Introduction
Many dog owners wonder if their new puppy is born with or susceptible to getting mites. Mites are tiny spider-like parasites that can live on dogs’ skin and cause itching, hair loss, and skin damage. While not all dogs are born with mites, puppies are especially vulnerable in their first few months of life. Understanding the common types of mites, how puppies get them, preventing transmission, and proper treatment can help new dog owners keep their puppy comfortable and mite-free.
What Are Mites?
Mites are tiny arachnids, related to spiders and ticks. There are many different species of mites that can affect dogs. Mites are microscopic and can’t be seen with the naked eye. They feed on blood, skin and secretions.
The most common types of mites that affect dogs include:
- Demodex – Also called demodectic mange, caused by Demodex canis mites. These mites live in hair follicles.
- Sarcoptes – Cause sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies. Caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites.
- Otodectes – Ear mites that live on the skin surface in the ear canal. Otodectes cynotis is the main species in dogs.
- Cheyletiella – Cause cheyletiellosis, walking dandruff. These mites live on skin scales.
Mites can be found all over a dog’s body, but are often concentrated in places like the ears, elbows, armpits and hindquarters. Demodex mites concentrate in hair follicles, while Sarcoptes burrow into the skin.
Sources:
https://www.pethonesty.com/blogs/blog/dog-mites
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/mite-infestation-mange,-acariasis,-scabies-in-dogs
Are Puppies Born with Mites?
Most puppies are born with mites, specifically demodectic mites known as Demodex canis. These mites live in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of dogs. Research indicates that 98-100% of puppies pick up Demodex mites from their mother in the first few days of life (source).
While the vast majority of puppies have mites, there is a small percentage that may not. Some potential reasons a puppy may not have mites from birth include being separated from the mother very early, if the mother has very low levels herself, or if the breed is known to have stronger immunity against mites. However, the majority of puppies will harbor mites as it is considered natural and normal (source).
How Are Puppies Infected?
Puppies become infected with demodex mites through contact with their mother. According to the VCA, mother dogs pass mites along to their puppies in the first few days of life [1]. This transmission happens through direct skin-to-skin contact.
The mites are transferred from the mother dog’s hair follicles to the newborn puppies as they nurse and cuddle. Puppies pick up the mites from snuggling up against their mother to nurse. Even routine activities like the mother dog licking and grooming her puppies spreads the mites from her saliva and fur to the puppies [2].
Since puppies do not have a fully developed immune system at birth, their bodies cannot inhibit the reproduction and spread of the mites received from their mother initially. This allows the mites to rapidly multiply and cause infection in young puppies.
Potential Health Risks
Mites can cause several health problems for puppies if left untreated. Some of the main issues to look out for include:
Skin irritation – Mites cause severe itching and irritation as they burrow into the skin. Puppies may scratch or bite themselves constantly, leading to further skin damage and infections. Signs include redness, scabs, and hair loss. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, demodectic mange can cause “extensive hair loss, baldness, and scabbing” in severe cases.
Skin infections – The excessive scratching caused by mites can break the skin’s surface, allowing bacteria to enter and cause secondary infections. These may lead to pus-filled sores, an offensive odor, and skin thickening.
Anemia and weakness – Some mites like Demodex can burrow deeper into the skin and cause localized inflammation or damage to tissues. Severe infestations may cause anemia, lethargy, fever, and reduced appetite in puppies.
Ear infections – Ear mites can infect the ear canal and cause inflammation, dark discharge, head shaking, and crusty lesions. If left untreated, the eardrum may rupture.
While most mild cases can be treated, severe infestations that are left untreated for a long time can be detrimental to a puppy’s health. Puppies may even develop a systemic illness and become extremely weak. Early intervention and treatment are critical to avoid long-term effects of mites. Look out for signs of scratching, skin irritation, hair loss, and infections. Consult a vet promptly if mites are suspected.
Diagnosing Mites
There are a few ways veterinarians can diagnose mite infestations in puppies:
Vet Examination – The vet will first do a visual examination of the puppy’s skin looking for signs of irritation, redness, and crusty skin which may indicate mites. Mites may also be visible moving on the skin. The vet will look in areas where mites commonly infect like the ears, elbows, and belly.
