Learn to Identify and Treat Common Mites on Dogs

Getting to Know Mites on Dogs

If you're a dog owner, you're no stranger to the occasional flea or tick on your furry friend. However, there are other types of mites that can also take up residence on your pup. Being able to identify mites on dogs is key to providing effective treatment and relief.

Mites are tiny arachnids that can live on the skin of dogs, feeding on dead skin cells, oils, and debris. While some mites are harmless, others can cause irritation, hair loss, and skin infections. Common mites that affect canines include demodex, sarcoptes, cheyletiella, and otodectes cynotis.

Types of Dog Mites

Demodex

Demodex mites are natural inhabitants of dog skin and are generally harmless in small numbers. However, some dogs may have an overgrowth resulting in mange. Demodex mites are transferred from mother to puppy in the first few days of life. Demodex causes hair loss, bald spots, scabbing, and sores.

Sarcoptes

The Sarcoptes scabiei mite causes severe itching, redness, and hair loss in dogs. They tunnel into the skin to lay eggs, causing intense allergic reactions. These mites are highly contagious and can spread rapidly between dogs through close contact.

Cheyletiella

Cheyletiella mites are also called walking dandruff due to flakes they leave behind on the skin and coat. They cause itchiness, scaliness, and dermatitis. These mites can also affect cats and humans, causing temporary itching.

Otodectes

Otodectes cynotis mites, or ear mites, live inside the ear canal where they feed on wax and debris. They cause intense itchiness, head shaking, and dark crumbly discharge in the ears. Ear mites are easily spread between dogs and cats sharing close quarters.

Signs of Mites in Dogs

Mites can cause a variety of skin problems and discomfort in infested dogs. Here are some of the most common signs of mites to look for:

• Intense itching and scratching at the skin
• Hair loss or thinning fur
• Red, irritated skin with rashes or bumps
• Dandruff or flaky skin
• Sores and scabs from excessive scratching
• Crusting skin lesions
• Scaly skin
• Strong odor from skin infections
• Ear discharge, head shaking, or scratching at ears if ear mites present
• Restlessness and reduced sleep due to discomfort

Mite infestations often start around the eyes, ears, elbows, and hindquarters where hair tends to be thin. Seek veterinary care if you notice any symptoms of mites to help relieve your dog's discomfort.

Diagnosing Mites on Dogs

To confirm that skin issues are caused by mites, your veterinarian will begin with a physical exam of your dogs skin. They will look for evidence of mites or their eggs around affected areas.

Your vet may also perform the following diagnostic tests:

• Skin scrapings - Using a small blade to collect skin cells and debris which are then examined under a microscope for mites.
• Tape test - Pressing clear tape to the skin surface to pick up mites, then examining it.
• Skin biopsy - Taking a small sample of skin tissue to check for mites, eggs, and resulting damage.
• Otoscopic exam - Using an otoscope to look inside the ears for otodectes mites.

Catching mite infestations early allows for quicker, more effective treatment to eliminate the mites and alleviate your dogs misery.

Treating Mites on Dogs

Fortunately, todays topical and oral treatments make it easier than ever to successfully eradicate mites on your dog. Some options your veterinarian may recommend include:

• Medicated dips - Full-body immersion in anti-parasitic dip kills mites on contact.
• Spot-on drops - Liquid medication applied between shoulder blades spreads through oils glands to kill mites in the skin.
• Oral medications - Tablets or chews to kill mites and relieve itching when ingested.
• Antibiotics - If skin infections are present, antibiotics may be prescribed to control secondary bacterial infections.
• Anti-itch shampoos - Can provide relief from itching during treatment period.
• Ear medications - Ear dropscontaining medication to kill ear mites.

Be sure to follow your veterinarians treatment protocol exactly, and finish the full course even if symptoms improve. This helps fully eliminate mites. Thorough cleaning of your home is also recommended to prevent reinfestation.

