Mites in dogs

Treat mites in dogs

Mites can catch our four-legged darlings in different ways, because arachnids are very common. Mostly the infestation occurs during a walk, where the small critters lurk on various plants. But there is also danger in the garden, and eventually other animals can also act as carriers.

Actually, no dog is spared, some species do not cause any problems at all, so that the infestation is not noticeable at all. However, dog owners should know how to recognise mite infestation and what appropriate treatment is needed. In addition, there are also a few tips on how mites can be prevented.

Identifying different types of mites in dogs

Not all mites are the same, there are many different types of parasites, in dogs the hair follicle mites, the grass mites, the mange mites and the ear mites are among the most important.

Hair follicle mites

The hair follicles of dogs usually contain hair follicle mites as early as puppyhood, as they often pass from the mother to her young. Often, however, they do not cause any symptoms, and only when a weakened immune system causes them to multiply excessively can symptoms appear. Mostly, an infestation is noticeable in hairless parts of the body, this mainly affects the head and neck, sometimes also the limbs and the trunk. Often the skin is somewhat reddened and scaly, as bacteria like to settle there, itching can occur.

Grass mites

Grass mites can only infest dogs when they are in the larval stage. The parasites spread from grass to animals and can also be transmitted to cats and humans. Since the animals suck lymphatic fluid instead of blood, no pathogens can be transmitted. These mites are mainly found on the paws and legs, they like to sit between the toes. However, there can also be an infestation on the stomach, ears, lips or the bridge of the nose. The dog suffers from extreme itching, in some animals also wheals form on the skin and the eyes swell up.

Digger mites / mange mites

Grave mites belong to the group of mange mites, but sometimes hair follicle mites also cause mange, provided the animal is severely weakened. Grave mites usually pass from one dog to the other, not even direct contact with fur is necessary. The females of the tiny parasites lay their eggs under the dog’s skin after digging themselves into it. Dogs suffer very much from the infestation, because the itching is almost unbearable, constant scratching can be observed. Usually the parasites are found on the head, mostly in the ears, on the eyes and on the bridge of the nose. Often scales, small lumps or pustules are also visible on the skin, the skin becomes increasingly thicker, sometimes a rancid smell can be perceived. If the mange spreads too much and is not treated in time, the animal can even die.

Ear mites

Ear mites are mainly found in puppies, older animals suffer extremely rarely from such an infestation. The parasites are transmitted by direct body contact, the infestation is easily recognized by a crumbly, brownish secretion in the ears. The skin can be very inflamed and itchy, fortunately these mites rarely spread to other parts of the body.

The treatment of mite infestation in dogs

Since there are different types of mites, the treatment can also be quite different. With grass mites, the dog suffers from itching, but the parasites usually disappear again without help. In specialist shops you can find special shampoos that work against parasites, but you can also try out products that work against fleas and ticks. If the itching is very severe, the vet can prescribe tablets or an ointment against it.

If you suspect ear mites, you should always go to the vet immediately. First of all, the vet will thoroughly clean the ears, then he will drip an agent into the ear canal which not only kills mites but also has an antibacterial effect. These emulsions usually contain a pesticide, antibiotic and cortisone. The treatment should be continued for two to three weeks so that all mites are really killed.

If there is an infestation with hair follicle mites, sometimes a self-healing process occurs within eight weeks. So-called acaricides can be applied externally, and in most cases the doctor will additionally treat the patient with antibiotics to prevent a secondary infection by bacteria. If hair follicle mites occur in puppies, the mother is treated at the same time, even if she has no symptoms. In principle, dog owners should be aware of a

The treatment of mite infestation in dogs

An acaricide is also used in the case of an infestation with grave mites. It is important that all accessories such as collars, blankets and brushes are carefully cleaned so that no new infestation occurs. The treatment usually only takes place externally; the treatment period is six to eight weeks. If it is a long-haired animal, the coat is often shorn before the treatment begins, then crusts can also be removed more easily. In case of an infestation with grave mites it would be very important to find out the source of infection. Possibly this can be found at a breeder, at shows, at the dog groomer or with animals from the circle of acquaintances.

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prevent mites

Prevention in dogs has proven to be difficult. Nevertheless, there are a few remedies that help quite well, even if they are no guarantee to stay mite-free.

First of all, it should be mentioned that there are spot-ons that you drop on the neck of your dog. Similar to what you might do with flea infestation.

There is also the possibility of mixing black seed oil into the food. The rule of thumb for dosing the oil in mites is 1 mg per kg of the dog for control. If you only want to prevent, add only about 10 drops to the food.

Important: tea tree oil is recommended again and again for use against mites in dogs. We can only advise against this. On the one hand the dog can get severe allergies (just like us humans). On the other hand, there is not yet enough information on how dogs metabolise the oil at all.