Microscope Analysis – To confirm mites, the vet will take a skin scraping or pluck a few hairs and examine the sample under a microscope. This allows the vet to identify the mites and what type they are (source).
Skin Scraping Test – Using a scalpel blade, the vet scrapes a small area of skin and collects skin cells and debris. This sample is placed on a slide and checked under a microscope for mites (source). Skin scrapings are done in areas commonly affected by mites.
Treating Mites
The most common medications used to treat mite infestations in puppies are selamectin, moxidectin, and ivermectin. Selamectin kills adult mites and eggs and is applied topically as a spot-on treatment. Moxidectin also kills all life stages of mites and can be given orally or by injection. Ivermectin is an oral medication that is effective against sarcoptic mange mites. These medications work by paralysing and killing the mites.
In addition to medication, owners should also give their puppy soothing baths using a medicated shampoo like veterinary-prescribed lime sulfur dip or over-the-counter anti-parasitic shampoos. This helps remove dead mites and skin debris while also soothing inflamed skin. The puppy’s bedding should be washed frequently with hot water to kill any mites and eggs present. All other dogs in contact with the infected puppy should also be treated as a precaution.
With prompt and proper treatment, most uncomplicated mite infestations can be resolved within 4-8 weeks. More severe cases may take up to 3 months to fully resolve. It’s critical to follow up with the full course of prescribed medication and not stop treatment early.
Prevention
There are several steps breeders and pet owners can take to help prevent mites in puppies and dogs:
For breeders, it’s important to treat the mother dog for any mite infestations during pregnancy and while nursing. Products like Revolution, Bravecto, Nexgard, and Interceptor Plus can safely be used on breeding and pregnant dogs to control mites [1]. The environment where puppies will be born and raised should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected beforehand as well.
Once puppies are born, breeders should inspect them regularly for any signs of mites. Puppies should be treated promptly if mites are detected. Maintaining cleanliness in the whelping area is also essential – bedding should be washed frequently and the area disinfected regularly [2].
For pet owners, keeping your dog’s environment clean can help prevent mites. This includes regular vacuuming, washing bedding weekly, and disinfecting crates, beds, and other surfaces. Baths using anti-parasitic shampoos can kill mites and control infestations. Treating any pets that go outdoors with monthly preventatives is also recommended.
Outlook and Prognosis
With prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, the prognosis for dogs with demodectic mange is generally excellent. Most cases will resolve within a few months with diligent topical and/or oral medications as prescribed by a veterinarian.1
The earlier demodectic mange is diagnosed and treatment begins, the better the long-term outlook. Puppies under 18 months of age have a nearly 100% recovery rate if treated before the mange spreads across the entire body.2 For adult dogs, the prognosis is also good if treated promptly before secondary infections set in.
Without treatment, demodectic mange tends to worsen over time. The mites spread across the body and the dog experiences hair loss, skin lesions, infections, and discomfort. Secondary bacterial infections may develop if the dog’s immune system is compromised. While not contagious to other pets or people, untreated demodectic mange can negatively impact a dog’s quality of life. However, even severe long-term cases of mange can be cured with persistent treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mites are a common parasite that can infect puppies and dogs. While puppies are not automatically born with mites, they are highly susceptible in their first few weeks of life when nursing from their mother. Mites are easily spread through contact and can cause uncomfortable skin irritation and infections if left untreated. Various preventative measures can help reduce exposure and monthly heartworm medication is often effective at killing mites. Though irritating, mites are very treatable, especially when caught early. With proper prevention and treatment, mites do not have to pose an ongoing burden for dogs.
The key takeaways are:
- Puppies are not inherently born with mites but at high risk of exposure from mom and littermates.
- Close contact and nursing allow mites to spread rapidly to puppies.
- Mites can cause skin irritation, infections, and hair loss if untreated.
- Prevention, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment are important.
- With proper care, mites are manageable parasites for dogs.