Unfortunately, it is quite common for dogs to be infested with mites. The annoying parasites can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms and sometimes even become a serious health hazard. In the following we will explain to you what types of mites there are, how your dog becomes infected with them and what treatment measures help against the parasite infestation.
Key facts at a glance
- Dogs can be infested with different types of mites.
- One of the typical symptoms of a mite infestation is severe itching.
- In some cases, mites can also trigger other health problems and allergic reactions in dogs.
- It is important to treat an existing parasite infestation promptly.
- If necessary, special anti-mite agents can be used to prevent this.
What mites can infest dogs
Mites belong to the class of arachnids. Around 50,000 different types of mites are known worldwide, although of course not all of them pose a problem for dogs.
Dogs in particular can be infested with the following mites:
- ear mites
- Demodex mites
- mange mites
- grass mites
- food mites
Ear mites primarily affect the dog’s ears. Demodex mites live in the hair follicles and can cause unpleasant skin problems, especially in weakened four-legged friends.
Mange mites dig small burrows in the skin. There they multiply and feed on keratin and tissue fluid. Grass mites, on the other hand, only live parasitically as larvae and only represent a seasonal problem that occurs in late summer and autumn.
Food mites occasionally occur in improperly stored dry food and are ingested by dogs when they eat, which can sometimes even lead to allergic reactions.
How dogs become infected with mites
In most cases, mites are transmitted to the dog through contact with an already infected conspecific. Apart from that, however, they can also get onto the dog’s body via contaminated surfaces, such as a blanket or similar.
The situation is somewhat different with grass mites and food mites. The larvae of the grass mite usually lie in wait for potential hosts on grasses and mosses. They can be stripped off by passing dogs and fall off by themselves after a few days. Feed mites are normally only transmitted via contaminated food.
Possible symptoms of a mite infestation in dogs
The symptoms that mites trigger in dogs depend primarily on the exact mite species. However, there is almost always severe itching, which is noticeable in affected four-legged friends through excessive scratching.
Without appropriate treatment measures, this can very quickly lead to dandruff and encrustations on the skin as well as bald spots in the fur. In addition, it is only a matter of time before the mites and thus the skin and coat problems spread further.
With ear mites, the itching is primarily limited to the ears. That being said, dogs infested with ear mites tend to shake their heads a lot and have dark crusts in their ear canals.
Diagnosing mites in dogs
If you are concerned that your four-legged friend has been infested with mites, you can use a flea comb to search the dog’s coat. However, regardless of this, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Because the veterinarian can check your suspicion and also determine the exact type of mite and the necessary treatment measures.
How to treat mites in dogs
Creams or injections containing cortisone are often used to treat a mite infestation. If your dog only suffers from comparatively harmless grass mites, in many cases the use of a simple remedy against the itch is sufficient.
On the other hand, ear mite infestations in dogs are usually treated with a combination of a preparation against the mites themselves and an antibacterial agent to counteract the ear infection caused by the mite infestation.
In addition, it is essential in any case to thoroughly clean the apartment and thus eliminate existing mites in the dog’s environment. Pay particular attention to objects that your four-legged friend comes into direct contact with.
Don’t put off treating your dog’s mite infestation for too long. Because the parasites are not only very unpleasant for your four-legged friend. They can also cause other health problems.
How to prevent mite infestation in dogs
Ideally, of course, you should try to prevent your dog from getting mites in the first place. In this context, appropriate hygiene measures in the household are important.
In addition, with regard to grass mites in summer and autumn, it makes sense to keep the lawn in your own garden short and to avoid walks through high meadows.
If necessary, you can also use special spot-on preparations against mites in dogs. However, you should be aware that many of these agents contain toxic substances that can also harm your four-legged friend. As with other parasite protection products, the perceived benefits should always be weighed against the potential risks.