Mites on Dogs | Symptoms, Prevention, & Treatment

Mites are one of the most common parasites that affect the lives and well-being of our furry friends. A mite infestation can cause discomfort and irritation to the dog’s skin.   

In this article, we will learn more about dog mites, how dogs get mites, and detail the signs and symptoms of mite infestation every dog owner should recognize.

Note: If your dog has a skin issue but you're not certain it's mites, consider learning more about:

• Hives on Dogs
• Ringworm on Dogs
• Lice on Dogs
• Topical Relief for Skin Issues in Dogs

What Are Mites and How Do They Affect Dogs? 

Dog mites are tiny microscopic arachnids that are barely visible to the naked eye. These tiny creatures infiltrate a dog's paws, fur, ears, and skin, causing a lot of discomfort and leading to health issues.

Dog mites typically cause intense itchiness, redness, hair loss, and crusty skin.

How Are Dog Mites Transmitted?

Mites find their way onto our furry friends through various means, causing a range of discomforting conditions. These pests infiltrate a dog's coat or skin through contact with infested animals or environments.

Mainly, mites get on dogs from other animals or while they're on walks. Mites can linger in your local environment and latch onto your dog's skin while they're out and about.

1. Transmission from Infested Animals: Direct contact with another infested unfamiliar dog can easily transfer mites to a healthy dog. Social interactions, especially among dogs in close quarters, increase the risk of transmission, particularly for contagious types of mites like Sarcoptes scabiei.

2. Environmental Transmission: Mites are resilient and can linger in environments such as pet bedding, grass, or soil. Dogs spending time in these infested areas can inadvertently pick up these mites. Places like parks or shelters can serve as hotspots for mites, making them a source of transmission.

How to Know if Your Dog Has Mites: Symptoms

Mites on dogs can present a variety of distressing symptoms, often affecting their skin and behavior.

The most common sign of infestation of mites on dogs is intense itching.

Dogs may also exhibit behavioral changes such as constant scratching, biting, or licking of affected areas. This persistent itching can lead to red skin, crusty patches, and, in more severe cases, hair loss, indicating an uncomfortable and distressing experience for our pets.

For specific mite infestations like ear mites, you might notice your dog excessively shaking its head or displaying unusual behavior while trying to scratch the ears.

Treatment of Dog Mite Symptoms

Once the vet determines that your dog has mites, they will suggest a treatment plan personalized for your dog’s specific infestation. Let's look at some of the ways to treat mites.

1. Topical treatment: Topical treatments, such as medicated anti-parasitic shampoos, spot-on treatments, or ear medications, are commonly prescribed to eradicate the mites and alleviate the discomfort experienced by the dog.

2. Oral Medication. In severe cases, oral medications or injections may be necessary to effectively combat the infestation and kill mites.

3. Dealing with Secondary Infections. The treatment plan also covers handling any secondary infections or dog skin problems spawned by the mite invasion. Plus, your vet will likely give you tips to prevent re-infestation to keep your pup healthy.

4. Monitoring. Moreover, veterinarians play a crucial role in guiding pet owners on long-term care and monitoring post-treatment. Regular follow-ups and check-ups are recommended to ensure the successful eradication of mites and to prevent re-infestation.

How to Prevent Mites from Getting On Your Dog

Implementing strategies to keep these microscopic troublemakers at bay involves a multi-layered approach.

1. Good Hygiene Practices. Regular grooming sessions and a watchful eye on your dog's skin and ears can catch early signs of trouble. Periodically cleaning your dog's bedding and living areas significantly reduces the chance of mites making themselves at home.

2. Keeping a Clean Home: Regularly vacuuming helps eliminate any lurking mites. Washing your dog's bedding regularly in hot water and employing pet-safe cleaning solutions for your home creates an inhospitable environment for mites.

3. Healthy Diet and Exercise. A well-balanced diet and regular exercise can boost your dog's immune system, making it more resilient to potential mite invaders. A healthy immune system enables a dog to fight a skin disease caused by mites.

Can Dogs Give Humans Mites, and Vice Versa?

Yes, dogs can give humans mites. You can also give mites to your dog. 

The good news is that mites are species specific in most cases, so they can transfer across species but the mites transferred won't be able to reproduce. If your dog has mites, be cautious not to get them but know that they won't cause a lasting issue for you if they do transfer over.

In Conclusion

Mites, despite their tiny size, wield a significant impact on our furry pals. To ensure our dogs stay healthy and happy, it's crucial to spot the signs of mite troubles early, get veterinary care pronto, and apply preventive tactics.

By being attentive and providing care, we secure our pets' comfort and avoid the bother of mite infestations. Remember, your proactive approach can keep those pesky critters at bay and ensure your furry friends are happy and healthy!

If your dog is experiencing difficult skin and you want to find relief while you're finding a solution, consider using a soothing salve made specifically to relieve dogs' discomfort.

References

1. Dryden, M. W., (June 2018). Mite Infestation (Mange, Acariasis, Scabies) in Dogs. MSD Veterinary Manual.

   https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/mite-infestation-mange,-acariasis,-scabies-in-dogs#

2. Rodriguez-Vivas, R. I., Ortega-Pacheco, A., Rosado-Aguilar, J. A., & Bolio, G. M. E. (2003). Factors affecting the prevalence of mange-mite infestations in stray dogs of Yucatán, Mexico. Veterinary Parasitology, 115(1), 61-65. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304401703001894