What are Mites?
Mites are tiny arachnids that are closely related to spiders and ticks. There are over 40,000 known species of mites globally, many of which live on or in other organisms like mammals, birds, and plants. Some of the most common mite species that inhabit dogs include:
- Sarcoptes Scabiei: These round mites cause sarcoptic mange in dogs. They burrow into the skin and cause intense itchiness and hair loss.
- Otodectes Cynotis: The ear mite affects dogs’ ear canals, causing irritation, dark discharge, and head shaking.
- Demodex: A cigar-shaped mite that lives in hair follicles. While typically harmless, large infestations can cause demodectic mange.
- Cheyletiella: Known as walking dandruff, this mite is found on the skin and causes flaky skin and itchiness but little hair loss.
Mites can inhabit many parts of a dog’s body but are often concentrated in folds or hairy areas like the ears, armpits, feet, and groin. Some burrow into the skin while others attach themselves to hair shafts.
Do Mites Have an Odor?
Mites themselves do not emit any sort of odor that is detectable to humans. As microscopic organisms, dust mites lack scent glands and are far too small for their bodily processes to produce smells that we can notice (1).
However, dust mites do produce waste and body parts that can accumulate in fabric and trigger allergic reactions. The breakdown of their feces and cast-off exoskeletons leads to chemicals that some people claim give dusty areas a musty, “mite-y” smell (2). But there is no direct scent from the mites themselves.
According to entomologists, the human nose is not sensitive enough to pick up any intrinsic scent from dust mites or their waste at low concentrations. Any musty odor is more likely from mold or moisture buildup rather than mites alone (3).
So while mite infestations are problematic for many reasons, the mites themselves do not give off odors detectable to humans. Any smells associated with dust mites are due to secondary factors like accumulated waste and debris.
Sources:
(1) https://housedustmite.com/a-scent-that-makes-dust-mites-panic
(2) https://www.achooallergy.com/blog/learning/dust-mite-information/
(3) https://www.homelight.com/blog/dust-mites-in-house/
Mite Infestation Symptoms
Dogs with a mite infestation may show a variety of symptoms depending on the type of mite. Common visible signs of a mite infestation include hair loss, skin redness, scabbing, and excessive scratching or biting at the skin [1]. Sarcoptic mange mites burrow into the skin and cause intense itching and irritation, leading to hair loss and skin thickening [2].
Ear mites can cause brownish-black debris in the ears that looks like coffee grounds. Your dog may shake their head, scratch their ears, or rub their head along the ground. Demodectic mange usually causes hair loss, skin infections, and thickening of the skin [3].
Behavioral changes can also indicate a mite infestation. Your dog may seem agitated or distressed. They may lick, bite and scratch excessively at the affected areas. Seeking relief from the itchiness can become an obsessive behavior. Your dog may also rub up against furniture to try to relieve the itching [1].
Causes of Dog Odor from Mites
There are a few ways that mite infestations can cause odor in dogs:
Seborrhea and skin infections from mite bites can cause odor. Mites cause irritation, inflammation, and wounds in a dog’s skin that can lead to the overproduction of sebum, or skin oil. The excess oil and skin cells create the perfect environment for secondary bacterial and yeast overgrowth, which causes a musty or rancid odor (Source).
Odor can also come from secondary yeast and bacterial infections. The inflammation, lesions, and constant itching caused by mites compromises the skin’s defense barriers. This allows yeast such as Malassezia and bacteria like Staphylococcus to infect the skin and proliferate, producing a foul, rancid smell (Source).
Treating Mite Infestations
Once a mite infestation has been confirmed by a veterinarian, there are several treatment options available to kill the mites on dogs and in their environment:
[https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/mite-infestation-mange,-acariasis,-scabies-in-dogs]
Medicated dips containing ingredients like amitraz or ivermectin can be applied to the dog’s skin and coat to kill mites. These full-body dips provide thorough treatment. However, they require careful application and rinsing to avoid toxicity.
Medicated shampoos and spot-on topicals containing pyrethroids, organophosphates, or insect growth regulators are also effective at killing mites on dogs. These localized treatments target affected areas but may need to be reapplied frequently.
It’s important to also treat the dog’s environment when addressing a mite infestation. Mites can survive for several weeks without a host. Vacuuming floors and furniture, washing bedding on hot settings, and using acaracides can help eliminate mites from the home.
