What are dog mites?
Dog mites are tiny parasites that can live on and feed off dogs. There are several types of mites that commonly affect dogs, including:
Demodex Mites
Demodex canis live deep in dog hair follicles. These cigar-shaped mites are long and thin. While demodex mites occur naturally on dogs, an overpopulation of mites can cause skin issues (source).
Sarcoptes Scabiei Mites
Sarcoptes scabiei mites burrow into the dog’s skin and lay eggs. The ova hatch into larvae, develop into nymphs and then mature into adults that continue the cycle. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious (source).
Otodectes Cynotis Mites
Otodectes cynotis, also known as ear mites, live in the ear canal and feed on wax and oils. These mites cause intense itchiness and crusty dark discharge (source).
Mites have four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The entire life cycle usually takes 2-3 weeks to complete depending on species and conditions.
Can you see dog mites with the naked eye?
Dog mites are usually microscopic arthropods that cannot be seen by the human naked eye. The most common dog mites like demodex, sarcoptes scabiei, and cheyletiella are extremely tiny in size, often less than 0.5 mm long. This makes them invisible or barely detectable to us.
While some mites like the canine nasal mite may reach up to 1 mm in length, they are still too small for the average person to observe without magnification. Mites blend into a dog’s skin and fur, burrowing tunnels and laying eggs in microscopic fissures. You would need high powered microscopes and laboratory testing to properly visualize mite specimens.
So in most cases, dog owners cannot rely on their vision alone to determine if their pet has a mite infestation. The inability to see mites with the naked eye makes diagnosis difficult. Veterinarians often must scrape skin samples and inspect under the microscope to confirm the presence of mites in dogs with consistent symptoms.
Mite symptoms in dogs
Dogs with mite infestations often exhibit the following symptoms:
- Itching – One of the most common signs of mites is intense itchiness. Mites cause irritation as they burrow into the skin, resulting in a dog scratching or biting themselves. The itching may start mild but can worsen over time.
- Hair loss – Patches of hair loss are common with mites. This happens as a dog scratches or bites at their skin repeatedly due to itchiness, pulling out clumps of fur. Mites can also damage hair follicles leading to bald patches.
- Scabs – Constant scratching and biting of irritated skin causes wounds that often scab over as they heal. Scabs may be scattered across the body.
- Redness – Red, inflamed skin is often visible in areas affected by mites. The skin can become irritated, raw and reddened from mite burrowing and scratching.
- Hot spots – Hot spots, or moist dermatitis, can sometimes develop as a result of severe mite-related irritation. These red, ooosing sores are often seen in dogs with mites.
If a dog is exhibiting any combination of these symptoms, especially itchiness and hair loss, mites may be the cause. Diagnostic testing is needed to confirm.
Diagnosing mites
Diagnosing a mite infestation requires a veterinary exam and testing. The vet will start by doing a thorough physical exam of the dog’s skin, looking for signs of irritation, redness, and flaking that may indicate mites. They will look closely at areas like the ears, elbows, and abdomen where mites often congregate.
One of the main diagnostic techniques vets use is taking skin scrapings. The vet will use a blunt scraping tool to gently scrape bits of skin cells and debris from affected areas. This sample is then examined under the microscope to look for signs of mites, eggs, or mite fecal matter.
Skin scrapings allow the vet to definitively identify the type of mite through microscopic examination. Different mites have distinct appearances and characteristics that can be discerned under the microscope. The vet may be able to see adult mites, larvae, or eggs in the skin sample.
Other diagnostic tests like skin biopsies or tape preps may also be used. But skin scrapings viewed under the microscope are typically the quickest and easiest way for vets to confirm that mites are the cause of a dog’s skin irritation.
Treating mites
There are several effective treatment options available for getting rid of mites in dogs. Some of the most common mite treatments include:
Medicated dips – These specialized dips contain insecticides that kill mites. The entire dog is submerged in the dip, ensuring the treatment reaches everywhere on the dog’s body. Some dips require multiple treatments over several weeks to fully eliminate the mites.
Oral medications – Medications like ivermectin, milbemycin, and moxidectin can be prescribed by vets to kill mites internally. These are given orally, typically daily for a period of weeks. It’s important to carefully follow dosage instructions.
Topical treatments – Topical flea and tick prevention products like Nexgard, Bravecto, Simparica, etc. can kill mites when applied monthly. There are also medicated shampoos and dips that eliminate mites on contact.
Preventing Mites
There are several ways to help prevent mites in dogs, including regular grooming, washing bedding, using yard sprays, and flea/tick prevention products.
Regular grooming can help prevent mites by keeping your dog’s coat and skin clean. Use a brush to remove loose hair and inspect your dog’s skin for any signs of irritation or infestation. You can also use an apple cider vinegar solution as a rinse when bathing your dog to help repel mites (Source).
Washing your dog’s bedding frequently in hot water can kill any mites or eggs present. Mites can live in fabric and bedding for several days if not cleaned properly. Use a hot cycle and dry completely (Source).