Home Remedies for Mites on Dogs

In addition to veterinary-prescribed treatments, there are some natural remedies that can provide relief from mites and aid in elimination. However, always check with your vet before using any home treatments.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is thought to help balance skin pH, fight infections, and repel mites. Mix a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water. Wipe affected areas daily with cotton balls soaked in the mixture. Never apply undiluted vinegar.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil helps smother mites while soothing irritated skin thanks to its fatty acids and antioxidants. Apply a thin layer over affected areas 1-2 times per day. Work into your dogs fur to reach skin.

Colloidal Oatmeal

Making a paste with colloidal oatmeal and warm water provides relief from itching. Apply to hot spots, rashes, or scaled skin to ease inflammation. Rinse when dried.

Yogurt

Plain, unsweetened yogurt can be given orally or applied topically to soothe skin woes. The probiotics help strengthen skin barriers against mites. Use Greek yogurt and apply a thin coat to irritated patches.

Preventing Mites on Dogs

While occasional mites are often unavoidable, there are precautions owners can take to lower the risks of infestation:

• Avoid contact with stray or sick dogs of unknown health status.
• Don't allow sharing of brushes, bedding, or sleeping areas with other dogs.
• Regularly wash bedding in hot, soapy water to kill mites.
• Treat surrounding environment with sprays or powders labeled safe for pets.
• Bathe dogs frequently and brush coats to remove eggs and debris.
• Ask groomers to sanitize equipment after each dog.
• Check for mites during vet visits to catch issues early.
• Keep dogs on monthly preventives if mites are common in your area.

Catching and treating mites quickly can help prevent rampant spread. Schedule regular vet exams to closely monitor your dogs skin health.

Other Skin Problems in Dogs

In addition to mites, dogs can suffer from other skin conditions that may initially resemble a mite infestation. Being able to differentiate mites from other problems is key to getting the right treatment approach.

Fleas

Fleas cause intense itching, redness, and skin irritation in dogs. Close inspection often reveals the presence of fleas themselves, or "flea dirt" - small black specks of dried blood excreted by feeding fleas. Flea bites often appear around the stomach, tail, legs, and neck.

Ticks

Ticks latch onto dogs to feed on blood, often lodging themselves in hairy or hard to see areas. Engorged, blood-swollen ticks may appear as skin bumps or growths. Certain ticks can transmit dangerous illnesses to dogs through their bite.

Ringworm

A fungal skin infection, ringworm causes circular patches of hair loss and scaly skin on dogs. Under UV light, the lesions may glow green. Ringworm is highly contagious to other pets and humans.

Hot Spots

Known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots can arise from allergies, insect bites, poor grooming, underlying skin issues, or constant licking and chewing. Hot spots ooze, causing matted, smelly fur at affected sites.

Allergies

Both food and environmental allergies in dogs produce intense itchiness and recurrent ear and skin infections. Dogs may rub or lick constantly at affected body parts.

While mites often look similar to these other conditions initially, your vet can perform the proper diagnostics tests to determine the exact cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.

When to See a Vet

At the first signs of skin irritation, rashes, hair loss, or itching, contact your veterinarian. Leaving mites untreated allows them to proliferate and leads to greater misery for your dog. Proper diagnosis and medication are key.

See a vet right away if you notice:

• Sudden onset of intense itching or scratching in your dog
• Bald patches, scabs, or open sores appearing on the skin
• Skin that is red, inflamed, or looks infected
• Flaky skin, dandruff, or crusting skin lesions
• Strong odor coming from affected skin
• Restlessness, reduced appetite, or lethargy

With timely treatment guided by a professional, most mite infestations can be resolved and your dog's skin can heal. Follow all recommended prevention tips to help keep mites at bay.

Conclusion

Dealing with mites can be unpleasant for dogs and owners alike. However, being able to identify common dog mites like demodex, sarcoptes, cheyletiella, and otodectes allows you to catch infestations early. Talk with your vet about topical and oral medication, bathing remedies, and home care to eliminate mites and restore your dog's healthy, happy skin and coat.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.