

They may also perform a skin scrape to help confirm the presence of these mite speciesbased on their appearance under the microscope.

The treatment for these mites includes special shampoo and medication. Its important to give the medication to all the animals in the household.

Cheyletiellosis mite

These mites are sometimes called walking dandruff for two reasons:

• They often cause your dogs skin to become flakey.
• They are white and look like tiny moving white dots.

Aside from this, chyletiella yasguri mites cause your dog to itch. Its also good to know that cheyletiella yasguri mitescan also infect humans, although its not very serious and pretty easily treated.

Demodex canis mites

Demodex canis mites mites live in your dogs hair and can be found under normal conditions. However, when their body is in balance, these mites dont usually cause a problem.

In young puppies or those with a weaker immune system, the number of mites can increase to a harmful level and cause symptoms such as hair loss.

This type of mite doesnt usually spread between dogs, the main factor which determines if it causes your dog problems, is the strength of their immune system.

Symptoms of mites

Image credits: Pixabay

The localization of dog mite symptoms can vary slightly depending on the species of mitebut usually cause similar symptoms such as itching and problems with skin or hair. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the number of mites and your dogs specific reaction to them.

Do mites on dogs mean a trip to the vet?

If you suspect your dog may have mites, its best to take them to your veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis. Many conditions in dogs can look like mites, so its best to rule out those conditions before starting treatment.

Dont worry, the diagnosis of mites in dogs is pretty straightforward and doesnt take much time (or money).

The process is likely to be as follows. Your veterinarian will take a brief medical history from you. This will involve asking about all aspects of your pets care routine, such as their food, exercise, and whether you treat them for parasites.

Dont be alarmed if they also ask you whether any other pets or people in the house are affected. Some species of mites can also be transmitted to humans. Dont worry, they are usually easily treatable.

After your vet has asked you for the above information, they will perform a clinical examination of your pet and look extra closely at any affected areas.

They may also take something called a skin scraping. This involves using a blade to take away some cells from the surface of your dogs skin (if they suspect scabies). They may also take a swab from inside your dogs ear (if they suspect earmites) or some of their hair and look at it under the microscope.

Skin scraping is nothing to worry about for pet parents. Its an unpainful procedure for your dog, and they wont require any sedation for this process.

A bonus of skin scraping is that the results are available as soon as the procedure. This is because your vet just needs to take a look under the microscope. They will look for their presence and what the mites look like.

Treatment for a dog with mites

Treatment for dogs with mites depends on the species of the critter involvedand the severity of the symptoms. Some examples of treatment are:

• Medicated shampoos
• Dips
• Oral medications.

The best choice in treatment for mites depends on the typeof mite, and your dogs condition. Its important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from your veterinarian to effectively and safely get rid of mites in your dogs.

How to prevent mites and protect your dog

Since most mites are spread by close contact with other dogs, its pretty complicated to prevent them.

However, keeping your dogs coat in good condition and their environment and bedding clean is a good way to help reduce the chances of them getting mites.

Mites in your dog a summary

Name	Main signs	Diagnosis	Treatment	Dont forget
s
Sarcoptic mange	Itching	History, Clinical examination, Skin scraping	Bathing with a special shampoo	Can be passed on to humans and other pets
s
Ear mite	Itching, shaking, or scratching the ear	History, Clinical examination	Ear cleaning and medication	Cats can get it too
s
Cheyletiellosis mite	Flaky skin walking dandruff	History, Clinical examination	Shampoos
s
Demodex mite	Hair loss	History, Clinical examination	Shampoos, Medication

Diagnosis

History, Clinical examination, Skin scraping

Treatment

Bathing with a special shampoo

Dont forget

Can be passed on to humans and other pets

Main signs

Itching, shaking, or scratching the ear

Diagnosis

History, Clinical examination

Treatment

Ear cleaning and medication

Dont forget

Cats can get it too

Main signs

Flaky skin walking dandruff

Diagnosis

History, Clinical examination

Diagnosis

History, Clinical examination

Treatment

Shampoos, Medication

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, well briefly answer the most common questions regarding the topic of dogs and mites.

How can I tell if my dog has mites?

If your dog is itching, scratching, or shaking their head they may have hairmites. However, these symptoms are not specific to mites and could be due to a range of other conditions. You wont be able to see the mites themselves without a microscope.

How did my dog get mites?

Most often, dogs pick up mites from other dogs who are infected with mites. This could mean, catching becoming infected by their other four-legged friends in the park, grooming parlor, or in kennels.

What kills mites on dogs instantly?

There are a variety of special shampoos and dips available on prescription from your veterinarian which are effective in killing mites. Its best to take your dog to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Never administer anything to your pet unless following advice from a veterinarian.

Can humans catch mites from dogs?

Some species of mite such as the sarcoptes scabei and Cheyletiella mite are transmissible from dogs to humans. If you think your dog may have mites, its important to take them to a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you think that you may have caught mites from your pet, its best to book an appointment with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Can dog mites infest your house?

If your veterinarian has confirmed that your dog is infected with mites, then its a good idea to thoroughly wash all bedding, blankets, and pillows theyve come into contact with.

Cleaning and thoroughly vacuuming areas also helps to remove mites and prevent your pet from becoming re-infested.

Conclusion

We hope youve enjoyed reading this guide on dog mites and that youve got the information you need to decide what to do to help cure your dog.