Mites are tiny parasites that can infest our furry companions and cause a variety of skin issues. Some mites burrow into the skin and cause intense itchiness, while others live on the skin and feed on skin cells. Dog owners should be aware of the most common signs of mites so they can get their dog proper treatment right away.
What are mites?
Mites are members of the arachnid family, related to spiders and ticks. There are several different types of mites that can affect dogs:
- Sarcoptic mange mites – Caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. Also known as canine scabies.
- Demodectic mange mites – Caused by Demodex canis mites. Also called red mange or demodicosis.
- Cheyletiella mites – Caused by Cheyletiella yasguri mites. Also called walking dandruff.
- Trombicula mites – Caused by Trombicula autumnalis mites. Also called harvest mites or chiggers.
- Otodectes cynotis mites – Affect the ears and are commonly called ear mites.
These mites have adapted to live on dogs and feed on their skin, hair follicles, and oils. They can cause irritated, itchy skin and infections in dogs. Mites are highly contagious between dogs and some mites can also spread to humans.
What are the signs of Sarcoptic mange mites?
Sarcoptic mange mites burrow deep into the dog’s skin and cause severe itching and irritation. Signs of Sarcoptic mange include:
- Intense itchiness
- Redness and inflammation
- Thick crusts or scabs
- Hair loss
- Rashes on the skin
The mites prefer to burrow into areas with less hair, like the ears, elbows, armpits and abdomen. Sarcoptic mange can spread over the entire body if left untreated. Dogs may scratch and bite themselves raw in an attempt to relieve the itchiness.
What are the signs of Demodectic mange mites?
Demodectic mange mites live in the dog’s hair follicles. They usually don’t cause issues in healthy dogs. But dogs with compromised immune systems can develop demodectic mange. Signs include:
- Hair loss
- Redness
- Scabbing
- Greasy skin
Demodectic mange often starts around the eyes and mouth. It can eventually spread across the entire body. Demodectic mange in puppies is called puppy mange.
What are the signs of Cheyletiella mites?
Cheyletiella mites live on the skin surface rather than burrowing into it. They are highly contagious between dogs. Signs of Cheyletiella mite infestation include:
- Dandruff-like flakes on the skin
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Hair loss
- Crusty skin
These mites cause a condition called walking dandruff because it looks like the dog’s skin is moving. Cheyletiella mites can also infect cats, rabbits and humans.
What are the signs of Trombicula mites?
Trombicula mites, also called harvest mites or chiggers, are only active during warm months. Signs of trombicula mite infestation include:
- Intense itchiness
- Red bumps on the skin
- Scabs from scratching
- Hair loss
- Thickening of the skin
These mites usually affect the dog’s feet, ears, armpits and groin. They can come from tall grasses and bushes. Trombicula mites feed on skin cells and lymph fluid.
What are the signs of ear mites?
As the name suggests, ear mites live out their life cycle exclusively in the ears. Signs of ear mites include:
- Itchy ears
- Head shaking
- Brown discharge in the ears that looks like coffee grounds
- Redness and inflammation in the ears
- Crusty buildup in the ears
- Hair loss around the ears
Severe ear mite infestations can lead to infections of the outer, middle, and inner ear. These mites are easily spread between dogs and cats sharing close quarters.
How do dogs get mites?
Mites spread through direct contact between dogs and indirectly through shared bedding, brushes, and other items. Some ways dogs can pick up mites include:
- Close contact with an infected dog
- Coming into contact with areas, like kennels, where infected dogs have been
- Being born to a mother dog with mites
- Playing with other dogs at places like dog parks or groomers
- Sleeping in the same infected bedding or kennel
- Using the same grooming brushes, bath tubs, towels etc. as an infected dog
Some mites like chiggers and ear mites can come from the environment. Dogs can pick them up from grass, bushes, carpets, or other infested areas. Mites take advantage of opportunities to jump from dog to dog.
Are mites contagious to humans?
Some dog mites can be transmitted to humans, so caution is warranted when handling an infested dog. Here is the contagious potential of each mite species:
| Mite | Contagious to Humans? |
|---|---|
| Sarcoptic mange mites | Yes |
| Demodectic mange mites | No |
| Cheyletiella mites | Yes |
| Trombicula mites | Rarely |
| Otodectes cynotis (ear mites) | Rarely |
When transmitted to humans, mites generally don’t cause more than mild itching and skin irritation. But it’s still best to get treatment and limit contact with infested dogs until they recover.
How are mite infestations diagnosed?
There are a few methods vets can use to diagnose mites:
- Skin scrapings – Using a scalpel blade to scrape off skin cells and examine them under a microscope for mites.
- Tape preparation – Applying clear tape to the infested area, then examining the tape under a microscope.
- Skin biopsy – Taking a small sample of the skin to examine under a microscope.
- Cytology – Looking at skin cells and ear discharge under a microscope.
- Fungal culture – Growing a skin sample to check for fungal infections associated with mites.
Vets also assess the dog’s symptoms and perform a physical exam. Diagnostic tests help confirm if mites are present and what species is causing the infection.
How are mites treated and prevented?
Treating a dog for mites involves medications to kill the mites along with soothing relief for the skin. Here are common treatment options:
- Medicated dips and shampoos – Help kill mites lingering on the skin and coat.
- Antibiotics – If skin infections are present.
- Anti-fungal medication – If yeast infections have developed.
- Oral medications – Like ivermectin, milbemycin, or moxydectin to kill mites internally.
- Injections – Mite killing medications like ivermectin can be injected when oral meds aren’t effective.
- Immune-boosting vitamins – To help the dog’s immune system fight off the infection.
- Anti-itch medication – To provide relief while healing.
Be sure to treat any other dogs in contact with the infected dog to prevent mites from spreading. Thoroughly clean kennels, bedding, brushes, etc. to get rid of any lingering mites. Consult your vet for prevention tips to protect your dog from future mite infestations.
When to see your vet
Make an appointment with your vet as soon as you notice any signs of mite infestation. Leaving mites untreated allows them to multiply and the infection to worsen. Seek prompt veterinary care if your dog has:
- Significant hair loss
- Visible skin damage from scratching
- Crusty or scabbed skin
- Red, inflamed skin
- Dandruff-like skin flakes
- Itchiness and skin irritation
- Shaking of the head
- Discharge in the ears
Puppies and senior dogs may require urgent vet care since their immune systems are more vulnerable to mites. Don’t attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat mite infections, as they can resemble other skin conditions like ringworm fungus.
Conclusion
Mite infestations cause significant misery and illness in dogs. Left untreated, certain mites can spread out of control or lead to secondary infections. By recognizing the signs of common dog mites, owners can seek prompt treatment and restore their dog’s health and comfort.
Contact your vet at the first sign of mites so appropriate medications, baths, and cleaning can begin. With aggressive treatment under veterinary guidance, dogs generally make a full recovery. Consistent prevention is key to keep these irritating parasites at bay and your pooch’s skin healthy.