Applying yard sprays around the perimeter of your home can help repel mites and other pests. Make sure to use sprays labeled safe for pets. Avoiding areas where stray or wild animals congregate can also lower mite exposure risk (Source).
Using monthly flea and tick prevention products prescribed by your vet can kill mites and help block future infestations. Maintaining these preventatives year-round provides the best protection, especially during warmer months when mites are most active (Source).
Mitigating mite infestations
If your dog has a mite infestation, it’s important to take steps to mitigate the spread and prevent reinfection. Some key actions include:
Quarantine infected dogs – Isolate dogs with mites from other pets to prevent spreading. Keep infected dogs confined to a crate or separate room until treated.
Treat all dogs in household – Even if they aren’t showing symptoms, all dogs in the household should be treated simultaneously to fully eliminate mites. Consult your vet on proper treatments.
Disinfect home – Thoroughly clean your home to remove mites living in carpets, furniture, bedding, etc. Use hot water and cleaning products labeled to kill mites. Vacuum frequently.
Wash bedding – Any bedding the infected dog contacts should be washed in hot water and dried in a hot dryer. This kills any lingering mites or eggs.
With prompt treatment and household disinfection, mite infestations can usually be eliminated. But be vigilant for recurring symptoms requiring additional treatment. For more tips, see this guide for getting rid of mites on dogs from Wondercide (https://www.wondercide.com/blogs/news/mites-on-dogs).
Mite risks
Mites can cause several risks and problems for both dogs and humans. For dogs, a mite infestation leads to severe discomfort and skin irritation as the mites burrow into the skin and lay eggs. This causes intense itching, redness, hair loss, crusting of the skin, and skin infections. Dogs will scratch, bite and chew at their skin constantly to try to relieve the itchiness. Without treatment, the irritation and infections can worsen.
For humans, mites pose little direct risk, but some types like Cheyletiella mites can lead to an allergic reaction. The mites shed skin cells that contain allergens. When inhaled by sensitive humans, this can cause coughing, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and sometimes rashes. The allergic reaction is not contagious and pet owners won’t get mange. But the allergens can cause discomfort. Keeping dogs treated for mites reduces allergen shedding.
Overall, mites are very uncomfortable for dogs and can lead to skin infections. They also pose a nuisance allergy risk for humans, especially those predisposed to allergies. Keeping mites controlled through veterinary-recommended prevention and treatment helps mitigate these risks for the health and comfort of both pets and owners.
When to seek veterinary care
If you suspect your dog has mites or other skin parasites, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Mites can cause significant irritation, hair loss, and skin damage if left untreated. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, you should contact your vet if your dog exhibits symptoms such as:
- Persistent itching or scratching at their skin
- Patches of hair loss
- Red, inflamed skin
- Crusty skin or scabs
- Small bumps or pustules on the skin
Your vet can take skin scrapings or do a thorough examination to check for mites under a microscope. This will allow them to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most effective treatment plan. The sooner mite infestations are addressed, the less chance they have of spreading or causing secondary skin infections from all the scratching and biting.
Some home remedies may provide temporary relief but won’t fully eliminate a mite infestation. Veterinary medications, dips, or spot-on treatments are required. Your vet can also suggest ways to ease your dog’s itching while the treatment takes effect. Providing prompt veterinary care is crucial for your dog’s comfort and health when dealing with miserable mite infestations.
FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions about dog mites:
What do mites look like on dogs?
Mites are usually too small to be seen with the naked human eye. They look like tiny dots or specks similar to dandruff. Mites may sometimes be visible upon close inspection of your dog’s skin, especially if there is a heavy infestation. The mites themselves are often hidden beneath your dog’s fur.
How do I know if my dog has mites?
Signs of a mite infestation in dogs include intense itching, hair loss, redness or irritation of the skin, and crusty or scaly patches on the skin. You may see your dog biting, licking, or scratching the infected area frequently. Take your dog to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms.[1]
Can I get mites from my dog?
Some types of dog mites can be transmitted to humans, leading to itchy rashes. However, human infestation is rare. Limit contact with your dog’s infected area and wash your hands thoroughly to avoid transmission. Speak to your doctor if you develop an itchy rash after exposure to a dog with mites.
How do I get rid of mites on my dog?
Your vet will prescribe medication to kill the mites, usually in the form of a topical solution, dip, or oral medication. All dogs in the household should be treated. You’ll also need to thoroughly clean your home to remove all traces of the mites from bedding, furniture, etc. Follow your vet’s instructions carefully to fully eliminate the infestation.
How can I prevent mites in dogs?
Keep your dog well-groomed and inspect its coat regularly for signs of mites. Avoid contact with stray or infested animals. Clean bedding frequently and vacuum thoroughly. Use flea and tick prevention medications as prescribed by your vet. Check new dogs or puppies for mites before introducing them to your home.