In this article on our site we will show you what are the most common mites in dogs, the diseases and symptoms they cause, as well as the recommended treatments. A mite is an arthropod closely related to spiders, most of which are microscopic, although some species can be seen with the naked eye, such as ticks. In general, all the mites that interest us are parasites, that is, they live on a host, in this case, the dog.
Knowing how to recognize the symptoms of mites in dogs is essential to avoid serious consequences caused by their hosting, since most of the microscopic mites give rise to skin diseases, known as scabies. The larger ones, in addition to being able to cause skin problems in dogs, transmit diseases to both humans and dogs, due to the fact that they feed on the blood of the host (hematophagous). Keep reading and discover everything you need to know about mites in dogs, what the symptoms are, how they are spread and what is the appropriate treatment.
The most frequent microscopic mites in dogs
The most common microscopic mites in dogs are those that cause mange. Although there are several that exist, the most common types of scabies in dogs are:
- Demodectic mange or canine demodicosisIt is a disease caused by the Demodex canis mite. It is commonly found in the hair follicles of dogs, but it only causes disease when the animal's defenses are lowered. It produces areas of intense redness, especially initially around the snout and head. The symptoms of this mite may or may not be accompanied by itching, depending on the dog. If it is a localized lesion, it can heal spontaneously, but if it is generalized demodectic mange, the diagnosis is more complicated, since it also leads to secondary skin infections, aggravating the disease.
- Canine scabies or sarcoptic mange. Produced by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It usually causes areas of great irritation and intense itching, especially suddenly. The dog infected by this mite can infect other animals and humans.
- Walking dandruff disease or cheyleteliosis It is a relatively benign mange caused in dogs by the mite Cheyletiella yasguri and is very common in puppies. The mites live in the keratin layers and feed on skin debris. When they move, they drag with them the peeling they generate, hence the name of the pathology. Another symptom of this mite in dogs is that they leave the skin reddened (erythema) and produce itching (pruritus). Parasites can be seen with the naked eye. It is spread by direct contact or through surfaces where the animal sleeps or rests.
- A separate mention would be the case of Otodectes cynotis or ear mite It produces the so-called canine and feline otoacariasis. It is very common in both dogs and cats. Its habitat is the external auditory canal and it causes an inflammatory reaction in this place that generates dark cerumen and a lot of itching for the animal. It usually affects both ears.
Why is contagion so easy?
Within the macroscopic mites, in the Iberian Peninsula you can find those listed below:
- The typical dog tick is the Rhipicephalus sanguineus, or brown tick, which adapts very well to dry climates. It usually has a considerable size and is soft, due to the large amount of blood it can store.
- The other type of tick that can parasitize dogs (and other species, including reptiles and birds), is the Ixodes ricinus. It is smaller in size, usually hard and usually black in color.
- There are other types of ticks, such as the Demacentor reticulatus, but it usually parasitizes sheep, mainly.
On the other hand in Central and South America would be:
- Dermacentor variabilis. It is the most common and parasitizes both men and dogs.
- Ixodes Scapularis. It is more concentrated in humid areas, parasitizing all domestic animals.
- Rhipicepahlus sanguineus. It is the most ubiquitous of all and can be found anywhere in the world.
How are mite infestations treated?
In general, all mites in dogs are treated with insecticides For adult dogs, Amitraz baths are recommended, with the frequency you set the vet (usually every 2 weeks). Another treatment of choice is Ivermectin (systemic insecticide).
In the case of puppies, since the most frequent mange is cheyleteliosis, it is recommended to brush the animal to remove dandruff, apply an insecticide suitable for puppies and also apply insecticide in places that frequently the pet, as well as wash the bed and other places of rest with hot water program.
In the case of otoacariasis, it is recommended to use ear drops with incorporated insecticide and treat the affected animal with an insecticide spray.
Before trying to alleviate the symptoms of mites in your dog, keep in mind that all treatment must be carried out under veterinary supervision Especially If the dog affected by mites is a puppy, it is essential to act following the instructions of a specialist, since you could provide a treatment that would only harm the animal even more.