Following veterinary recommendations for both on-dog and environmental treatments is key for fully eliminating mites.
Preventing Mite Infestations
There are several steps you can take to help prevent your dog from getting mites:
Keep your dog’s bedding clean. Wash your dog’s bed, blankets, pillows, etc. regularly to kill any mites or eggs that may be present. It’s recommended to wash bedding weekly or bi-weekly in hot water and dry on a hot cycle (Wondercide, n.d.).
Groom and brush your dog frequently. Regular brushing helps remove dead hair and skin where mites like to live. Bathing with antibacterial and antifungal shampoos can also help keep mites at bay (Nexgard, n.d.).
Use preventative medications. Speak with your vet about monthly preventatives like flea/tick/mite collars, topicals, pills, or shampoos. These can kill mites and eggs and prevent future infestations (WagWalking, 2017).
When to See a Vet
If your dog’s mite infestation does not improve with at-home treatment after 2-3 weeks, it’s time to make an appointment with your vet for an examination. Your vet may prescribe stronger anti-parasitic medication or other treatment options to eliminate the mites.
It’s also a good idea to take your dog to the vet if you suspect they have mites but want to confirm the diagnosis. Vets can do a skin scraping test, which involves taking a small skin sample and examining it under a microscope for the presence of mites.
Finally, you should seek veterinary care immediately if your dog is excessively scratching, biting, or licking themselves to the point of wounding their skin. This self-trauma indicates your dog is very uncomfortable from the intense itching caused by mites. Your vet can provide medication and suggestions to reduce your dog’s discomfort until the infestation clears.
For more severe mite cases, you can read this veterinary guide for diagnosis and treatment: Recognising and Treating Dog Mites
At-Home Remedies
There are some natural at-home remedies that can help treat mite infestations in dogs. Some options include:
Natural oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and tea tree oil have properties that can help repel mites. Lightly applying these oils to your dog’s skin can help soothe irritation and potentially smother mites. Be sure to consult your vet before using oils on your dog’s skin, as some dogs may be sensitive. According to this source, olive oil contains oleic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe skin irritation caused by mites.
Bathing your dog with antibacterial and antifungal shampoos can help kill mites on their skin and fur. Veterinary-prescribed mite shampoos usually contain ingredients like chlorhexidine and benzoyl peroxide. You can also make homemade baths using small amounts of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice mixed with warm water. The acidic properties help kill mites. According to this source, an apple cider vinegar bath can help rid mites when used properly.
Mite Misconceptions
There are some common myths and misconceptions when it comes to mites on dogs. Many people believe that if a dog is itchy, it automatically means the dog has mites. However, itching can have many causes including allergies, skin infections, and skin conditions like seborrhea.
Another myth is that mites are visible to the naked eye. In fact, many species of mites like ear mites, sarcoptic mange mites, and demodex mites are microscopic and cannot be seen without a microscope.
According to this veterinary source, one widespread myth is that mites can transfer from dogs to humans. While humans can get bitten by some mites occasionally, dogs and humans generally have different species of mites that do not survive long cross-infecting each other.
It’s important to understand the facts about mites, as misconceptions can lead to inappropriate treatments. Consult a veterinarian to properly diagnose and treat any potential mite issues.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about mites on dogs:
Are mites on dogs contagious to humans or other pets?
Some types of mites like sarcoptic mange are highly contagious to other dogs and humans. Humans can get a rash from mites called scabies. It is important to treat all dogs in the household if one has mites. Cats can also get mange from dogs. Other mites like demodex are not contagious 1.
How long does it take to get rid of mites?
With prompt veterinary treatment, most mite infestations can be eliminated within 6-8 weeks. For severe infestations, it may take up to 3-4 months for skin to fully heal. Consistent treatment and prevention is key 2.
Can I use ivermectin to treat mites at home?
Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic medication often used for mites and lice. However, dosage must be carefully calculated based on the dog’s weight and health status. Improper use can cause toxicity. Only use ivermectin under veterinary guidance. Do not use formulations for livestock 3.
How can I prevent mites on my dog?
Regular grooming, bathing, and skin checks help detect mites early. Limit contact with strays or dogs of unknown health status. Use monthly preventatives prescribed by your vet. Keep bedding clean and replace regularly. Vacuum and wash kennels, crates, and bedding frequently.