What kills skin mites on dogs
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
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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.
Mite Infestation (Mange, Acariasis, Scabies) in Dogs
This form of mange is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var canis. This highly contagious parasite is found on dogs worldwide. It is often called canine scabies. Although the mites that cause mange prefer dogs, humans and other animals that come in contact with an infected dog may also become infected. The entire life cycle (17 to 21 days) of these mites is spent on the infested dog. Females burrow tunnels in the skin to lay eggs. Mange is easily spread between animals by contact. Indirect transmission, such as through infested bedding, is less common, but it can occur. The incubation period varies from 10 days to 8 weeks, depending on how severely the dog is infested, part of the body affected, number of mites transmitted, and the individual dogs health and hygiene.
Not all dogs have signs when they are infested with sarcoptic mange mites. Usually, though, the animal will have intense itching that comes on suddenly. The itching is probably caused by sensitivity to the mites droppings. Initially, infested skin will erupt with small, solid bumps. Because the dog scratches or bites itself to relieve the itch, these bumps and the surrounding skin are often damaged, causing thick, crusted sores. Secondary yeast or bacterial infections can develop in the damaged skin. Usually, the sores appear first on the abdomen, chest, ears, elbows, and legs. If the mange is not diagnosed and treated, the sores can spread over the entire body. Dogs with longterm, recurring mange develop oily dandruff (seborrhea), severe thickening of the skin with wrinkling and crust build-up, and oozing, weeping sores. Dogs affected this severely can become emaciated and may even die.
Scabies incognito is a term used to describe hard-to-diagnose mange. If a dog is regularly bathed and has a well-groomed coat, the mites might be hard to find, evenif the dog shows signs of infestation such as itching. The other typical signs of mangecrusts and scales on the skinare removed by regular bathing.
If mange is suspected, your veterinarian will do a physical examination, including collecting skin scrapings and possibly a stool sample. Some clinics might also use a blood test to diagnose mange. If mites are not found, but the signs are highly suggestive of mange, trial treatment is warranted. Mange is very highly contagious and can spread easily between animals of different species and even to humans. Thus, you should ask your veterinarian for advice on how to avoid contracting mange from your pet.
Treatment should include all dogs and other animals that have been in contact with one another. It may be necessary to clip the hair. The crusts and dirt should be removed by soaking with a medicated (antiseborrheic) shampoo, and an anti-mite dip applied. Lime-sulfur is highly effective and safe for use in young animals. Several dips may be required. Alternatively, internal or topical medicines are also effective. Some internal mange medications are also used for heartworm prevention, so your veterinarian may want to test your dog for heartworms before treatment. Treatment for secondary infections may also be necessary.
